West Coast & Isle of Mull Tour

West Coast & Isle of Mull

Go west to discover the beautiful Argyll region including the islands of Mull and Iona

The picturesque harbour in Tobermory, Scotland.
Tobermory
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View of Loch Lomond from Luss
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Day 1

Leaving Peebles head west towards the city of Glasgow, skirting the city and continuing over the Erskine Bridge across the River Clyde to the Loch Lomond area. If you fancy getting out on the water you might like to take a cruise, or simply stop in the village of Luss for a look around and a walk at the shore.

Overnight in the Loch Lomond area

Day 2

Follow the main road along the loch to Tarbet where you turn west through Arrochar and by Loch Long. The road takes you over the pass known as the Rest and Be Thankful to Loch Fyne. A stop at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is highly recommended for excellent local shellfish and smoked salmon. You carry on to the small town of Inveraray on the shores of the loch where you might like to visit Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell.

Overnight in the Inveraray area

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Inveraray Castle
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Standing Stones of Kilmartin
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Day 3

From Inveraray drive south along Loch Fyne to Lochgilphead, and there turn north through Kilmartin Glen. If you are feeling like stretching your legs, why not take a walk to Dunadd? This rocky outcrop was originally the site of a hill fort, the seat of the kings of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, from around 500 – 900 AD. It’s a short but fairly steep walk to the summit, where you’ll find a well-worn footprint in the rock, thought to have been part of the coronation ceremony of the kings.  From Dunadd, continue on through Kilmartin Glen. There is a greater concentration of prehistoric (Neolithic and Bronze Age) monuments here than anywhere else in Scotland, including standing stones, stone circles, burial cairns and cists.

 

The excellent Kilmartin Musuem explains the historical significance of this area.

From Kilmartin continue north. You might like to stop to visit Arduaine Gardens with its beautiful displays of rhododendrons and azaleas, and spectacular sea views over the Sound of Jura. Continue north by Kilmelford and the Crinan Canal to Oban. This harbour town is home to the Oban Malt Whisky Distillery as well as several good seafood restaurants.

Overnight in the Oban area

Day 4 & 5

You leave Oban by ferry (see CalMac for times & prices) and cross to Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

There are lots of things to do on this beautiful island. Our suggestions include:

A visit to Duart Castle, seat of the Clan Maclean

Take a boat trip to visit the Isle of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave

Take a ranger-led visit with Mull Eagle Watch to spot white tailed sea eagles, Britain’s largest bird of prey

Take a tour of the Tobermory Distillery

Explore the tiny island capital, Tobermory, with its colourful houses

Drive across the island to Fionnphort and then take the passenger ferry for the short crossing to the small island of Iona.

St Columba established an abbey here in 563AD. You can visit the abbey, see the ancient high crosses and explore the white sandy beaches of this peaceful place

Stay in the Mull area for two nights

The picturesque harbour in Tobermory, Scotland.
Tobermory
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Kilchurn Castle
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Day 6

Returning to Craignure you take the ferry back to Oban on the mainland. You drive north over the Connell Bridge then turn east by Loch Etive. An interesting stop is the Cruachan Power Station and visitor centre, where the tour takes you deep inside the Ben Cruachan mountain to see the vast machine hall and turbines hidden inside – it’s like something out of a James Bond movie! Continuing south you might stop to walk out to the romantic ruins of Kilchurn Castle, a former Clan Campbell stronghold which guards the southern end of Loch Awe.

At Crianlarich turn south east by Lochearnhead to Callander. If you fancy a great scenic drive follow the loop by Port of Menteith to Aberfoyle, then up over the Duke’s Pass for superb views of the lochs and forests of the Trossachs. There are some great walks and also a Go Ape zipwire through the trees at the Lodge Visitor Centre. Descend by Loch Achray and return by Brig O’Turk and Loch Venachar to Callander.

Overnight in the Callander area

Day 7

From Callander it’s a short drive to Doune, where you will find 14th century Doune Castle (as seen on screen! Doune Castle has featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander).  Blair Drummond Safari Park is nearby, home to a multitude of wildlife including lions, meerkats and monkeys – a great day out for the kids.

Head on to Stirling where options include a visit to historic Stirling Castle, the ancient Bannockburn Battlefield site and visitor centre, or perhaps a climb to the top of the Sir WilliamWallace Monument for amazing views of the surrounding area.

Other places to visit in the Stirling area are Linlithgow where you will find Linlithgow Palace (birthplace in 1542 of Mary, Queen of Scots), which is just a 20 minute drive from Falkirk. In Falkirk you might like to take a closer look at the Kelpies, the largest equestrian statues in the world, or perhaps the Falkirk Wheel, an impressive rotating boat lift which links the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

Overnight in the Stirling/Falkirk/Linlithgow area or back to stay overnight in the Peebles area 

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Stirling Castle
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Day 8

Return your motorhome. Once you have returned your motorhome if you’re not in a hurry to get home why not head into Peebles to see what our beautiful town has to offer, from wonderful independent shops to fabulous restaurants and cafes. Your holiday doesn’t have to end just because your motorhome hire has!

Please bear in mind our motorhomes are ready for collection in the afternoon, so you may have to stay your first night in the area of where the first day of the tour starts.

Your hire vehicle is due back in the morning after your last nights hire so we suggest you stay somewhere along your route home or locally to avoid a very early start and a long drive back!

“Know Before You Go!”

Opening hours: There are lots of suggestions for places to visit on the following pages and, while we absolutely want you to make the most of your trip, it is important to note that many visitor attractions and places of interest now require you to book in advance, or may have restricted opening hours, or may be closed temporarily due to Covid-19. In addition, many places of interest in Scotland have seasonal opening hours and close in the winter months. Please be sure to follow the links to the places of interest mentioned in the suggested routes to check in advance of your visit and avoid disappointment on the day!