Wild Scotland - Nurture in the west coast of Scotland- Itinerary

The stunning west coast of Scotland is waiting for you.

What do you see when you think of the west coast of Scotland? Clear blue waters, long stretches of coastline, mountainous landscapes, an array of islands? Then you are right… along with a vast mix of water, land and wildlife activities ready to experience.

Why not try something different to nurture your adventurous spirit and learn a new skill whilst enjoying the stunning backdrop of the west coast.

You can book a guided experience for every activity you can think of, from kayaking to mountaineering skills and foraging in nature to horse-back archery, and everything in-between.

The West Coast of Scotland is fabulous for all kinds of trips; day trips from the central belt, weekend and short breaks for time away or a longer break to explore multiple areas with ever-changing scenery.

We have everything you need all packaged up for you, from bookable guided tours to accommodation you’ll love to relax in.

Nurturing your sense of adventure is a fun way to try new things and see new places. Wild Scotland presents to you an amazing mix of experienced, passionate and responsible activity providers ready to take you out to explore new places and learn new skills, or enhance those you already have. Start planning your next solo adventure or gather up friends and family to get outside and get active!

Ayrshire & Arran

Ayrshire & Arran sits on the west coast of Scotland and within easy travelling time from Glasgow.

The region is well known for producing a range of delicious treats from fresh seafood to local lamb and ice cream! Ayrshire extends along the shore of the Firth of Clyde, rising from coast to hills and moorland and is steeped in history with links to Robert Burns, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.

Arran is a 55-minute ferry ride from Ardrossan Harbour to Brodick and is served by CalMac Ferries.

Experience some wonderful wildlife on the island from seals and otters to red deer and golden eagles. Across the region there is a wide range of activities both on and off the water.

Basking Shark Scotland Markus Stitz Diver 2

Argyll & the Isles

On the west coast are myriad Inner Hebridean islands from Canna and Colonsay to Tiree and the Treshnish Islands, each unique and visually stunning and perfect for an adventure getaway and some wildlife watching.

This magnificent region of Scotland takes you from white sandy beaches and rugged coastlines to dramatic and mountainous vistas on the mainland. If adventure is what you are looking for then you will not be disappointed - from sea kayaking, coasteering and SUP to diving and snorkelling, wildlife watching, walking, cycling and boat trips there really is something for everyone and all abilities.

On Jura, the island of red deer, there’s true wilderness and, on neighbouring Islay, there are choughs, otters and see tens of thousands of wintering arctic geese. Oban in Argyll is the gateway to these islands, and is also a destination in its own right.

Lochaber

Lochaber is often referred to as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

It is a vast, diverse destination in the Scottish Highlands reaching out from The Great Glen to the most westerly point of the British Mainland. This diversity of landscape offers you a wealth of coastal and in land experiences to discover and explore.

Fresh mountain air, dramatic scenery from magnificent lochs to castles and the cinematic scenery of Glencoe. Climb Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, take a stroll by the sea and catch a glimpse of a magnificent west coast sunset over Rum, Canna and Skye.

Lochaber is an all-year-round adventure destination from snowsports to mountain biking and wildlife watching. You will soak up views from every shore of islands, castles, lochs and wilderness, giving you the very best of the west coast of Scotland.

Skye & the Small Isles

The Isle of Skye and the Small Isles are a magical destination for outdoor activities.

Expect rugged mountains, beautiful beaches and bustling wildlife. Skye is the largest of the Hebridean Isles, and one of the most popular to visit. The Small Isles are a small archipelago south of Skye, and consist of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna.

Skye has an impressive density of otters, golden eagles plus sea eagles, and marine wildlife. The island is a great destination for active holidays, with incredible walking, cycling, biking and water sports to be had amidst the iconic landscapes.

The Small Isles are a very important area for wildlife in Scotland and as a whole form a national scenic area. Rum is a designated nature reserve and known for both its wild red deer and Manx Shearwater populations. The other isles are also havens for wildlife, with several special areas of protection and conservation specifically for seabirds.

RELAX, RECHARGE AND REJUVENATE IN THE CLEAR WEST COAST WATERS

Nurture your wellness with water activities such as guided wild swimming, where the guide can teach beginners in the open waters, or improve swimming skills for those wanting more confidence
Book SUP, kayaking, canoeing, coaststeering, surfing, snorkelling, diving or gorge walking to explore areas you’ve never visited before and try out activities we’re sure you’ll love!
Lochs, seas, rivers are plentiful for the keen fisher and angler. An organised trip can help improve your catch and try out new techniques with a passionate guide to help you
Boat trips are one of the most popular activities in the west coast. Wine and dine on board, choose a wildlife watching trip, or sit back and relax to soak up the stunning views, including a trip to the world’s third largest whirlpool

Book these activities with our skilled and fun-filled operators for an experience you'll never forget.

Experiences in Ayrshire & Arran >
Experiences in Argyll & the Isles >
Experiences in Lochaber >
Experiences in Skye & the Small Isles >

SEE NEW PLACES AND LEARN NEW SKILLS ON DRY LAND

Immerse yourself in nature and learn bushcraft and survival skills for being out in the wild as you explore the nooks and crannies of the mainland or venture to one of the west coast’s many islands on an experience you’ll want to recreate over and over again
Get all the family and your friends involved in fun activities such as high ropes, tree climbing, zip lines, horse riding, rifle shooting and even archery from horse back!
Get on your hiking boots and navigate the hills on a guided walk as you learn top tips to stay safe and get more out of your excursion when mountaineering or even rock climbing amongst Scotland’s most famous mountain ranges
Lochaber, Arran and Argyll are re-knowned for their collection of bike trails, from downhill mountain biking, gravel biking, road cycling and bikepacking experiences. Book with a guide to help you pick up
the pace and take you through the ever-changing terrain and landscapes on guided trails and reconnect with nature as you increase your fitness and fun-factor!
Find new places off the beaten track on guided, long-distance trails to improve your fitness whilst learning more about the north of Scotland’s landscapes

Book guided experiences with people that know the area and activities like no others.

Experiences in Ayrshire & Arran >
Experiences in Argyll & the Isles >
Experiences in Lochaber >
Experiences in Skye & the Small Isles >

Wildlife you can spot out in nature

The west coast of Scotland is home to a fantastic mix of marine life in
its rich waters
The Inner Hebrides, Arran, Skye and the Small Isles are popular for spotting orca whales, minke whales, dolphins, seals, otters, puffins and so much more. Boat tours are the perfect way to spot sea wildlife and coastal birds
Mull is famous for Golden Eagle spotting and most areas of the west coast are ideal for seeing birds of prey in their natural habitat. Why not book a wildlife watching holiday to get closer in a responsible way?
Or even a wildlife photography holiday so you can capture the moments to enjoy with others
Lochaber is home to red deer and you can spot them roam in the spectacular munros and open lands of Glencoe and beyond
Be immersed in nature and spot wildlife in its natural habitat with protected nature reserves, dedicated national scenic areas across central Scotland including Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Book a guided wildlife tour with our experienced Wild Scotland members who know all the best places to spot wildlife responsibly and safely.

Experiences in Ayrshire & Arran >
Experiences in Argyll & the Isles >
Experiences in Lochaber >
Experiences in Skye & the Small Isles >