This tour shows you superb west coast scenery, enjoy numerous ferries and historical educational visits, in this unique land. Wee islands, birds, deer, castles and sea life – this trip has! Highlights; the Fairy Bridge, the wee Isle of Mull, Lismore, Skye, the infamous Glencoe and the small isles of Rum, Eigg and Muck.

DAY 1 Start in either Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth or Inverness – just tell us and we meet you. We drive to the west coast – with a stop at The Prince’s Cairn marking the traditional spot from where Bonnie Prince Charlie embarked for France in 1746, on the shores of Loch nan Uamh in Lochaber. Then up to Arisaig, on the sheltered shore of Loch nan Ceall, a pretty village with superb scenery, whitepainted buildings scattered between the harbour and the line of the road on an inlet in the Morar peninsula, blue seas and white sand. The views out to the islands of Rum and Eigg can be breathtaking, especially at sunset. We stay in a blissful west highland country house hotel, a remote retreat in 19 acres, surrounded by ancient woodland.

DAY 2 today after breakfast we take our first boat – sail to the islands of Eigg, Rum and Muck with time ashore to explore these beautiful and contrasting islands. The Small Isles are four islands – located of the Sound of Arisaig and the Sound of Sleat, from a wee ferry at Arisaig. Rum, the largest, volcanic peaks, Kinloch Castle, the island’s most famous residents are sea eagles. Eigg, 5 by 3 miles, the most populous and wonderful views of Muck and Rum from An Sgurr. Smallest and most southerly Muck is low-lying, mostly treeless and sandy beaches and rocky shores. The whole day to enjoy. Return to Arisaig for a second night.

DAY 3 a short drive to the ferry at Mallaig, which takes us to The Isle of Skye. A day trip seeing about a third of the island including a distillery, free time in Broadford before taking the Skye bridge back to the mainland. Then we visit  Eilean Donan Castle and on to Glenfinnan, before an evening stop in the infamous Glencoe. We stay where Campbells are not allowed The Clachaig Inn; 3 bars in total, each with its’ own distinctive and lively character. Met the locals and catch up with the craic, sample some real Scottish produce, dance to the music, chill out and relax and … well, so much more. Overnight here in Glencoe.

DAY 4 after a great breakfast we head through the glen to Appin and view Castle Stalker, rest rooms, shop etc. From here to the Fairy Bridge. We walk up the Forestry Commission path towards the viewpoint of Glen Ure on a small overgrown deer-path which goes over a small burn (walking boots may be needed).  A 1.5 hour walk and some 2.5 miles, say hello to the Fairies. Then away to Oban where you have free time – distillery, castles, shops, food and drinks! Overnight here in the “seafood capital of Scotland”

DAY 5  today is Lismore. We take the ferry from Oban at 9am, returning on 6pm ferry. Lismore, long and narrow,  sits in Loch Linnhe in the south-western end of the Great Glen, surrounded on all sides by mountain scenery.  The island is steeped in history, with a cathedral church, dating from the 13th century, partly surviving in the present Church of Saint Moluag. Saint Who? Saint Moluag (born about 520), legend has it – a rival of Saint Columba: Moluag it was himself who brought Christianity to Lismore.The island is rich in historical sites, people have lived here for thousands of years. Tirfuir Castle the Pictish Broch dominating the approaches from the mainland. Castle Coeffin at the south end of the island Achinduin Castle, known as the Bishops’ Palace, looking toward the sound of  Mull. There are Bronze Age cairns, carved grave slabs, deserted townships, lime kilns and watermills and a Stevenson lighthouse.  Return to Oban for another night.

DAY 6 Today it’s the wee island of Mull, taking the ferry and spending the day there; Duart Castle (home to the Clan Maclean), the graves of the witches, Tobermory Distillery, wee shops and local pubs, before heading back for a final night in Oban.  It’s a beautiful wee island that we totally love.

DAY 7 Leaving Oban heading south, we stop off at our final island; Seil, the whole village is made of slate, wee shop, pub and great views here before heading south again. We stop at Kilmartin Glen, with over 300 ancient monuments, burial cairns, standing stones, castle, village pub and museum. The remainder of the day is spent reaching your final destination – Glasgow or Edinburgh or ask us for details to shorten or lengthen this tour, YOUR tour, ask paul@mcleanscotland.com