(5-Day Trip) The Scottish Hebrides – Isles of Mull, Iona & Staffa
About this Event
This 5-day trip is perfect for our most adventurous travellers, wildlife enthusiasts and seafood lovers who want to experience the furthest and most magical corners of Britain. To ensure maximum flexibility and a truly personal experience, the group will be limited to just 13 participants.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the Isle of Mull – one of the largest islands of the Inner Hebrides, famous for its wildlife including whales, dolphins and sea eagles
- Challenge yourself by climbing Ben More (966m) – the highest mountain on the Isle of Mull and the only island Munro (mountains over 3000ft) outside the Isle of Skye. There are breath-taking views from the summit of the Sound of Mull, the islands of Staffa and Ulva, the Isle of Skye and the mainland Highlands.
- Spend two nights in Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull, and enjoy its picturesque harbour and jolly, colourful houses
- Take a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa and admire the magical Fingal's Cave and its famous hexagonal volcanic rock columns
- Enjoy amazing Scottish specialities and fresh local seafood
- Visit the Isle of Iona. Surrounded by white, sandy beaches and turquoise seas, Iona is a holy isle and has been described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. St Columba and 12 companions came here from Ireland in AD 563.
- Relax and enjoy a waterfront dining experience on the shores of Loch Lomond – the largest lake in Britain
- Go on a charming ferry ride across the Sound of Mull to the Hebridean Isles
- Brace yourselves for a dip in the cool, clear waters and enjoy a wild swim at Calgary Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland
- Visit Oban, known as the “Seafood Capital of Scotland”
- Enjoy a breath-taking drive through the Scottish Highlands and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Spend the morning in Glasgow and experience its most famous sights
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Wednesday (23/09):
06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
07:00 Sharp departure
13:00-13:45 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
16:30 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton, leave our luggage
17:30-18:15 A short walk around Loch Lomond shores
18:30-20:00 Dinner at Colquhoun’s Restaurant in the scenic village of Luss by Loch Lomond
20:30 Back to our hotel, free time
Day 2 – Thursday (24/09):
07:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
08:00-10:00 A scenic drive to Oban through the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and the Scottish Highlands
10:00-11:15 Free time to explore the picturesque fishing port town of Oban; fresh local seafood at the famous Oban Seafood Hut
12:15-13:05 Ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull
14:00-15:30 Walk to Calgary Beach – the most beautiful beach on the Isle of Mull
16:15-17:45 An easy 5-kilometre coastal trail from Aros Park to Tobermory, past waterfalls, with scenic views of Tobermory Bay and its brightly coloured houses
18:00 Check in at Tobermory Youth Hostel
18:30 Dinner and free time in Tobermory. Please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out (recommended: Cafe Fish seafood restaurant).
Day 3 – Friday (25/09):
08:00 Breakfast in Tobermory
09:00 Depart
09:45-15:30 Climb Ben More (966m) – the highest mountain on the Isle of Mull (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 10km, ascent: 950m).
16:15 Return to Tobermory, free time to explore the town's souvenir shops and enjoy its beautiful harbour
18:00 Dinner and free time in Tobermory. Please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out.
Day 4 – Saturday (26/09):
06:30 Breakfast
07:00 Depart to Fionnphort
09:30-12:30 The Isle Of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave boat tour (£45, highly recommended), or free time to visit white sandy beaches and Iona Abbey on the Isle of Iona
12:30-14:15 Free time on the Isle of Iona for those who chose the boat tour (disembark on the Isle of Iona at the end of the boat tour)
14:20-14:30 The whole group takes the ferry back to the Isle of Mull from the Isle of Iona
14:45 Depart
17:05-17:55 Ferry crossing from the Isle of Mull to Oban
20:00 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton
Day 5 – Sunday (27/09):
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
09:00 Depart
09:30-12:00 Free time in Glasgow for sightseeing and buying souvenirs. Recommended to visit: George Square (the principal square in Glasgow), Buchanan Street (the main shopping street in Glasgow), Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis (a beautiful Victorian cemetery on a hill, one of the best viewpoints of Glasgow).
12:00 Depart to London
14:30-15:15 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
21:00 London, Hammersmith
DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT
The difficulty of this trip is mostly easy. Ben More climb on day 3 is a challenging mountain hike, graded difficult. It requires an excellent level of fitness and appropriate equipment (hiking boots with ankle support, waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers). You may choose to skip it and spend this day in Tobermory (recommended: visit Tobermory Distillery or go on a Wildlife Adventure Cruise).
TRANSPORT
As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.
LUGGAGE
You may bring two bags with you: one cabin-size personal item bag (maximum 10kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm) and one hiking backpack. Please note that luggage space is limited, so suitcases larger than cabin size cannot be accommodated. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.
BOOKING
You’re welcome to book and pay via Eventbrite. However, to get the best price and avoid the Eventbrite commission (around £68), we recommend booking directly through our Meetup page or emailing us at [email protected]
THE PRICE OF £798 INCLUDES
- Transport throughout the trip
- Two experienced, professional PSV minibus drivers
- Return ferry ticket to the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Iona
- Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
- Two nights' accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms with a full Scottish breakfast included (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
- Two nights' accommodation at Tobermory Youth Hostel on the Isle of Mull in single-gender rooms, booked for our group's exclusive use (max 3-4 people per room). Tobermory Youth Hostel is in a top location and has great reviews. Group hotel accommodation on the island is extremely limited and frequently exceeds £250 per room per night, making hostels the most practical and appropriate option.
- Professional event organisation
- Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
- Admin fee
- 20% VAT
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
- The Isle Of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave boat tour (optional, £45)
HOW TO CONTACT US
For all enquiries, please email us at [email protected] We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.
WHAT TO BRING
- Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
- Gloves/hat/cap
- Water bottle (min 1L)
- Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
- Walking poles (optional)
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REFUND POLICY
Tickets purchased via Eventbrite are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 865.26
