It's time to discover the islands. This magical outdoor playground is closer than you think
Scotland's islands are home to an exceptional outdoor playground. It's made for exploring. Come, discover the isles and you'll find fun and outdoor adventure at every turn.
Stunning Sands
The Outer Hebrides are the ultimate getaway - our most far-flung destination, situated on the edge of the Atlantic. The islands here offer the most stunning beach walks you'll find in the country. On Lewis, take a stroll along Mangersta Beach - white sands are shouldered with beautiful dunes and clifftops.
On Berneray, enjoy West Beach - voted the third best beach in the world in 2021's Lonely Planet Top 20 beaches in Europe, thanks to its turquoise seas and striking white sands. Stroll along Vatersay Bay, the island itself is linked by causeway to Barra, and there you'll enjoy a half mile long stretch of sand - with a stunning backdrop.
Go Wild
Those beaches are fantastic for relaxation - and adventure. Take a guided swim experience on Berneray - the secluded lagoon of Little Berneray to be exact. Swim in turquoise waters. It's beautifully secluded. We know you'll love it. Further north, on Lewis combine a RIB boat tour and a guided wild swim off an uninhabited island, close to the Atlantic. You'll find plenty of magnificent options all along the west coast, guided by experts - each one so memorable.
A Natural High
Bag a natural high with a hike. On Arran, complete Brodick to Sannox via the island's lofty Goatfell. It's the first section of the Arran Coastal Way, which will deliver on the views. You'll walk through glens and forests on your way to Goatfell for the main ascent. Arran's coastal way is a fantastic way to explore the island - a 109km walk, full of sections like this, that fit perfectly into a week-long exploration of the island.
The Isle of Skye is a walkers' paradise. It mixes some of the most challenging climbs with beautiful, and slightly easier, but no less exhilarating coastal walks. Fingal's Pinnacles, Flodigarry is a stunning route, 5km circuit, exploring lochs, pinnacles, and cliffs, which has the added advantage of being as beautiful as the busiest and most popular routes on the island - but much quieter. For the more experienced, the Trotternish Ridge will be familiar, and known to you as one of the most stunning ridge walks in the country with great potential for a two-day hike. Two examples of what this incredible island offers.
See the sights from the saddle
Catch the ferry from Largs to Cumbrae, the island of 1,000 bicycles - complete the 10-mile route around the island, passing the beautiful sea views as you pedal. The perfect day trip for this time of year.
For something a little more hardcore, complete the Dervaig circular - take in Mull's spellbinding landscapes and stunning sea views, the colourful town of Tobermory and the equally beautiful Calgary Bay - before finishing the day in Salen. It's the most rewarding 45 miles in the saddle.
Let's go fly a kite
Take on a challenge of a different kind - fly a kiteboard on the Island of Tiree. One of the best high adrenaline activities you'll find - a memorable experience as your board glides over the clear, crystal water. For something very special, try paragliding on the Isle of Arran for the ultimate adrenaline rush and spectacular views of the Arran landscape.
With such magical spots and experiences to enjoy, you'll think you're on the other side of the world, but Scotland's islands offer the same kind of magic - they're much closer than you think. It's time for you to discover them. Book now.
