{"id":29443,"date":"2026-07-01T12:53:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T12:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/?p=29443"},"modified":"2026-07-30T15:49:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T15:49:20","slug":"our-picks-10-walks-for-island-journeys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walkhighlands.co.uk\/news\/our-picks-10-walks-for-island-journeys\/","title":{"rendered":"Our picks: 10 walks for island journeys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Where Next?<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are few things in life that beat a journey linking several of Scotland’s magical west coast islands. A trip to just one island can be a memorable adventure – but by combining different islands, the landscapes, culture and experience shift with each ferry ride. From the whisky distilleries of Islay to the machair-backed beaches of Uist, island-hopping reveals the amazing diversity that the Hebrides can offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, sponsored by Scotland\u2019s Hebridean and Clyde ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)<\/a>, we pick 10 of our own favourite walks from the islands off Scotland\u2019s west coast. CalMac is the UK\u2019s largest ferry operator, running 29 routes to over 50 destinations along 200 miles of Scotland\u2019s west coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firth of Clyde<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Goatfell circuit from Corrie<\/a>, Arran<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A fine pyramidal peak and a magnificent viewpoint, Goatfell is the highest peak on Arran. It’s also extremely popular when climbed by the usual route from Brodick Castle. This alternative circuit from Corrie is ideal for those with prior hillwalking experience, revealing the wilder site of these dramatic granite mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Arran is served by ferry from both Ardrossan and Troon on the Ayrshire coast. There’s also a ferry that links the northern end of the island at Lochranza with Claonaig on the Kintyre peninsula – offering ideal chance to extend your island adventure into the Southern Hebrides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fintry Bay<\/a>, Great Cumbrae<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This idyllic walk is a much more relaxing outing, more than repaying the minor effort it involves. Climbing out of Millport on the island of Great Cumbrae, it soon reveals superb views across Bute and the Firth of Clyde to those rocky Arran peaks; a rougher section by the coastline can be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Great Cumbrae is reached via a regular ferry service from Largs, just a short trip up the Ayrshire coast from Ardrossan. The short crossing and distance from Glasgow means the island is ideal for shorter trips all year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southern Hebrides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Three Distilleries walk<\/a>, Islay<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who love peaty single malt whiskies, there couldn’t be a walk more tempting than one linking the famous distilleries of Laphraoig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Despite the name of the walk, they are now joined by a fourth, Islay’s newest distillery, Portintruan. This straightforward walk is on a cycle path from Port Ellen, running close by but off the road for almost all the distance; you can then return by bus. Why not plan a visit during the autumn, and combine it with superb post-storm beach-combing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Islay has two main ferry ports, Port Ellen and Port Askaig, both of which are linked by CalMac ferry to Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. Port Askaig also has ferry connections linking to the islands of Colonsay and neighbouring Jura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corran Sands<\/a>, Jura<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you thought Islay was peaceful, wait until you’ve visited Jura. The island is famed for its rugged conical peaks -the Paps – but it has a softer side too. Corran Sands is a glorious sweep of shell sand spanning a beautiful bay – probably the finest beach on the island. This circular walk explores the beach before returning on a wilder path beside the Corran river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The usual way of getting to Jura involves taking the ferry to Islay first, either from Kennacraig or Colonsay. There is then a very short, regular crossing – taking both vehicles and passengers – between Port Askaig on Islay and Feolin on Jura. There is also a private, passenger-only service from Tayvallich in the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inner Hebrides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gylen Castle<\/a>, Kerrera<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This superb circuit explores the southern half of the beautiful Isle of Kerrera, just a short hop across the water from Oban, yet feeling a world away. The walk has fine views out to other islands. The highlight is the beautifully-preserved and wonderfully atmospheric remains of Gylen Castle – or perhaps it’s the cakes at the Tea Garden just before you reach it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Gallanach – just south of Oban – is the departure point for the five minute ferry ride (no vehicles) across to Kerrera. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tirefour Broch and Castle Coeffin<\/a>, Lismore<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The name Lismore comes from the Gaelic Lios M\u00f2r<\/em>, the big garden – a name that gives a good impression of this green oasis off the northern coast of Argyll. This walk is an ideal introduction, combining a visit to two fascinating historical sites – the great broch at Tirefour, and the overgrown ruined fortress of Castle Coeffin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The walk starts from the island’s tiny capital, Achnacroish, which is served by a Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry from Oban. There is also a shorter passenger-only council run ferry to the northern end of the island from Port Appin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skye, Raasay & the Small Isles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sanday and the Puffins<\/a>, Canna<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Canna – and its neighbour Sanday, to which it is linked by a causeway – are very much the hidden ones amongst the Small Isles, keeping out of view behind the bold outlines of Eigg and Rum when seen from the mainland. This walk explores the cliffs of Sanday, overlooking some great sea stacks – one of which is home to thousands of puffins from April until August each year – why not visit in the late spring?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Like its neighbours, Canna is served by the Small Isles ferry service from Mallaig. All these islands are wonderful for walking and each is completely different, so why not visit try to visit them all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boreraig and Suisnish<\/a>, Skye<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Skye is the best known and, in peak summer, the busiest of Scotland’s islands – a place of dramatic landscapes and rich folklore. Avoid the hotspots by tackling this classic walk to the abandoned villages of Suisnish and Boreraig. Here, haunting ruins tell a tale of the Highland Clearances, a time when whole communities were destroyed to make way for sheep. Quiet even in summer, in winter time you can really soak up the atmosphere of the deserted homes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve just been visiting the Small Isles, by far the quickest and most convenient way to reach Skye is to swap ferries at Mallaig and make the crossing from there to Armadale. Skye can also be reached by road bridge near Kyle of Lochalsh, or (in summer) via a tiny ferry from Glenelg to Kylerhea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outer Hebrides <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eoligarry Explorer<\/a>, Barra<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There couldn’t be a better start to a journey through the Western Isles – better known to the outside world as the Outer Hebrides – than with a walk on Barra at the southern end of this great island chain. This varied walk ascends climbs a low but rugged hill with staggering views, visits a historic church and dun, and visits some superb beaches, including Tr\u00e0igh Mhor, famed for serving as the runway for the island’s airport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barra is served direct by the CalMac ferry service from Oban, a crossing of just under 5 hours. There is also a linking ferry service from Barra to Eriskay, the next island to the north in the Western Isles archipelago – a wonderful stepping stone in many island-hopping journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tolsta to Ness Heritage Trail<\/a>, Lewis<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The walk<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This list began with a challenging hike – so it feels right to close with one too. The Isle of Lewis’ Heritage Trail follows the line of a traditional path linking old summer shielings along a very remote but spectacular stretch of coastline. Although waymarked, the route is far from help or easy escape options for much of the way; it’s a linear hike but both start and finish are served by bus from the island capital, Stornoway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting there<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a regular ferry between Ullapool on the mainland and Stornoway on Lewis. The island is linked to Harris by road, and from Leverburgh on the south coast there is the first a string of ferries that link up the chain of islands stretching right down to Barra.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Where Next?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scotland is bursting with island adventures, so much to choose from where might you venture?<\/strong>

Iconic deck views, our friendly crew. Join us on board. <\/strong>

For island adventures book your CalMac trip\u2026 the only question left is where next?<\/strong>

Book up today at calmac.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Where Next? There are few things in life that beat a journey linking several of Scotland’s magical west coast islands. A trip to just one island can be a memorable adventure – but by combining different islands, the landscapes, culture and experience shift with each ferry ride. From the whisky distilleries of Islay to the machair-backed beaches of Uist, island-hopping reveals the amazing diversity that the Hebrides can offer. In this article, sponsored by Scotland\u2019s Hebridean and Clyde ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), we pick 10 of our own favourite walks from the islands off Scotland\u2019s west coast. CalMac is the…<\/span> <\/p>\n

Read more ›<\/div>\n

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