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Visit the Islands
Island Hopping in Argyll & Bute is a great way to experience a number of islands in the West Coast of Scotland during a short break to the Highlands. Burnside Cottage and Furnace are reasonably well situated to allow you to explore a number of islands on the West Coast. Follow the links on this page for more detailed information on each island. Don’t forget the Whisky Trail at the bottom of the page.
The West Coast Islands have abundant wildlife as well as castles and othe places of interest. Enjoy your island hopping experience!
Islay
is the southern most island of the Inner Hebrides. Islay is 25 miles long by 18.5 miles wide. With a population of just 3200 it is famous for it’s wonderful single malts whiskies and it’s marvelous beaches. Islay is also popular with bird watchers. The islanders are extremely hospitable, if you take your car remember to wave to cars going in the opposite direction
To visit Islay most people catch a ferry from Kennacraig (Visit the Caledonian MacBrayne web site for information and ferry timetables) but you can also fly into Islay from Glasgow.
Jura
Jura has a small population of some 200 folk. As an island it enjoys some 115 miles of beautiful coastline and the Paps of Jura provide excellent hill walking opportunities. The island also supports significant numbers of otters. There is one whisky distillery on the island that produces The Jura Single Malt.
Get away from the crowds and spend some time on this wonderful island. You can cover Jura by bus from the ferry, again visit the Caledonian MacBrayne web site for further ferry information.
Colonsay
A wonderful lush island with some remarkable beaches. Take the ferry from Islay and walk around the island returning the same day. Travel inland to the Colonsay House gardens and cafe. The gardens where panted in the 1930’s and extend beyond the house for some 30 acres. The cafe serves some excellent organic food and home baking.
Tiree
Tiree is the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides. It’s relative distance from the mainland is further than it’s inclusion in the Inner Hebrides would suggest. The island is without mountains and trees and the winds are legendary. In it’s favour the island has a magical atmosphere and it’s coastline produces some of the best surfing available anywhere in the world.
Mull
Mull is a very beautiful island with a diverse range of scenery and wildlife. Many people head for the picturesque town of Tobermory but Mull has so much more to offer. Visit Duart Castle the ancestral home of The Clan Maclean. The castle enjoys a spectacular strategic position on the coast and is well worth a visit.
Arran
Arran can be reached not only from Argyll & Bute but perhaps more readily from Ardrossan in North Ayrshire. There is a regular ferry service throughout the year. Arran is a very popular destination for visitors. The island has a great deal to offer including hill walking on it’s highest peak Goat Fell.
Bute
The island of Bute was once a great holiday destination for Glasgow people who used to sail doon the water for day trips and longer spells. The island of Bute has lots to offer and is a good location for island hopping or just relaxing in it’s unique atmosphere.
Sanda Island
A small privately owned island just off the south coast of the Mull of Kintyre and accessible by boat from Campbeltown. The island boasts wonderful scenery and birdwatching. Accommodation is available in self catering cottages and Sanda Island even has it’s own small award winning pub. A regular small boat ferries passengers from Campeltown to Sanda. Visit the excellent web site for full details.
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