Clyde Islands

Clyde Islands ~ from 50km (3 days) – 250km (10 days)

EasyWays are pleased to present the Clyde Islands tour that embraces the Inner Hebrides Islands off the West Coast of Scotland.  The tour offers the opportunity to experience  Arran, Islay, Jura and Gigha along with parts of the Kintyre and Argyll Peninsulas in a combination of tour options that provide something for everyone.  The islands have reasonable public transport access from Central Scotland and the terrain offers a good mix of coastal and hill walking.

 

With the EasyWays Package just advise what locations you would like to visit and your preferred dates for walking and let us construct a tour that encapsulates all on a bespoke itinerary utilising public transport connections throughout and thereby keeping the price to optimum level.   All tours include baggage transfer and ferry travel including detailed advice on how to get to and from your start and end points on your chosen route.

 

Begin in Arran and end in Islay or alternatively make Tarbert your start point, visit the islands and take in Campbeltown at southern of Kintyre  before returning via a ferry crossing to Portavadie and sample a section of the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way – anything is possible with this flexible Clyde Islands tour.

 

Specially selected local walking routes have been identified each day giving you the choice of a short 3 day break or up to 10 days should you wish to take in everything.

Key Symbols

ROUTE TERRAIN

Moderate to Strenuous

ROUTE SIGNPOSTING

Waymarked in most places

NAVIGATIONAL SKILLS

Moderate

Clyde Islands

Easyways Suggested Itinerary

Click each day to expand.

Arrive Brodick
Sail to Arran and stay overnight in Brodick. Brodick is the main town on Arran and is the main commercial centre and ferry port. The town offers a wide range of tourist facilities and services, including eating out and shopping. Once the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, Brodick Castle houses a glorious collection of furniture, with some pieces dating as far back as the 17th century. The garden, created in 1923 by the Duchess of Montrose, has been lovingly restored and the grounds contain numerous paths offering great views of the island, and the chance of seeing red squirrels.
Brodick to Sannox (8 miles / 13 km)
A fairly easy beginning to the walk along Fisherman’s Walk to the small community at Cladach. At this point there is the option to climb to the summit of Goatfell (874m) or take the lower route through Merkland Wood through High Corrie and on to by the coastal road. Goatfell is recommended for fit walkers, who are competent in navigation but it’s not advisable in bad weather or low cloud. Also note that there are no Waymarkers once you enter the National Trust for Scotland land or on Goatfell itself.
Sannox to Lochranza (9 miles / 15 km)
Some say the best section of the Way, commencing with a lovely section of coastal footpath that leads up to the Forestry Commission site at North Sannox. A forestry track then continues to follow the coast until Fallen Rocks is reached and replaced by a smaller footpath that is generally good, but can be difficult in inclement weather. Pass the testing An Scriodan boulder field to reach the recently upgraded footpath and continue on to Netwon Shore to Lochranza.
Claonaig to Tarbert (10 miles / 16 km)
Sail to Claonaig. Follow a minor road north to the small village of Skipness, then continue on the forest track. This route descends giving good views over Loch Fyne. Reaching Tarbert Castle then heading south-west towards the picturesque harbour of Tarbert.
Tayinloan to Carradale (15 miles / 24 km)
Arrive by ferry. Start with a lovely coastal section from Tayinloan and then climb through open countryside and forestry to Deucheran Hill where there is a wind farm. The second half of the section descends to the open glen at Brackley before ascending another forested hill to emerge with coastal views over Arran and then make your way down to Carradale.
Explore Islay, Jura and Gigha
You have the option to sail to Islay (2 overnights minimum stay) to explore this stunning island, known as the ‘whisky coast’ of West Scotland. A further option would be to visit the gorgeously untamed island of Jura. Or why not include a trip to Gigha? Attractions on the island include Achamore Gardens and the abundant wildlife, especially seabirds.

Prices from £220 (3 nights) per person

Single supplement – On request

What’s included?

  • 3 – 10 nights’ accommodation for 2 people sharing in quality B&Bs, guest houses, inns and hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Door to door baggage transfer to each stage – maximum 18 kg per bag
  • Downloadable GPS route guides of your selected route
  • Location details for each accommodation
  • Travel information to the start and from the finish of the walk
  • Suggested equipment list
  • Emergency support

What’s not included?

  • Ferry to IslayJura or Gigha (optional)
  • Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks
  • Travel insurance

STAGES & DISTANCES

Tarbert
11 miles – 18 km
Claonaig
10 miles – 16 km
Clachan
9 miles – 14 km
Tayinloan
(Visit Gigha)
(Tayinloan)
15 miles – 24 km
Carradale
21 miles – 33 km
Campbeltown
5.5 miles – 9 km
(Machrihanish)
16 miles – 26 km
Dunaverty
16 miles – 26 km
(Campbeltown)

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

Tarbert
5.5 miles – 9 km
(Kennacraig)
(Islay 2 nights)
(Kennacraig)
5.5 miles – 9 km
Clachan
9 miles – 14 km
Tayinloan
(Visit Gigha)
(Tayinloan)
15 miles – 24 km
Carradale
21 miles – 33 km
Campbeltown
5.5 miles – 9 km
(Machrihanish)
16 miles – 26 km
Dunaverty
16 miles – 26 km
(Campbeltown)

MAP

Photo Gallery

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