City: Scotland
Top Things to do in Scotland
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Things to do in Scotland, United Kingdom: The Best Islands
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Restaurants in Scotland
1. Paps of Jura
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By 294mariay - Chester, United Kingdom
The Paps are completely the focal point of any scenery on Jura. We attempted Beinn an Oir on a sunny day.Goes without saying - check weather, bring map etc. There are good descriptions of this walk elsewhere on the internet by more experienced people which was helpful for us. We parked just over the old stone bridge on the Corran River. There’s signs out informing you that up til Oct is deer stalking season with a number to call. Indeed we saw huge number of deer whilst walking who watched us curiously from a distance (no stalkers thankfully). First part of the walk has a path and is relentless bog - would have been almost impassable for us average walkers in worse weather. Loch an t-Siob is on the journey and is very beautiful. The path seemed to disappear as we ascended to the saddle between Beinn an Oir and Benn Shiantaidh, then appeared again and the ascent from there was mostly scree. Views are stunning if the weather clears. Tourism so quiet currently - we only saw only a few other walkers . Jura is a special place and it was a privilege to get close to the Paps. Side note : we took the car ferry over in a campervan and was told no overnight stays were allowed due to COVID so had to run back to get the last ferry at 6pm. Only place to get any provisions is the single community run shop in Craighouse . There’s a public toilet by the pier at Craighouse. Distillery tours not running due to Covid. We also went up Beinn Bheigier on Islay which had amazing views of the Paps and Barnhill.
2. Hoy Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
This is Orkney's largest island after Mainland.
Reviewed By Lindum20C - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A truly wonderful day trip, we were lucky with the weather which helped a lot. Breathtaking scenery all the way round from Lyness up to Rackwick Bay. Very useful information boards all the way round.
3. Westray Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By ScotlandE_mc
We came on the noon boat from Kirkwall to have a short visit and we wish we came for a few days or at least with the early morning boat so we could spend some more time about the isle. Quite a few gems to see, the Castle, Noup head Light house,the peedie airport that has the shortest flight in the world to Papa westray,the beaches with the seals,and the cliffs with puffins,the lovely local heritage center is a must as well,its a marvelous place!
4. St. Kilda
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By E359SBrobertb - Duddo, United Kingdom
A wonderful visit in June from Harris, remarkable sea stacks and the highest cliffs in the UK wonderful bird life and unique animals associated with the island. A true adventure reached by power boats and sixty miles from the outer hebrides
5. Isle of Staffa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 461 reviews
Reviewed By KennyMonaghan - Stevenston, United Kingdom
We arrived on Staffa in near perfect conditions, the place is a must see with the rock formations and the bird life, the added bonus for us was a pod of bottle nosed dolphins on our way to the island.
6. Isle of Kerrera
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
The ferry to Kerrera is some 10 minute’s drive south out of Oban, parking is limited so ensure you arrive early. You have to pay to use the ferry and only cards are accepted. The ferry will run until all those waiting have been transferred. On disembarking we walked anti clockwise around the island, it did rain on a couple of occasions but on the whole, it was dry and on occasions the sun came out!! The walk is about 6 or 7 miles, on a variety of road farm track and muddy paths, with a steepish rise at one point, so wear good quality walking boots. Just over halfway round we stopped for our packed lunch at a beautiful spot overlooking the mainland. On our way back to the ferry we did a short diversion to Gylen Castle which is definitely worth a visit.
7. Isle of Lunga
8. Isle of Erraid
9. Handa Island Wildlife Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Handa Island is one of the most important seabird colonies in northern Europe. Home to over 100,000 seabirds in the summer, including internationally important populations of Guillemot, Razorbill and Great Skua. Small numbers of Puffin and Arctic Skua amongst other seabirds also nest. The island is also superb for botany and for spotting whales, dolphins, seals and the occasional otter. The scenery and geology is also fantastic.The reserve is owned by the Scourie Estate, and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. There are few facilities on the island, just a small visitor shelter, composting toilet and shop. The reserve is reached by a ferry boat from Tarbet, near Scourie, and runs from April to September (Phone to check dates). The ferry runs on demand Monday - Saturday from 9.00am, with the last boat out to the island at 2pm. Returns available all day with the last one being at 5pm. Ferry charges £12.50 for adults, £5 for children (ages 5-14), under 5's are free. Please note, the ferry does not run on Sunday or in severe weather.
Reviewed By WalczakMarcin - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Placed in a quite remote part of North-West Scotland near Scourie, and just 3 miles off the famous NC 500 route, this is a real treat as much for bird watchers as casual tourists seeking for a great day out. Arriving at the pier in Tarbet there is a car park with enough space to accommodate tourists willing to cross to Handa Island. After purchasing tickets from very friendly staff the boat takes up to 12-15 tourists on board. The travel time from the pier to the island is about 10 minutes and it costs £15 per adult and £5 per child. As far as I am concerned the first boat leaves at around 09:00, while the last one takes tourists to the island at around 14:00. The latest return boat is 16:45 but staff should make sure that nobody stays overnight at the island. It might take anytime between 2.5 and 4 hours to walk around the island but to explore it properly more time should be allowed. Therefore, I would recommend to arrive as early as possible to avoid any disappointment. There is a path to follow and it is not recommended to walk off the path, especially during the birds' breeding season. The period between May and July is the best for bird watchers, though anytime before and afterwards it would be still great time to observe sea life and enjoy amazing views this island offers. The only issue to experience during visit this summer was that the shelter with toilet was shut due to Covid-19 pandemic. I would strongly recommend visiting Handa Island, and put as a must visit place for anyone coming to not only into this area but to Scotland as the country.
10. Isle of May National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By JCaway - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Beautiful island with fantastic seabirds you can see up close and seals on the way. . Well worth a trip every year. Take binoculars.
