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1 November 2024
Relax and unwind in Scotland's natural beauty
With the world whirring past at an increasingly frantic rate it’s time to relax and prioritise reinvigoration by slowing things down on a vintage CalMac retreat.
Bute and Portavadie
The isle of Bute is the ideal spot for a quick island getaway anytime of the year. Reconnect with nature by checking out the wilder side of the island. Centre yourself on its range of beautiful beaches and secluded bays as they catch the glorious Scottish light.
The striking red sands of Scalpsie Bay is a sheltered beach on the island’s West coast. Home to a colony of seals, you can watch the creatures from the aptly-named Seal View viewpoint. Likewise, Ettrick Bay provides the perfect natural architecture to enjoy swimming in the clear blue waters. You can also tackle Bute by bike, with its varied landscapes providing the perfect backdrop to a day’s cycle. See every angle of Bute on the 23-mile loop around the island. Go off-road with one of the many mountain bike trails. Or tame the Serpentine – one of Scotland's most gruelling, technical hill climbs – a category 2 climb with no fewer than 14 hairpin bends.If that’s your idea of relaxation…
Portavadie is a fantastic destination to unwind in its own right. Located on Cowal’s ‘secret coast’ – it should be no secret to anyone looking for a place to chill out and take the weight off your shoulders. In Portavadie luxury dominates the landscape with a range of excellent accommodation, a spa (with infinity pool!) and marina full of yachts to really accentuate the indulgent atmosphere. This is a village geared towards relaxation, come and treat yourself.
Islay
It may be best known around the globe for its peaty whiskies but if you board the boat bound for Islay you'll uncover dramatic coastal seascapes, sunsets, birdlife, wildlife, seafood and more. The perfect spot to slow things down and unwind to the rhythm of island life. Little wonder it's known as Queen of the Hebrides.
Of course, whisky tasting is a relaxing pursuit all year round. A dram of the good stuff tastes as good in the summer sun as it does in the winter chill. The island boasts no less than nine fully functioning whisky distilleries, including many big names recognisable to even the casual enthusiast. Many of the distilleries run regular tours, allowing you to taste the fruits of their labour.
But Islay isn’t just about the whisky. It's also a tremendous destination for outdoor adventure sport lovers too. One of the big draws is sea-kayaking – book locally to enjoy guided tours around the island – investigating the coves, coastline and geology of the island first-hand.
Arran
Take a little time to find yourself on the island of Arran - the ideal location to recharge your social batteries. Why not clear your head with a hike up one of Scotland’s most iconic hills? Goatfell is Arran’s biggest mountain, imperiously overlooking the island. One of Scotland’s most famous (and popular) walks, the views from the top are simply breath-taking. Walks of a wilder nature can be organised with Arran Wild Walks, providing a chance to witness some of the incredible local wildlife in their natural habitats.
If all that sounds a wee bit too strenuous then head for the more gentle side of nature – taking some time to wander by the waterfalls at Glenashadale or enjoying a horse-riding session with an invigorating trek along the beach. Of course, you could also take that relaxation indoors – taking advantage of one of the great spas available on the island. Whatever the season, whatever the weather, Arran is open and ready to be explored.
No matter the season, the islands are waiting to envelop you in the majesty of Scottish nature.
Skye
For clearing out the mental clutter, take a trip across the sea to Skye. Add to the adventure with a road trip west to Mallaig, passing Glenfinnan - one of the most memorable routes in Scotland. In Mallaig, take the ferry bound for spectacular Skye. There you will find a host of natural wonders and curated adventures that will restore some beautiful balance to your brain’s bandwidth.
The Fairy Pools, the Cuillin, the Old Man of Storr – the list of natural treasures goes on and on – all open and ready to be explored no matter what time of year you make your visit. The charming village of Portree is the island’s main hub, boasting bars, restaurants, shops, accommodation and anything else a visitor could need. This is a great base for visiting the world class restaurants on the isle or one of the highly rated distillery tours. Between the natural wonders and the manmade hospitality, there’s no shortage of experiences to savour on Skye.
Find out what makes Skye one of Scotland’s most emblematic islands and make some time for yourself among the memories with CalMac.
The west coast is overflowing with chilled out destinations - from day trips to longer stays - our fares start from under £5 adult return. Finding time to recharge has never been more affordable. Wherever you choose to go, we'll get you there. We can't wait to welcome you on board to whisk you away for your very own island retreat.