Follow the team as they hike round the Scottish Islands of Rum, Islay, Jura, Mull and Arran - departing 28th May

Leader: Dave Pritt

8th June 2023 - Peter reflects on his trip to the Scottish Islands

Walking the Inner Hebrides

As a small group we've used 'Adventure Peaks' for our annual holiday for many years. All have been abroad, so we thought it about time that we saw this apparently beautiful part of Scotland. We were not disappointed.

Firstly, the weather was perfect with high pressure firmly in charge. Secondly the week sped by like a military operation. Flying up from Bristol we were met at Glasgow airport by Dave Pritt, the 'Boss' of Adventure Peaks. He had spent weeks organising the complex link of ferries, accommodation and the four highest peaks on Rum, Mull, Jura and Arran.

First to Morrisons at Fort William to stock up for our time in the bunkhouse on Rum. "Three breakfasts, three lunches and two suppers" he announced. 15 mins later our trolley was full of crisp and apples and cereal etc. as well as the ingredients for a chicken curry and a spag bol. It seemed impossible that we would eat it but believe me we did.

On to Mallaig. Overnight in a pub with great fish and chips [a staple of the coming week] and then next day the ferry to Eigg and Rum. A wonderful day with a Minkie blowing on the starboard side. The bunkhouse on Rum is fantastic. Modern rooms and a big kitchen A short 10 mile walk to Kilmore Bay past the derelict Kinloch Castle and then back for curry. Up at 6am for breakfast and the Coulins of Rum. These steep peaks dominate the island and are classed as 'Corbetts'. At 2500ft they are less than the 3000ft 'Munros'.

Stupendous scenery and 10 hrs of walking with steep descents. Next day two shorter walks and a 'skinny' dip before the ferry back to Mallaig. A drive down the Ardnamurchan peninsula to our hotel. Up at 6am for a bacon bap and then the ferry to Mull and Ben Mor, the only Munro. 6hrs up and down with lunch below the summit. Our hotel that night was a posh spa with pool. A 'Full Scottish' breakfast and then the ferry to Oban and a drive down the Mull of Kintyre through picturesque Tarbet to the ferry for Islay and Jura.

We ate on the boat before Islay and then a short 10 min journey on what appeared to be a WW2 landing craft to pretty Jura and our campsite next to the Jura hotel. Tents up and a walk to view the 'Paps of Jura' Three extinct volcanoes which dominate the island. More wonderful fresh haddock with views across the bay while listening to an Irish folk band playing in the bar. Deciding against a third pint we escaped the midges in our tents and were up again at 6am for what would prove to be the hardest but most rewarding day. A long walk in. Very steep ascents and descents. Stupendous views. It took 10 hrs.

Back to the campsite. Pack up tents. Rush back to 'Landing Craft', over to Islay, quick meal in the pub and then the ferry back to Kennacraig and a drive to a fabulous Scottish Castle hotel for a late-night drink and exhausted sleep. Another leisurely 'Full Scottish' and then the ferry to Arran and 'Goat's Fell', another 5hr 'Corbet'. Steaks in the pub and back to the mainland at Ardrossan and a twenty-minute drive to Glasgow Airport and the Premier Inn where we said our goodbyes to Dave.

It had been a full on, fantastic week. The organisation was spot on [Dave's file for this trip was an inch thick] .... we could never have organised it ourselves. At this time of year Scotland is busy and both ferries and accommodation can be full. We came home 'tired but happy' ... exactly what we wanted. This beautiful part of the United Kingdom is never seen by most of us. We packed in far more than any of the other 'Munro baggers who we met. Even these experts were impressed by our itinerary. So, if you're lucky and the weather is fine, you'll have a really fantastic time.

Peter Hilton

3rd June 2023

The Paps of Jura

Today the team were on the Paps of Jura, weather conditions were once again fantastic.

The Paps of Jura are a prominent feature on the island of Jura, located off the west coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides. They are a range of three distinctive mountains that dominate the landscape and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The three peaks, named Beinn an Òir (Mountain of Gold), Beinn Shiantaidh (Holy Mountain), and Beinn a' Chaolais (Mountain of Slender Water), form the Paps of Jura. Beinn an Òir is the highest of the three, standing at an elevation of approximately 785 meters (2,575 feet), while Beinn Shiantaidh reaches a height of about 755 meters (2,477 feet), and Beinn a' Chaolais stands at around 734 meters (2,408 feet).

The Paps are known for their distinctive conical shape, rugged terrain, and their ability to attract outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and climbers. Scaling the Paps can be challenging due to the steep and rocky nature of the slopes, but the effort is rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the summits.

On a clear day, from the Paps of Jura, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding islands, including Islay, Mull, and the mainland mountains of Scotland.

1st June 2023 - Mull

Mull and Ben More

After finishing yesterdays walk with a wee swim the group headed back to the bunk house before ferry hopping again this morning onto Mull and an ascent of Ben More.

Ben More is a prominent mountain located on the Isle of Mull, which is part of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland. It is the highest peak on the island and one of the most well-known and popular mountains in the region.

Standing at an impressive height of approximately 966 meters (3,169 feet), Ben More dominates the landscape and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It is a Munro, which means it is one of the mountains in Scotland with a height of over 3,000 feet (914 meters), a designation that attracts hikers and climbers from around the world.

The most common route for climbing Ben More starts from Dhiseig, a small settlement on the southern side of the mountain.

31st May 2023 - Rum Cullins

A fantastic day on the Rum Cullins

29th May 2023 - Kilmory Bay

The Isle of Rum is a picturesque Scottish island located in the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland. With an area of approximately 100 square kilometers, it is the largest of the Small Isles and is known for its rugged beauty and diverse wildlife.

One of the remarkable features of Rum is its designation as a National Nature Reserve. The island is home to a variety of habitats, including heather-covered moorlands, ancient Caledonian forests, and beautiful sandy beaches. This rich environment supports a wide range of wildlife. Red deer roam freely across the island, while golden eagles soar above, and otters can be spotted along the shoreline. Rum is also known for its colonies of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

The team have enjoyed a stunning walk to Kilmory bay.

29th May 2023 - The team set sail on their Scottish Islands adventure!

Our team have set off on their Island hopping adventure, they have set sail from Mallaig with fantastic clear skies and views of Eigg and Rum. They have already spotted a Minke whale. Minke whales are members of the baleen or “great” whale family. With the best of weather forecast it is going to be a fantastic week.