Argyll & the Isles

Day 1 – The Green Isle of Kerrera

We meet in Oban late morning, coinciding with the arrival of the train from Glasgow. After introductions, we head straight to our first island – Kerrera. Just south of Oban, we take a small boat across the strait to this small island, which has about 100 residents. We enjoy a superb hike which takes a circular route covering the southern half of the island. On the way, we pass the ruined outpost of Gylen Castle, once a stronghold for clan MacDougall. The views are wonderful and will whet the appetite for the week ahead! After hopping back across to the mainland, we settle into our seafront hotel where we enjoy a welcome dinner. (L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 300 m/980 ft of ascent | approx. 4 – 5 hours

Day 2 – Kilmartin Glen & Argyll's Beavers

Picturesque Kilmartin Glen is one of the richest sites in Europe for prehistoric remains. Our morning walk takes us on a circular route through some of the most interesting sites, passing Celtic crosses, medieval grave slabs, Bronze Age chambered cairns and standing stones. In the afternoon, we visit Knapdale – where beavers were reintroduced to Scotland in 2009 after a 400 year absence. We take a fascinating tour with the knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff and find evidence of their presence, from gnawed trees to footprints in the sand. If there’s time, we’ll wander along the nearby Crinan Canal before returning to our hotel. (B, L)

Walk details: Up to 8 km/5 miles | 50 m/160 ft of ascent | approx. 3 – 4 hours

Day 3 – The Wild Island of Jura

With a privately chartered boat at our disposal, this day is sure to be a highlight of the trip. We’ll venture, with a flexible approach, to the less visited Isle of Jura to enjoy some wild hiking. We may land in West Loch Tarbert and hike coast to coast, being collected by our boat on the eastern shores. Or we may hike point to point along the east coast, passing the cottage where George Orwell stayed when he wrote ‘1984,’ and enjoying fantastic views back to Argyll. Whatever hike we undertake, our boat will detour to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, so we can appreciate the power of Scotland’s largest tidal whirlpool – from a safe distance! (B, L)

Walk details: 11 km/7 miles | 350 m/1,150 ft of ascent | approx. 4 – 5 hours

Day 4 – Ferry to Islay; Hike to Killinallan Point

Today we’ll take the ferry to Islay, the southernmost island in of the Inner Hebrides archipelago. On arrival, we’ll enjoy a hike which explores the shoreline of Loch Gruinart and Killinallan Point keeping a look out for birds such as cuckoos, corncrakes and hen harriers, and visiting beautiful beaches with views north to the islands of Colonsay and Mull  (B, L)

Walk details: 10 km/6 miles | 50 m/160 ft of ascent | approx. 4 – 5 hours

Day 5 – Coastal Wander & Distillery

This morning, we’ll enjoy a coastal walk with views over to Nave Island and further afield to Colonsay. We’ll then take a tour to the only single farm single malt distillery on Islay, producing whisky from barley to bottle. Once we’ve sampled a smokey dram, we may head out for another short hike along one of Islay’s most beautiful beaches. (B, L)

Walk details: 7 km/4 miles | 23 m/75 ft of ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 6 – Mull of Oa and the American Monument

Our walk today explores the Oa Peninsula in the far south of Islay. We hike up to the American Monument, which commemorates the loss of two troops ships in 1918. Follow a dramatic cliff-top trail past an Iron Age fort to reach the summit of Beinn Mhor. Although just 200 m high, this is a superb viewpoint – on a clear day, the coast of Northern Ireland can be seen! This afternoon we’ll hike out to an unusual lighthouse and then listen to the singing sands as we walk along a secluded beach. We’ll have our final dinner together tonight and celebrate a wonderful trip. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | 130 m/425 ft of ascent | approx. 4 hours

Day 7 – Return to Oban

After breakfast, we take the morning ferry back onto the Argyll mainland, keeping a lookout for wildlife and admiring the views as we sail. Once back in Kennacraig, it’s a 90-minute transfer back to Oban. We should arrive by 2pm. Trains south to Glasgow depart at approx 2.30pm. (B, L)