greystones

Experience the atmospheric mountains of Glencoe, approached through stunning scenery via Loch Etive, Loch Awe, glen Orchy and across Rannoch Moor. Uncover the history of the area at Glencoe Visitor Centre before following the coastal road back through Ballachulish and past Castle Stalker. 

Home to the Duke of Argyll, Inveraray was rebuilt in the 1700s as a planned Georgian town, noted for its uniform black and white houses in a picturesque setting on Loch Fyne. Places of interest include the castle and jail, as well as a maritime museum on a boat.

The pretty village of Tobermory on the isle of Mull is famous for its colourful houses (used for the set in the childrens' TV series Balamory). Wander along the main street alongside the harbour and climb up the hill to the upper village for stunning views.

Experience the peace and tranquillity of Iona, birthplace of Christianity in Britain. Also famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, popularised by the Scottish Colourist artists. A trip to Iona can also be combined with a boat trip to Staffa to see the amazing basalt rock formations of Fingal's cave, the inspiration for Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture.

Visit the extraordinary monuments of Kilmartin Glen, with numerous standing stones and burial cairns dating back 5,000 years. The museum at Kilmartin offers interactive interpretations of the sights. Head on to the small fishing village of Crinan, at the western end of the Crinan canal, built in 1801 to cut out the long sea voyage around the Mull of Kintyre and still operational today.

Cross the "Bridge over the Atlantic" to the island of Seil. Stop at the Tigh an Truish Inn - the name means "house of trousers" and it is where the Jacobite islanders changed from their kilts (banned at the time) into trousers before crossing to the mainland. At the far end of the island, take the small ferry across to the slate island of Easdale, home to the annual World Stone Skimming Championship.

Circular walk around the southern half of the island of Kerrara, a short ferry trip from just south of Oban. The walk has fine views to the islands and visits the ruins of Gylen castle. There is a quirky Tea Garden open during the summer.

Take the ferry to Lismore from Oban. This walk explores the northern half of the island, including the ruins of Castle Coeffin and Tirefour Broch. There is a small Heritage Centre providing insights into island life. Lismore is also a good island for cycling.