How to Plan a Scottish Island Holiday

A Scottish island holiday is often breathtaking. From the Isle of Skye to Mull you can trek across unspoilt beaches and mountains, spotting rare birds and even whales, sights few and far between in most parts of Britain. But it is precisely the variety of these sights that can make a Scottish Island holiday so difficult to plan. The following instructions will make your job easier.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find out which Scottish island you want to visit by looking at its history and attractions.
2. If you find that you want to visit all or a number of the Scottish islands, look into the option of island hopping. The ferry company Calmac sells island hopscotch ticket valid for one month (link below).
3. Do you want to travel at your own pace and make your own plans? Or would you prefer to follow an already prepared itinerary? The Internet guide to Scotland (link below) has a list of companies doing package holidays to the islands as well as a list of hostels and self-catering accommodation.
4. Think about how you are going to get there. If you to want to take a daytrip to a Scottish island and leave your car at the ferry port you will have pay for parking. Oban ferry port also has a park and ride. Ferries can transport vehicles across, but there is limited space.
5. How will you get around the Scottish islands? On the more popular destinations you can hire bikes and cars. Check the Internet guide to Scotland for more details. If you plan to travel by train and bus, a Highland Rover ticket from Scot Rail allows you unlimited bus and train travel for a short period.
6. Once you know your itinerary you need to find out ferry times. Phone [phone]. If you are taking a car there is limited space so you need to book early.
7. As beautiful as the Scottish islands are, they can also treacherous. Make sure you have all the right equipment for your type of holiday and you are aware of all the local emergency contacts.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to get to the Isle of Skye by a bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. The bridge is toll free and you can either walk or drive across.