- 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.
28th Apr - 4th May 2018
Myles Farnbank
Our Head of Guides and Training shares a few facts about himself, including that Myles is not his original name...19th May - 25th May 2018
Dan Morgan
Climber, Mountaineer, Paddler and Biker - learn more about Dan's loves for adventure in the Scottish outdoors.16th Jun - 22nd Jun 2018
Gordon Anderson
Hailing from Skye and growing up in Inverness, Gordon has a rich Scottish heritage.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.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.
Customer Kudos
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 Karen MacLean 18/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Quick responses and we really appreciated the gear recommendations etc.
Trip Comments
Good accommodations, restaurants and hikes.
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
He was attentive to our needs. Good source of local information. Very punctual.
The Bottom Line
We loved the trip and it exceeded our expectations. The scenery was stunning. We really enjoyed the chartered boat cruise to Jura. The captain of the boat was very knowledgeable. We would certainly consider another wilderness holiday.
by Keith MacLean 18/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Good information in a timely manner. Walking footware recommendation was very appreciated.
Trip Comments
Good hotels and restaurants. The scenery was spectacular!
Accommodation and Food
Nice clean rooms. Hotel Breakfasts and packed lunches were OK. Dinners were good at the suggested pubs and restaurants.
Your Guide
Attentive to our needs. Knowledgeable about the surrounding area. Very personable and enjoyable to have as our guide.
The Bottom Line
Very good trip with spectacular scenery!
by Marie LeRoy 10/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Andy was the best part of the trip, showing us some magnificent places that we could never have found on our own!
Accommodation and Food
The accommodations were excellent! And the food was great! I especially loved breakfast at each location. I don't know if I needed dinner every night and it might have been nice to have a choice, even though group dynamics seemed to expect that everyone would attend. I would have enjoyed the choice of an evening walk!
Your Guide
Andy was the best part of the trip!! He was sensitive to everyone's wants, needs and desires and definitely went above and beyond all expectations.
The Bottom Line
This was a great first trip with Wilderness Scotland. I would choose my next one to ramp up on the activity level and have less emphasis on the time spent eating.
by David Camp 10/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Andy was a fantastic tour guide - incredibly knowledgeable. The group was well matched in terms of age & endurance level and the hikes were just remarkably beautiful.
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Great places & delicious food. Hiking allowed me to eat without guilt for filling up on Scottish breakfasts.
Your Guide
Andy was extremely knowledgeable. And a lot of fun.
The Bottom Line
May come back next year,
by David Kennedy 09/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
The pre-trip instruction about what to expect and equipment/clothing to bring was excellent. The adage, "there is no bad weather in Scotland, only bad clothing" is accurate. It rained every day and we loved it.
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
Our guide, Andy, was outstanding. Knowledgeable and fun. took good care of us. Good, safe driver too.
The Bottom Line
outstanding and met all our expectations. We will be calling again.
by Bob Swendrzynski 08/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Very good at answering my email questions.
Trip Comments
The evenings should have been more flexible. I wanted to explore Scotland and not have a 3 hour dinner every evening.
Accommodation and Food
Food was excellent just too much focus on food for my preferences.
Your Guide
Andy was so very understanding of all the group's needs.
The Bottom Line
Good trip. May do a self directed trip next time to Scotland.
by Gwen Borowsky 07/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
We've traveled extensively and thought this was one of our very best trips. We chose the Hebrides trip because of the timing but were just delighted to be introduced to this very special part of Scotland. The natural beauty combined with the ancient history were breathtaking. What made it so special was the guidance of Andy Heald as our leader, who had a wealth of information about everything we saw. We were also fortunate to be with a very compatible group of hikers. We all enjoyed our week so much that we discussed doing another trip together next year with Andy.
Bravo to Wilderness Scotland for helping us experience a magical week.
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
Andy Heald was fantastic-- very knowledgeable, interesting and flexible. A perfect combination.
The Bottom Line
I gave my feedback before but our group is considering another trip next year with Wilderness Scotland and Andy as our guide. That says it all.
by Kathleen Leonard 01/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I really appreciated receiving important trip info right away upon booking and then hearing from the office prior to travel.
Trip Comments
The itinerary was well-planned to include a nice variety of scenery, historical interest and activity. Our guide Craig McDonald was very friendly and easy to get along with in addition to being mindful of the group's abilities and interests.
Accommodation and Food
The choice of accommodations and food was very good. The garden and ocean view at the hotel Loquefort (sp?) are real highlights and the hotel in Port Charlotte was special as we got to hear traditional music in the bar one night.
Your Guide
Our guide Craig McDonald is easy going and has a perfect personality for being a guide. He is good at assessing the interests and abilities of the group. His historical knowledge of the country and various regions are a highlight.
The Bottom Line
Traveling with Wilderness Scotland is special. Each trip is well-planned to provide a satisfactory experience of such a beautiful country. The guides are knowledgeable, fun and enhance the adventure!
by Irene Conner 23/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Website easy to navigate. details on every aspect of trip which was very helpful when planning my first hike
Trip Comments
Our guide Craig was awesome. I was a little nervous that I would be able to keep up but Craig was very intuitive to the whole team and planned days that could meet all the teams abilities. Craig's had an extensive knowledge of the history of Scotland and was able to share many stories and historical facts.
Accommodation and Food
The accommodations were great and the variety of food choices allowed something for everyone.
Your Guide
Craig was a great guide. He was able to assess the team members individually and planned each day to make everyone's trip successful. He provided some flexibility also, if here were special requests ( time allowing). Easy to talk to, humorous and very knowledgeable.
The Bottom Line
This was my first experience with a organized,guided trip. I would absolutely book another trip with Wilderness Scotland and will recommend it to friends.
by Lynn Dunikowski 23/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Quick and friendly responses to my questions!
Trip Comments
Loved the variety of this trip. The history and magic of the Dunadd, scariness and fun of the Corryvreckan, cliff walking near the American Monument, beautiful gardens, trekking across Jura, and lots more. The Highland cattle right n front of our room at the hotel were a real bonus!
Accommodation and Food
Great to be in the same hotel for several nights. Our split of 4 nights and 2 nights was fine, 3 and 3 would also have been good because both hotels were so special.
Your Guide
Nothing but praise for our guide, Craig. He did a great job of accommodating the needs and desires of a fairly diverse group. I learned lots about the history of Scotland and he made me and my sister laugh like we haven't laughed for years!
The Bottom Line
Awesome trip - can't wait for the next one!
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2018 Trip Dates
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)
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