A perfect autumn adventure
Spend time on Scotland's islands as the new season unfolds and the landscape around you transforms. It's a special kind of adventure. Come see it for yourself on an affordable autumn break - designed to suit you. Fares begin from £3.50 return and kids under 5 travel free.
Starry Skies
Scotland's islands offer some of the best star gazing opportunities in the country and autumn is a fantastic time to enjoy the glittering skies above. The Isle of Coll is Scotland's first, and the world's twenty-second 'Dark Sky Island'. Lying just six miles off the coast of Mull, there's not one streetlight on the island and therefore little to no light pollution. Similarly, Gallan Head on the Isle of Lewis is listed by the Royal Astronomical Society as an official dark skies area, and the Isle of Skye has nine Milky Way Class Dark Sky Discovery Sites as part of the Dark Skye project. This autumn will be a busy time for stargazers too - with a rare lunar occultation in September and the Orinoid meteor shower in October.
Out of this world outdoor adventure
Across Scotland's islands, you'll find opportunities for memorable outdoor adventure - for every age, stage and ability. On the Outer Hebrides, take your bikes and enjoy the Hebridean Way - a fantastic way to experience the landscapes and scenery. (Bike hire options are available on the islands too). It's a 185-mile route covering ten islands on quieter roads. It can be done in part, stages or in its entirety - you choose.
On Mull, pedal your way around the Mull Circular - 45 miles of spectacular surroundings. The roads are mostly single track and at this time of year, potentially a little quieter. The route covers the beautiful and popular views which define the island, and you can add to, or alter the route to suit.In
Invigorating coastal walks
Top up your energy levels this autumn with a beautiful island cliff top walk or a leisurely, yet invigorating stroll on the beach. Perhaps it will be a wee bit breezier. Maybe it will be a little quieter. But it will certainly be just as beautiful as before. Make a day of it on Waternish Head on Skye or cover a circuit of Canna in a few hours. Enjoy miles and miles of pure white sands on any one of the renowned Hebridean beaches.
Taste the islands
Don't forget your reward for all that time in the outdoors - the natural larder of the islands. You're also in for a treat at this time of year - with so many in season options to try. On Arran you'll find an incredible array of brewers, bakers, distillers and makers of all sorts of delicious goods - from cheese to chocolate. Autumn means its oyster season - a great time to try this coastal delicacy. Where better to do that than a real foodie island like Arran.
The islands are magical in autumn. Don't miss it - book your perfect autumn island getaway today.
*Photo Credit (top image) courtesy of Visit Arran