Road to the isles
The trip to Scotland's islands starts from your doorstep. The whole experience will be well underway before you even get close to the port. Here's a few ideas on how you can really make the most of the WHOLE journey on your road to the isles.
Take the road to Mallaig - bound for Skye, the Small Isles and South Uist
The drive to Mallaig is along the A830, the rather appropriately named 'Road to the Isles'. If you're coming from the south, you'll journey through the incredible Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, passing through the valley and the towering mountains all around. Stop safely at The Three Sisters viewpoint car park to soak it in, or further south at the local National Trust for Scotland centre where you can learn all about that infamous massacre, and even see how the people of the past lived in the Glen, with a skilfully recreated 'turf house.' Continue on to Fort William where you can enjoy a bite to eat at the Crannog restaurant on the shore of Loch Linnhe, or at The Highland Soap Company. Don't leave town before looking up - up and up again at the UK's highest mountain - Ben Nevis, which towers over the town. (Hopefully, it's a clear day!) Then, head west for Mallaig.
Along the way, stop (again, safely) at the car park at Glenfinnan's National Trust for Scotland centre where you can see the viaduct, and surrounding scenery which featured in the Harry Potter film franchise (view our film locations blog). Across the road, you can view the Glenfinnan Monument - a moving tribute to those who died for the Jacobite cause. After Glenfinnan, pause at the beautiful villages of Arisaig and Morar - the latter is framed by the most beautiful crisp, white beaches, where you can look out over the water to the dramatic outlines of the Small Isles and Skye.
Check out the destinations in Skye, Raasay and the Small Isles.
The road to Oban - bound for Mull, Barra, Colonsay, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Lismore.
It is little wonder that Oban is referred to as Gateway to the Isles - however, you're in for a treat before you even arrive. Right before you take the A85 to Oban, stop at Tyndrum at The Real Food Café - potentially the tastiest landlocked fish and chip shop ever. After you've fuelled up, you'll be ready for the beautiful journey, touching the edge of Loch Awe, bound for Oban. Take time to stop at the Cruachan Visitor Centre - or the Hollow Mountain as it is known. You can take a tour of this subterranean power station which lies inside the hill itself. You'll learn about the herculean efforts of those who worked to drill, dig and blast their way through Ben Cruachan.
Before you reach Oban, you'll be able to enjoy the pretty villages of Taynuilt and Connel. The latter is home to the fantastic Oyster Inn - which as the name suggests serves the most terrific seafood. Ten minutes and 5 miles drive away, you'll reach Oban, and the gateway to the isles. However, before you jump on the ferry - go explore McCaig's tower at the very top of the town which will give you the most spectacular views across the bay that you'll soon be sailing across. In Oban itself, check out the distillery, and the plethora of seafood restaurants or one of the thirteen castles which are within easy reach.
View island information for Mull, Barra, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree and Lismore.
The road to Tarbert, Claonaig, and Kennacraig - bound for Portavadie, Arran and Islay.
If you're travelling from the south, you'll be able to soak up the beauty of Loch Lomond from its bonnie banks - en route to Tarbert, Claonaig and Kennacraig. At Cairndow, stop off at Loch Fyne Oyster Deli, Bar and Takeaway for a sit in meal, or a takeaway which you can enjoy in the area's stunning surroundings. Nearby is Loch Fyne Ales - a family run farm brewery which you can tour and enjoy the freshest of ales on site. For younger travellers, Ardkinglas is home to a magnificent fairy and Gruffalo trail which is open all year round. You can also check out our blog on family holidays.
Along the road from there is Inveraray - you'll be there in around 20 minutes. Stop there to see the Duke and Duchess of Argyll's Inveraray Castle - there's been a castle of sorts here since the 1400s, however, the current building is obviously far more recent. Explore the castle, the grounds and the fantastic tearoom. Ten minutes' drive along the road is Auchindrain - the most complete and well-preserved example of a Scottish Highland farm township - it's a fascinating place, where you'll be able to step back in time to see how Highland families worked the land together.
Take a trip to Arran, Islay, Kintyre and Campbeltown.
The road to Ullapool - bound for Lewis and the Outer Hebrides
The drive to Ullapool is an incredible journey from the south - you'll pass some of the most beautiful landscapes - either on the A9 through Cairngorm National Park or on the A82 - along Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, up through into Glencoe, and the Great Glen. Once in Inverness - take a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising.
Visit Tollie Red Kites near Dingwall - a purpose-built viewing platform where you can view these majestic birds in flight. Just north of Contin, stop off to view the beautiful Falls of Rogie or the even more dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge, where you can watch the falls plunge below you for 200 feet from the suspension bridge above. At Garve, you can choose to take the more direct route, or a much longer but oh so rewarding detour, taking in the most spectacular scenery of Torridon, Loch Maree, and Gairloch, before reaching Ullapool itself.
Check out the destinations in the Outer Hebrides or view the destinations we sail too.