The picturesque Island of Mull is the third largest of the inner Hebrides. Roads wind over moorland and hills to colourful Tobermory overlooking the bay in which a Spanish Armada Galleon sank in 1588. Nearby the tiny island of Iona, where Saint Columba landed in 563 AD, has many sculptured crosses close to the historic Abbey.
Why not sail “over the sea to Skye” the statement alone evokes a romantic atmosphere steeped in history, often violent, of feuding McLeod’s and McDonald’s, with castles in ruins. Crofts empty and bare, stand beside “lazy beds” used to enrich the acid soil with seaweed. Now more peaceful and as beautiful as ever, Skye impresses the visitor with the majesty of its rock architecture. Museums, “black houses”, clan centres and standing stones all await the arrival of interested visitors. Music of the islands enchant with a pride and a mystery where eagles fly, and otters and seals Rome 1000 miles of coastline.
Arran features a landscape of granite peaks contrasted by sweeping moorlands and sandy beaches. Majestic Goatfell overlooking Brodick Castle and it’s gardens, and mysterious stone circles on lonely Machrie Moor are among the many attractions this walkers paradise has to offer.
Islay offers a quiet atmosphere of small villages and ever-changing seascapes and is a paradise for birdwatchers and whisky lovers! A round church without corners (to prevent the devil from hiding), the Lord of the Isles’ fortress Castle of Dunivaig and a remarkable 1200 year-old carved stone cross remind us of the past.
Coll and Tiree a real Hebridean escape! These small, remote, pretty isles are excellent for walking, peace and wildlife. Coll has seals, otters, a bird reserve, nine whole golf course and wonderful white sandy beaches. Tiree has breathtaking beaches with 2 miles of sand at Gott Bay. Wander through rich machair and wildflowers and keep a lookout for seals and otters, corncrakes and lapwings, among others.
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