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      Scottish Island Hopping Tours

      Our holidays on Scotland’s islands are filled with wild coastlines, deep history, vibrant culture and natural wonder.

      Heritage & Culture
      Fascinating Wildlife
      Beautiful Nature
      Island Life

      Island Holidays

      Treat yourself to the ultimate escape and discover Scotland’s islands’ incredible scenery, abundant wildlife and distinct island culture.

      Get to know some of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote islands with us. Whether you prefer island-hopping or settling into one special place, our walking, cycling, wildlife watching, sailing, and sea kayaking tours offer the perfect way to experience one or more Scottish islands, each with unique landscapes, traditions and stories waiting to be explored.

      Step ashore and explore these wild, windswept places. Stroll along the long sandy beaches of the Outer Hebrides, enjoy a dram of peaty whisky on Islay, watch the waves crash against the towering Old Man of Hoy in Orkney, spot minke whales off the coast of Mull, or feel the spray of the North Sea as you explore Shetland’s rugged coasts.

      However you choose to travel, Scotland’s islands promise adventure, beauty, and fascinating culture and heritage.

      Explore Our Island Trips

      Wilderness Walking

      Sea Kayaking

      Road Cycling

      Sailing Journeys

      Wildlife Adventures

      E-bike Tours

      Winter Holidays

      Wilderness Walking

      Our island walking tours are a great way to explore the beauty of Scotland’s most remote locations and offer an easy way for many people to explore the outdoors through activity. Designed to get under the skin of where we visit, our Scottish island holidays include off-the-beaten-path hikes, sites of historical interest, and always try to incorporate an activity to experience key aspects of the local island culture, like visiting a traditional island croft, watching tweed get made, or embarking on a distillery tour.

      Argyll & the Isles

      • Explore the beautiful Argyll Peninsula, visiting four islands which hug its western coastline, spending the final two nights at a lovely hotel on the whisky island of Islay.
      • Take a privately chartered boat to the wild island of Jura, detouring to view the turbulent waters of the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
      • Stay in two welcoming small hotels, each in a tranquil setting. Wonderful meals provide the perfect end to each day.

      Explore This Itinerary

      Uists, Barra and Mingulay

      • Visit seven islands on a spectacular journey through the southern Outer Hebrides, indulging in the wild scenery and rich history of the islands.
      • Journey to the abandoned island of Mingulay on a privately chartered boat, relishing its wild beauty and abundant wildlife while learning about the hardships of life there.
      • Enjoy exceptional Highland hospitality at our carefully selected guest houses, set in magnificent coastal locations.

      Explore This Itinerary

      Outer Hebrides & Skye

      • Explore the iconic Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr as you hike on the magical Isle of Skye.
      • Look out for coastal wildlife, including sea eagles, red deer, otters and dolphins.
      • Enjoy exceptional Highland hospitality as you relax in hand-picked, charming accommodation.

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      The Orkney Islands

      • Discover wild walks, ancient landscapes, and spectacularly weathered sea cliffs on the walking holiday of a lifetime.
      • Experience the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Orkney Isles in the company of our knowledgeable guides.
      • Enjoy Orcadian hospitality and fresh local produce at our stylish accommodation in a historic guest house.

      Explore This Itinerary

      st ninians beach tombolo on shetland, group of people walking towards it on a very sunny day

      Highlights of Shetland and Orkney

      • Visit Unst, Shetland’s most northerly isle and home to thousands of seabirds.
      • Hike out to the breathtaking sea stack Old Man of Hoy.
      • Enjoy a tour of one of Scotland’s oldest working whisky distilleries.

      Explore This Itinerary

      old man of storr on the isle of skye, with a silhouette of a man by the rocks.

      Isle of Skye

      • Explore the rugged, wild beauty of Skye on foot.
      • Take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk, in the heart of the Cuillin mountains.
      • Enjoy exceptional hospitality as you relax at our carefully chosen local accommodation.

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      Sea Kayaking

      Why not explore Scotland’s islands from the sea? You can do just that on one of our exciting sea kayaking adventures where you’ll be able to marvel at Scotland’s beautiful coastline as you float on calm and peaceful waters. Look out for local sea life as you may be lucky enough to be greeted by a few Dolphins or Otters on your journey. Rest on a pristine sandy beach between kayaking sessions and absorb your surroundings.

       

      people sea kayaking by mull, picture taken from drone above

      The Isle of Mull

      • Paddle the delights of Mull’s incredible coastline.
      • Enjoy a spectacular boat trip out to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.
      • Spot and identify a diversity of animals in this wildlife-rich environment.

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      The Outer Hebrides

      • Explore pristine deserted islands, wild coastlines, and white-sand beaches.
      • Paddle crystal clear waters, enjoying the spectacular coastal views.
      • Learn about the unique culture, history and folklore of these islands.

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      Road Cycling

      Craving a holiday that’s a bit more active, with plenty of fresh air, good food and a sprinkle of adventure? Our guided Scottish road cycling holidays are a fantastic way to explore Scotland’s islands on two wheels.

      Feel the salty breeze whip past as you ride along winding coastal roads, taking in sweeping sea views and rugged headlands. Cover more ground than you ever could on foot, with time to pause for a coffee in a quiet harbour village to soak up the rich island culture.

      Experience island hopping by ferry as you travel between stunning destinations. With luggage transfers and two expert guides, one on the road and one providing van support, you can focus on the joy of the ride. From peaceful stretches to rewarding climbs, it’s a journey through the rhythm, scenery and soul of the Scottish Isles.

      The Five Countries

      • Ride through the fantastic 5 countries of Great Britain & Ireland.
      • Experience the culture of 5 different nations.
      • Ride roads made famous by the Tour de France, Tour of Britain & Tour of Ireland.

      Explore This Itinerary

      Arran, Islay & Jura

      • Hop across three of Scotland’s best islands – Arran, Islay and Jura.
      • Enjoy world-class whisky, wildlife and peaceful island roads. 
      • Visit the third-largest whirlpool in the world on a private RIB/Zodiac trip across the Gulf of Corryvreckan. 

      Explore This Itinerary

      Sailing Journeys

      How about spending a week seafaring around the remote Scottish islands? Join one of our sailing holidays and embrace the simple joy of island hopping in Scotland—where each day brings a new horizon, a new bay to anchor in and a slower pace of life to slip into.

      Watch dolphins arc through the waves, spots seal sunbathing on rocks and admire seabirds wheeling through the air as you glide between islands. Toast the day with a drink in hand as the sun sinks into the sea. With the wind in your sails and time on your side, this is island life at its most soul-stirring.

      Knoydart, Skye & The Small Isles

      • Enjoy a combined sailing and walking holiday, exploring the Hebrides on a traditional yacht.
      • Experience the extraordinary wildlife of Scotland in its most unspoiled wild locations.
      • Discover some of Scotland’s finest walking, accessing rarely-trodden routes from the yacht.

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      The Inner Hebrides

      • Explore the finest sailing in Europe, sailing amidst the many beautiful islands which dot the West Highlands coastline.
      • Take the wheel of our traditional 75-year old gaff-cutter yacht as you sail from island to island.
      • Experience the extraordinary marine wildlife of Scotland in its most unspoilt wild locations.

      Explore This Itinerary

      Wildlife Adventures

      Want to learn more about Scotland’s fascinating wildlife? On one of our wildlife adventures, you’ll enjoy a relaxed walking holiday focusing on the animals that call the Scottish Highlands and Islands home. Led by an expert wildlife guide, you’ll keep an eye out for creatures on land, birds soaring overhead, and marine life dancing through the waves.

      The Scottish Highlands

      • Dolphin-watching on an exciting boat trip.
      • Finding Scotland’s largest birds of prey – sea eagles, golden eagles and ospreys.
      • Sea kayaking with seals in the West Highlands.

      Explore This Itinerary

      Mull, Staffa and Iona

      • Finding the UK’s largest bird of prey, white-tailed eagle among others.
      • Explore famous Fingal’s Cave on a boat trip to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.
      • Spot marine wildlife including seals, dolphins and whales.

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      st kilda island , hirta harbour seen from above

      The Outer Hebrides & St Kilda

      • Explore by boat and on foot, some of the most pristine, wild and spectacular seabird locations in Europe.
      • Look for otters, red deer and golden eagles on the Isle of Harris.
      • Discover the Uists, stronghold of the rare Corncrake and world famous for their wildflowers and windswept beauty.

      Explore This Itinerary

      sheep by rocky outcrop in ocean on the island of shetland

      The Shetland Isles

      • Experience the landscapes and fascinating wildlife of Scotland’s most northerly islands.
      • Be amazed by the prolific birdlife at Sumburgh.
      • Hike to the dramatic coastline of Muckle Flugga, the most northerly point in the UK.

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      E-bike Tours

      Explore the islands of Scotland on one of our e-bike tours—adventure made easy. There’s so much more room to roam with a little extra boost. Island hopping by e-bike means you can cover more ground, soak up the stunning scenery, and still have time to dive into the history, culture, and heritage that make these islands so unique. Ride quiet coastal roads through wildflower meadows, visit ancient sites, and pause in colourful harbour towns that feel a world away.

      3 people on e bikes zooming along a coastal road on the island of orkney

      Orkney

      • Feel close to nature as you discover the beauty of Orkney by E-bike.
      • Explore the unique small islands of Shapinsay and Rousay.
      • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skara Brae.

      Explore This Itinerary

      man standing above a beach with an e bike at coastal point on the isle of lewis

      The Outer Hebrides

      • Learn about the history and folklore of the region.
      • Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of these evocative islands.
      • Stay in cosy accommodation, enjoying attentive Hebridean hospitality.

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      Winter Holidays

      Winter is a special time to visit Scotland’s islands. The crowds have thinned, the wind picks up, and the Atlantic takes charge. Days are bracing—perfect for walking off the chill—while the landscapes feel like they belong just to you. Come evening, it’s all about slow comfort: a fire, a good drink, a plate of something hearty, and skies full of stars. If you’re lucky, the northern lights might even show up. Life moves differently out here in winter—quieter, deeper, and always shaped by sea and sky.

      skara brae, neolithic ruins, by the sea on a stormy day

      The Orkney Isles in Winter

      • Take in the thrill of invigorating wild weather walks with sweeping coastal views.
      • Discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of these special islands.
      • Enjoy Orcadian hospitality and fresh local produce in warm and welcoming accommodation.

      Explore This Itinerary

      wintery beach on the isle of mull

      Winter on Mull & Iona

      • Explore the stunning landscape of the Inner Hebrides on foot with your knowledgeable guide.
      • Spot winter wildlife, including red deer, otters, seabirds and eagles.
      • Experience the warmth of Highland hospitality in a cosy private lodge with a wood-fired hot tub.

      Explore This Itinerary

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      Wilderness Scotland provided an exceptional opportunity to truly experience parts of Scotland in a way that is very user friendly to the participants while being of such depth that it has made a lasting extremely positive impression about the country, countryside, history and people on me.

      Elaine Ellis
      Wilderness Walking - The Orkney Islands
      Reviewed on 23/08/2019

      Rated 4.90 out of 5 based on 7,611 reviews

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