Scottish islands

[Lallydallydune]

I really want to do a trip around some Scottish islands.

Has anyone been and do you have any recommendations on which ones to go to?.

Thanks

Kilchoan goes through the winter to Mull. We were up there 3 weeks ago. But Kilchoan is so remote. From Strontian it took over an hour to get there. The Ardnamurcan peninsula is amazing

The Chaotic Scot is a brilliant travel blogger who's been to most Scottish islands, lots of tips here

https://www.thechaoticscot.com/

Following as I am also very interested to do this.

As a frequent island hopper for work, heres some tips.

Travel times. The roads to the main ports (e.g. Oban or Ullapool) from Glasgow/Edinburgh aren't great, and on islands they are mainly single track so it will take longer than you think to travel, especially in the height of summer. If you're not prepared to reverse back into a passing place, don't attempt to drive on a single track road.

Don't think you can cover the whole of Skye or Lewis or Mull in a day. You can't. Choose an island and stay for a week.

Ferries. Book as early as possible on bookable routes (some are turn up and go). Adhere to the check in times (see above about travel times to ports).

Accommodation. Book ahead, as early as possible. Sometimes accommodation is impossible to find, especially at peak times and if there is a local event on.

Use local shops and services. Don't stock up in Tesco before you arrive. Yes it might be a bit more expensive but local businesses need and appreciate your trade.

Time of year. May, June and September are the best months weather wise. Scottish school holidays are start of July to mid August, outwith those dates its a bit quieter.

I've visited some of the most accessible islands and still crave going for more!
First time, day trip to Mull with a car. You won't get far! August.
Second time, a long weekend in Sept with our DSs (both older teens). Flew to Glasgow, picked up hire car and drove to Oban for ferry (agree food is amazing). Stayed in Airbnb/lodge. Explored the north of island, incl. Tobermory. Not possible to do more. Mull is big! There was lots of localised flooding.
Third time was on business in Glasgow in March and then took a solo tour with an agent to Skye over 2/3 days, they found a hotel in Portree but would probably choose my own next time, excursions en route including Whisky tasting and tannery.
Just to point out March was very wet! I ended up buying myself an anorak from a charity shop and waterproof trousers as when you get wet, you stay wet!
Next visit, would love to go specifically for wildlife.

We were in Mull this summer and had a fantastic time. When we were waiting for the ferry to Iona there were coachloads who had come from Oban that morning, were dropped off for Iona and then back on the coach for the trip back across Mull to catch the ferry back to Oban.

I guess if it's the only way to fit in a trip to Iona then fair enough, but it seemed a shame so do try to give yourself enough time to see things properly and not at breakneck speed if you can.

Having said that, ferries don't always link up in the way that you'd hope so taking an organised trip could be really helpful that way if you're wanting to visit more than one place and don't know where to start.

Harris is the most beautiful place I've been to in my life so I'd put that on your list, and then you can get the ferry from Leverburgh to Berneray, then the causeway to North Uist, another to Benbecula, again to South Uist, another to Eriskay and then the ferry to Barra - assuming you have your own transport (or can work out public/shared options) and also don't assume that you can do all that in a short time necessarily and get back to the mainland, because timetables.

Great thread. I came on to mention blogger/vlogger Kay, The Chaotic Scot but see someone has beat me to it.
I have used Rabbies tours for day trips plus a 3 day trip to Skye. As already mentioned Skye was choka block with tourists. Their trips don't include accommodation so can get pricey. The poor driver had to do 9 pick ups on the mornings of day 2 and 3 before he could start...and that was with only 16 passengers. Rabbies Tours are worth a look to start your own itinerary. Good luck.

Everything will take longer and cost more than you anticipate. It gets dark at 3.15pm in December. I'm not trying to put you but you should be aware of these things.

I do love the Western Isles (Hebredies), and have visited many times. I once spent 6 weeks on Raasay, then we honeymooned in a borrowed tent on Skye. I'd highly recommend staying on Mull and visiting Iona and Staffa (Fingal's Cave boat trip), but don't overlook the east coast. Hopping around the Orkney Islands was one of my favourite holidays. The ferry journey from Thurso to Stromness is gorgeous.

This may help you?
Arran is Scotland in miniature as it has all of Scotland features in one place.
https://www.donthibernate.co.uk/summer-trip-to-the-west-coast-of-scotland/

Going to do the western isles loop at the end of Feb.... Carless, with my mum for race across the world vibes!
We are going to head up to ullapool and finish in barra (Oban) because we love Barra best (and vatersay!) for the fun.
Nervous doing without a car because it's my security blanket, but we did this trip 30 years ago staying in blackhouse and hostels and camping so ....
Not camping this time and there are lots of beautiful new places to stay but it does feel wrong going backwards!
We are planning a mix of walking /hitching/buses.... Any tips appreciated. My friend from vatersay said 'dont!' ha ha.
Hope you all have your trips planned 😀