Inner Hebrides

The Inner Hebrides are the most accessible and scenic islands in the United Kingdom.

Colonsay is one of the archipelago's most remote and unspoilt islands. It boasts countless cliffs, rocky coastlines and beautiful bays. Apart from gray seals and wild goats the island is uninhabited.

Islay is the southernmost of the Inner Hebridean islands. it is known throughout Scotland for its smoky, single-malt whisky. Islay's main town is Port Charlotte and there you will find the interesting museum of Islay. Also, one of the best examples of a Celtic cross is found on the island: the Kildaton Cross that dates from the 8th century. There are several castle ruins and more than 250 bird species on Islay.

Jura lies not far off the coast from Strathclyde. It is a desolate island and excellent for hiking. The Paps of Jura are the two main mountains on the island and there is a lethal offshore whirlpool. You can also visit the whisky distillery.

Mull has a fantastic mountain scenery and is one of the Inner Hebrides' most popular destinations. Its capital town of Tobermory is a picturesque fishing port and a railway connects it with other parts of the island. Off Mull's southwestern tip lies the Christian spiritual center of Iona.

For good hiking trails and a bird sanctuary, you should go to the island of Coll, more to the north. There are also two castles on Coll.

Tiree is southwest of Coll and boast beautiful sandy beaches. Tiree is also one of the sunniest places in the United Kingdom.

The island of Skye is large and rugged, and excellent for hiking. The rocky Cuillins, inland provide good practice grounds for climbers.

The Inner Hebrides have ferry connections with the Scottish mainland.