Island Hopping in the Outer Hebrides and Inner Hebrides: Top Routes to Explore the West Isles of Scotland

It’s not quite a part of the Hebrides, but the Isle of Arran is a worthy destination. Its spectacular mountains and beautiful beaches are home to wildlife like red squirrels, eagles, basking sharks, otters and seals. Machrie Moor’s standing stones offer a glimpse into its prehistoric past, and the Arran Distillery is a must-see for whiskey connoisseurs. Jump from Ardrossan on the mainland to Arran, then north to Claonaig on the Kintyre Peninsula (£ 7 per person).

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If you are feeling adventurous, the Inner Hebrides are an enchanting group of islands. The archipelago comprises 35 inhabited and 44 uninhabited islands, the largest of which are Skye, Mull and Islay. Official routes available include: Mull, Ardnamurchan and Skye (under £ 10 per person); and Kennacraig in Colonsay, Jura, Islay and Oban (less than £ 20 per person). Or go rogue and explore them all!

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The Isle of Jura is known for being where George Orwell wrote 1984. With its wilderness and tranquility (deer outnumber humans), it’s easy to see why. Neighboring Islay is worth a visit for its world-famous whiskeys, birds and spectacular coastline. You can take a ferry from Oban to Islay, explore both islands, then take another ferry from Port Ellen to Kinncraig (around £ 17 per person).

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Your next stop is the Isle of Mull, a haven for wildlife like eagles, puffins, otters, dolphins and even whales. It has white sandy beaches and charming villages, like Tobermory with its colorful houses. From there, explore the nearby island of Iona – Macbeth’s final resting place – or take a boat trip to spot magnificent wildlife. You can combine a roadtrip to Mull with one to Skye by ferry (£ 10 per person).

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