Wonders of Scotland’s Islands
Itinerary Ideas for Scotland’s Wild Islands
Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney
A world away from the crowds at Stonehenge, the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness — and the nearby Ring of Brodgar — form the heart of the Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can wander freely among the stones with no visitor centre in sight.
The Orkney archipelago is also one of the UK’s premier birdwatching destinations, home to 13 RSPB reserves. Islands such as Rousay, Hoy and Papa Westray (for penguins) are easily reached from mainland Orkney.
Pentland and Northlink ferries run to the atmospheric harbour town of Stromness from the Scottish mainland.
Temptation Hill, Raasey
An atmospheric woodland rising directly behind the Isle of Raasay Distillery, Temptation Hill feels almost enchanted — especially in autumn, when the forest floor erupts with wild fungi, from bright fly agarics to chanterelles and hedgehog mushrooms. Hidden paths weave through the trees, opening suddenly to sea views and the ruins of Dun Borodale.
The forest forms part of the Raasay Circular Walk (7km), one of the island’s finest routes.
Raasay Distillery offers excellent whisky and a café.
Raasey Circular walk on alltrails.com
Rubha Hunish, Skye
Skye’s hotspots — the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, the Quiraing — are notoriously overcrowded in peak months. Visit off‑season, or escape the pressure entirely by heading to Rubha Hunish at the island’s northernmost tip. This quieter 6km walk leads to a former coastguard hut (now a bothy) perched on vast basalt cliffs overlooking the Outer Hebrides.
Other quieter alternatives include Point of Sleat (the “Anti‑Fairy Pools” water walk) and Ben Tianavaig (the “Quiet Storr”).
Skye is accessed via road bridge from the mainland.
South Coast of Ulva
The south coast of Ulva — a car‑free, community‑owned island — is a rugged shoreline where you can wander past the abandoned clearance village of Ormaig and spot seals, otters and eagles. A private bothy sits along this coast, offering the rare chance to have an entire stretch of island wilderness to yourself.
The Boathouse restaurant at the ferry quay serves excellent langoustines.
The 8‑berth ferry is on‑demand: flip the board to red and ferryman Rhuri Munro will take you across from Mull in five minutes.
South Coast Walk route walkhighlands.co.uk
The Abbey, Iona
Take the foot ferry from Mull and step onto one of Scotland’s most sacred islands. Iona Abbey has been a centre of Christian worship since St Columba arrived from Ireland in AD 563. Wandering the cloisters, it’s easy to believe you’ve entered a “thin place” — a Celtic term for those rare locations where the distance between heaven and earth seems to collapse.
Ferries run frequently; you can simply turn up at the jetty at Fionnphort.
Goatfell, Isle of Arran
Arran is often described as “Scotland in miniature”, with its mix of castles, distilleries, prehistoric sites and seal‑lined beaches. At 874m, Goatfell is the granite peak that defines the island’s skyline. From the summit, the view stretches across the Firth of Clyde to the coast of Ireland. Expect midges halfway up.
11km / Moderate-Strenuous walkhighlands.co.uk
There are several ferry routes from mainland Scotland via CalMac
Luskentyre & Horgabost Beaches, Lewis and Harris
These two beaches sit across the same sweeping turquoise bay. Luskentyre, with its white shell sand, is regularly ranked among the world’s best beaches. Access is via a narrow single‑track road and the car park fills quickly in peak hours. Nearby Horgabost is equally beautiful, has a seasonal sauna, and sees fewer visitors.
Explore more Wonders of Lewis & Harris
Ferry from Skye to Harris calmac.co.uk
Caol Ila and Bunnahabhain Whisky Distilleries, Islay
Caol Ila andBunnahabhain enjoy two of the most evocative settings in Scotch whisky — looking across the water to the Paps of Jura. Bunnahabhain’s Warehouse 9 tastings draw straight from the cask, while Caol Ila pairs its “Curtain Wall” glass architecture with an excellent 12‑year‑old single malt. Islay has nine other working distilleries, plus Machir and Kilchoman beaches and the historic site of Finlaggan.
Festival — Fèis Ìle in May.
Ben More, Mull
This 60‑million‑year‑old extinct volcano rises to 966m and dominates Mull’s skyline. The ascent is rugged and unrelenting, but the summit rewards you with a vast Atlantic panorama.
Warm up in Tobermory with seafood at Mishnish , a whisky at the Western Isles Hotel, or a quiet hour at An Tobar. From here, Mull opens outwards — to Staffa, Iona, and the wild shoreline of Ulva.
9.5km / Strenuous walkhighlands.co.uk