- Explore the beautiful Argyll Peninsula, visiting four islands which hug its western coastline, spending the final two nights at a lovely hotel on the whisky island of Islay.
- Take a privately chartered boat to the wild island of Jura, detouring to view the turbulent waters of the famous Correyvreckan Whirlpool.
- Stay in two welcoming small hotels, each with a tranquil coastal setting, with wonderful meals providing the perfect end to each day.
- 6 nights accommodation in comfortable small hotels
- Most meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide / driver throughout
- All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Oban, including ferry fares
- A private boat charter on Day 4
- Tour of a whisky distillery with tastings
Green Graded Walking Holidays
Green graded walking holidays are suitable for for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.
7th Jul - 13th Jul 2018
Lorraine McCall
Not happy with just walking up all the Munros, Lorraine walked and kayaked to reach them.28th Jul - 3rd Aug 2018
Andy Heald
A man of the mountains, Andy has done all the Munros twice so far and has trekked and climbed in over 30 countries and 6 continents!18th Aug - 24th Aug 2018
Jonny Hawkins
Globetrotting Jonny has seen it all from kayaking in Borneo to trekking in the Himalayas, but sea kayaking in Scotland holds a special place in his heart.8th Sep - 14th Sep 2018
Alan Wright
Meet Alan, avid nature expert and worldwide trekker.27th Apr - 3rd May 2019
Ben Walker
Ben Walker may hail from the Lake District but he can be found all over the world leading trips!18th May - 24th May 2019
Keith Miller
Hugely experienced and passionate naturalist. Keith has been guiding for many years.1st Jun - 7th Jun 2019
Dave Picken
Meet Dave Picken, expert guide and bee-keeper extraordinaire.6th Jul - 12th Jul 2019
John Walker
John can be found in the hills at all times whether it be on foot, climbing, cycling, or motoring. Amongst other things, he was the 4429th person to complete all the Munros!27th Jul - 2nd Aug 2019
Lorraine McCall
Not happy with just walking up all the Munros, Lorraine walked and kayaked to reach them.10th Aug - 16th Aug 2019
John Ormiston
A west-coaster with a whisky knowledge that is hard to beat! Meet John Ormiston.ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
We spend our nights in welcoming and friendly country house hotels: the first four nights at Loch Melfort, south of Oban, and the final two nights at Port Charlotte on the Isle of Islay. Accommodation is in twin or double rooms with en-suite bathroom facilities. Please note that we can offer a maximum of two single rooms on this itinerary.
Both accommodations are owner-managed and a warm welcome is assured. You can relax and enjoy their tranquil coastal locations, indulging in wonderful meals and perhaps tasting a local whisky or two.
Food is of paramount importance and our meals are prepared from the best local produce. We’ll enjoy wonderful home-cooked meals each evening, with good, healthy portions. Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements are willingly catered for – simply let us know at the time of booking.
SINGLE ROOMS
There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you. Please note that we can offer a maximum of two single rooms on this itinerary. The single supplement is £335 and is subject to availability.
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the centre of Oban Railway Station at 11:30am on Day 1 of your trip. We aim to return to Oban by 2:00pm on the last day.
Trip Details
Argyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of western Scotland. Known for its glittering sea lochs, wild islands, hills and glens, it is perfect for exploring on foot.
While the scenery of Argyll is outstanding, the ancient heritage, abundant wildlife and whisky distilleries are equally appealing. This fascinating itinerary takes you on a journey through the Argyll peninsula and several of its islands, including the whisky island of Islay and the hard-to-reach Isle of Jura.
The daily guided hikes link prehistoric sites, nature reserves and whisky distilleries, all set against the backdrop of green hills and the rolling Atlantic. We finish the trip with two nights on the Isle of Islay – a wild and beautiful island on the very western fringe of Scotland – known for its eight whisky distilleries, prolific birdlife and stunning coastal landscapes.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Meeting in the port of Oban late morning, we enjoy an afternoon hike around the Isle of Kerrera, passing a 16th century castle along the way. Late afternoon, we return to the Argyll mainland and transfer south to our hotel, which benefits from incredible sea views from every room. We enjoy a welcome dinner overlooking the bay and islands while the sun sets. (L, D)
Walk details: 10km, 300m of ascent, approx 5 hrs
Day 2 – A short ferry journeys takes us to the Isle of Gigha, an often-overlooked gem of the Hebrides. With white sandy beaches, rolling green landscapes and friendly residents, it’s a pleasure to explore this little island on foot. (B, L)
Walk details: up to 10km, 100m ascent, approx 4 hrs
Day 3 – We walk back in time on a morning hike through the prehistoric sites of Kilmartin Glen, which include Celtic crosses, Bronze Age chambered cairns and stone circles. Afterwards, we visit Dunadd, said to be the birthplace of Scotland, before seeking out signs of the colony of European beavers near Crinan. A memorable day walking in Argyll. (B, L)
Walk details: 8km, 50m ascent, approx 3 hrs
Day 4 – A privately chartered boat whisks us out to the wild and hard-to-reach Isle of Jura, the 8th largest island in Scotland but with a population of less than 200 people. On the way, we detour to see (from a safe distance!) the 3rd largest whirlpool in the world, the Corryvreckan. Landing on Jura, which may be Scotland’s wildest island, there are endless possibilities for fantastic hikes – our guide will select the best option for the day. (B, L)
Walk details: up to 11km, 350m , approx 5 hrs
Day 5 – After breakfast, we take the ferry to the Isle of Islay – Scotland’s whisky island – which will be our base for the next two nights. On arrival, we visit a nature reserve and then enjoy a circular hike on the shores of Loch Gruinart, enjoying views north to the islands of Colonsay and Mull. We overnight at a wonderful 4-star hotel on the west of the island. (B, L)
Walk details: 10km, 50m ascent, approx 4 hrs
Day 6 – Mountains, monuments and single malts are the main features of this fantastic day walking on Islay. Our hike explores the Oa Peninsula, passing The American Monument which commemorates two ships which were lost in 1918. We then hike along a cliff-top trail, taking in far-ranging vistas which stretch as far as Ireland! After our hike, we recover with a visit to one of Islay’s famous whisky distilleries. We end the day with a stroll on Islay’s most beautiful beach before returning to our hotel for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 9km, 250m ascent, approx 4 hrs
Day 7 – We take the morning ferry back to mainland Argyll and transfer north to Oban, arriving in time to catch the early afternoon train back south to Glasgow and beyond. (B, L)
Prices and Dates
80 people viewed this trip in the last week
Book with confidence - we guaranteee our trips to run as soon as 2 people book.
2018 Trip Dates
2019 Trip Dates
Trip Reviews
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us.
Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That's why we read each of our client's reviews and although we don't respond to all of them, if it's glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
by Lynda Fine 31/05/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Bridget was very helpful by keeping me informed about the status of the trip; answering questions about gear etc. She was always very pleasant.
Trip Comments
I don't know if you will ask this question later but, Dan was fabulous. The accommodations were good (lunch could have used some forks for salads or, told us to bring one), the itinerary was really nice.
Accommodation and Food
Lunch was the only mediocre part. I am not big on sandwiches and would have preferred salad but forks were not available.
Your Guide
Dan was great. He is knowledgeable and kind. As far as the latter, he made us all feel comfortable. I never once felt like I was too slow or clumsy. And we all laughed and teased each other a lot.
The Bottom Line
It was a dream trip for me and it has made me want to continue walking and hiking.
by Robert Macdonald 17/05/2018
Trip Comments
Craig was a great trip leader. He kept us organized, entertained, and informed. He was able to adjust the trip and hikes suitable for the conditions and circumstances.
Accommodation and Food
Loch Melfort and Port Charlotte Hotels were great. The views at Melfort were stunning. The food was also outstanding at each facility.
by Monika Radivoj 07/05/2018
Trip Comments
The whole trip was wonderful, from start to finish. I especially loved the way the trip itinerary was flexible and sometimes changed to include the group's wishes.
Accommodation and Food
Both hotels were unique in their own way, with beautiful views of the sea, great food and helpful staff.
Your Guide
Craig was very knowldgeable and friendly. Both he and Chantal made sure everybody felt included. I especially appreciate the way he never hurried us and gave us time to explore each spot and take pictures.
The Bottom Line
The best travelling experience I've had in my life!
by Carl Broomhead 07/05/2018
Pre-Trip Service
All very easy to look, book and pay over the internet. You also sent out the politest email apology ever for something very minor!
Trip Comments
Another great 7 days with a great group of people from different parts of the world. A top class guide in Craig and his unofficial little helper Chantel. Lots to see and some interesting castles with differing stories behind their demise. The walks were also excellent and even though the trip to Jura was slightly curtailed due to the windy conditions it was a fun boat trip. Also had great weather which is always a bonus.
Accommodation and Food
Both hotels had spectacular views and both were very welcoming, especially the second one on Islay.
Your Guide
Craig was an absolute credit to your company, always wanting to make sure we was happy and would action any questions and made sure we would get the best out of each day
The Bottom Line
This was my 4th trip with WS and each trip has provided me with a great 7 days of walking, scenery, history and getting to meet really nice people. This was another fantastic holiday. Thanks again see ya soon
