Wild Scotland - Nurture on Scotland's stunning islands

Scotland's stunning islands are ready for you this summer.

What makes Scotland so amazing is it’s stunning and varied range of islands off the west coast and north east coast. With some being easily accessible from the mainland on a short ferry journey, and others on the edge
of the Atlantic and a rewarding site after a longer ferry adventure, or perhaps a short flight, you can spend many seasons and years exploring the characterful islands on offer.

Each island has its very own special reason to visit, but all will entice you to immerse your senses in a range of landbased or water-based activities and rich in wildlife spotting opportunities.

The Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Shetland, Orkney, Skye and the Small Isles and are all perfect destinations for long holidays, packed full of adventure and relaxation.

Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides, also called the Western Isles, are the most westerly edges of the British Isles, and home to a treasure trove of species including puffins, golden eagles, basking sharks, minke whales and otters.

Being on the edge of the Atlantic, these unique islands offer wild landscapes and some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Europe. The deserted white stretches of sand and turquoise waters are the perfect setting for a thrilling range of water activities! You can book a vast range of activities with experienced and skilled guides to help you find the perfect spots, learn techniques, and ultimately to have the most fun!

The ancient landscapes of these remote Hebridean islands are bursting with dramatic views, historical sites of interests, traditional blackhouses, castles and brochs.

Each of the islands stretching from Barra in the south to Lewis in the north offer very different landscapes to enjoy, from hill walking and rock climbing to long distance trails and cycling routes.

Some wild and wet activities include:

Kite Surfing the waves in Lewis, Harris and Uist
Sea kayaking rugged and serene coastlines
Canoeing inland lochs and water-ways
Wildlife Boat Trips to uninhabited islands and open waters
Sailing across the Minch
Guided open water wild swimming
Guided snorkelling and diving in rich marine waters
Cruise Holidays on catered boats
River, loch and sea fishing
Boat trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St Kilda

Some land-based activities include:

Guided inland walks, including the Hebridean Way
Coastal walks and cliff-edge explorations
Wildlife watching some of Scotland’s most loved species
Guided gravel biking trails across mixed terrain
Road-cycling experiences with ever-changing views to keep you motivated

You can spot some of Scotland’s best nature and wildlife

Fascinating flora and fauna
Hear (or maybe even see) the elusive corncrake in the machair
wildflower meadows
Atlantic grey seals and the important pupping site at Monach Islands
Europe’s largest colony of seabirds at the World Heritage UNESCO site of St Kilda
Spot from land or at sea puffins, basking sharks, minke whales, otters and magnificent golden eagles
Visit the RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve with sandy beaches, rocky foreshore, marshes and sand-dunes to see many wading and farmland birds
Book sightseeing and wildlife boat trips to special spots in the Hebrides

Book amazing Outer Hebrides experiences with our passionate Wild Scotland members so you can explore responsibility, pick up fun new skills and have memorable adventures.

View all experiences in Outer Hebrides >

Orkney

Orkney is a collection of 70 islands (20 inhabited) located approximately 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland. The enchanting islands have beautiful beaches, dramatic sea cliffs and wondrous land and sea wildlife.

You will be surrounded by natural sights to enjoy as well as enjoying the opportunity to book experiences to go on adventures that will teach you new skills, learn more about the area and make holiday memories like no other.

Make the most of the water surrounding Orkney

Book a boat trip or sailing holiday to appreciate the scale of Orkney from the sea
Try sea fishing as well as river and loch fishing across the island with a bookable experience
Learn how to dive in the rich coastal waters with local and experienced coaches
Feel exhilarated with a sea kayaking session

Explore the dramatic landscapes

Explore the rich and dominating landscapes on a guided walking tour
Clock up the miles as you cycle the trails, roads and coastal paths on a guided
cycling experience
Discover unspoiled landscapes and key sight-seeing spots on a guided exploration

Get closer to wildlife and nature

Seek out amazing wildlife responsibly, on a guided wildlife watching tour
Share the natural habitat with the local wildlife on an immersive bookable wildlife
experience on land and at sea
Visit the Isle of Ronaldsy, an official Dark Sky Island to see the sky at its best
Head to Westray (one of the largest of the islands)

Book amazing experiences with our passionate Wild Scotland members in Orkney so you can explore responsibility, pick up new fun skills and have memorable adventures.

View all experiences in Orkney >

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.

Make the most of the island’s stunning water

Skye and all the small isles are popular for a wide range of water activities
Hire equipment from local providers to try a new activity
Book with a Wild Scotland activity operator to learn a new water activity skill, safely and responsibly
Experience group activities with passionate operators ready to give you a day you’ll not forget as you explore the coastlines
Book a boat trip to taste freshly caught seafood or watch wildlife from a different perspective
Go on a cruise with accommodation on board for a trip with a difference
Sail the water ways between the mainland and islands as part of your holiday

Some land-based activities to nurture your adventurous spirit

Book with a local activity provider, with many available across Skye, to hire bikes or use your own bike on a guided cycling activity amidst the iconic landscapes. Opt for a gentle ride or something more adventurous!
Learn mountaineering skills, navigation tips and how to safely roam the rugged
landscapes of Skye and the small isles on a guided walking experience, suitable for
all levels, from beginners to the more experience looking to brush up on some
skills or meet other keen walker

Get to know the local wildlife

Guided wildlife tours on land and at sea will create unforgettable memories and teach you lots about the local wildlife
Book a wildlife photography session on Skye to help you capture the sights of otters, golden eagles plus sea eagles and a wealth of marine wildlife.
Explore Rum with a guide tour and learn the importance of the area for wildlife in
Scotland. The small isle is designated nature reserve and you can spot wild red
deer and Manx Shearwater populations

Book amazing experiences with our passionate Wild Scotland members in Skye and the small isles so you can explore
responsibility, pick up new fun skills and have memorable adventures.

View all experiences in Skye & the Small Isles >

Shetland

Shetland is made up of 100 islands and is home to some of Britain's greatest natural spectacles.

The islands are local between Norway and mainland Scotland, which make them an incredible place to experience nature and wildlife from rugged coastlines including the towering sea cliffs of Foula, Hermaness, Sumburgh Head, Noss and Fair Isle. Shetland’s incredible and diverse geology has brought the isles UNESCO Global Geopark status.

Immerse yourself in Shetland’s water

See the collection of wild islands from the water on a guided boat trip to learn about the geology and amazing wildlife living in Shetland including spectacular seabird colonies
Enjoy brown trout fishing in one of the many freshwater lochs or try sea angling for mackerel, ling or haddock

Explore the dramatic landscapes

Guided walking adventures let you explore long-distance trails and meet others on hill walking group adventures, learn about bushcraft, species and foraging
Explore the islands on an e-bike, or use your own pedal power as you cycle the coastlines or the enjoy some trails. You can hire an electric road or mountain bike and experience 1000 miles of quiet roads with little traffic

Get closer to wildlife and nature

Book wildlife photography session to capture the cute puffins, seabird colonies, and world-famous Shetland ponies
Guided wildlife and nature excursions will help you get closer to beautiful sealife
with the opportunity to spot some of the thousands of grey and common seals,
an array of marine mammals from dolphins to killer whales to gannets, great
skuas, fulmars, storm petrels, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and arctic terns.

Book amazing experiences with our passionate Wild Scotland members in Shetland so you can explore responsibility, pick up new fun skills and have memorable adventure.

View all experiences in Shetland >

The Inner Hebrides

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

Inner Hebridean water activities

Get wet and wild when you book a water-based activity including sea kayaking, coasteering, wild swimming, SUP, snorkelling and diving
Book a boat trip to see the world’s third largest whirlpool, Corryvreckan
Experience the clear waters on a seafood tasting experience on board a boat
Tiree is world-famous for surfing with its gulf-stream weather system and crashing waves
Book a wild swimming experience with a professional guide to learn safety tips and how to make the most of your ability

Explore the islands with land-based activities

Go on a guided cycling experience to get off the beaten track and see the islands in a new way
Guided walking tours will take you along stunning coastlines, with islands views, or climb to some peaks to see the west coast in all its glory
Learn walking and navigational skills on a 1-2-1 or group expedition

Go wild for the wildlife

Wildlife watching tours will give you the opportunity to spot otters, whitetailed
and golden eagles, basking sharks and minke whales
Go on a trip to the Treshnish Islands to see some of Scotland’s tamest puffins
Experience true wilderness on Jura, the island of red deer

Book amazing experiences with our passionate Wild Scotland members across the Inner Hebrides and the small isles so
you can explore responsibility, pick up new fun skills and have memorable adventures.

View all experiences in The Inner Hebrides >