Multi Activity View Trip Dates Arisaig & The Small Isles Book Now Trip Grade: Your Own Pace Arisaig & the Small Isles This self-drive itinerary offers you the chance to journey to the famous West Coast of Scotland and discover the majesty of the Small Isles and the Sound of Arisaig. The Small Isles cluster off the Sound of Arisaig, floating on the horizon and suggesting a fantasy land of wilderness and history. During your trip you will stay in Fort William, enjoying splendid hiking with your Wilderness Scotland Guide before journeying west to the enchanting Isle of Eigg. Here you will hike and spend a night before moving on the stunning Arisaig House back on the mainland for the remainder of your trip. You will enjoy the finest Highland cooking from fresh local ingredients and be able to relax and explore at your own pace when not with your guide. The Sound of Arisaig is a Marine Special Area of Conservation, and during your trip you will be able to look out for dolphins, porpoises and even whales. On land you have the chance to encounter red deer, eagles and otters. Later in the week you will take to the waves for a guided sea kayaking experience to gain a new perspective. Highlights • Discover the majesty of Scotland’s West Coast from magnificent glens to enchanting islands. • Enjoy hikes with your private Wilderness Scotland Guide for some days and explore at your own pace during the rest of your trip • Spend a night on the magical Isle of Eigg; one of the jewels in Scotland’s crown Book with confidence • This trip can be taken on any date you choose. However, due to the ferry timetables, it cannot start on a Monday Planned Itinerary Day 1 | Travel to Fort William Day 2 | Guided hiking near Fort William Day 3 | Travel to Eigg and Guided Hike Day 4 | Explore Eigg and transfer to Arisaig Day 5 | Exploring Arisaig Day 6 | Sea Kayaking and Beach Combing Day 7 | Arisaig and Depart Arrival & Departure • This trip starts in Fort William and your final accommodation is in the nearby village of Arisaig • This is a self drive holiday - you can bring your own car or hire from anywhere in Scotland PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors. Day 1 | Travel to Fort William You will make your way by car to Fort William, journeying across the famous Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe if coming from the South. From the North you will pass Loch Ness and the famous Urquhart Castle. On arrival in Fort William you can settle in to your welcoming accommodation near the town centre, explore the town and enjoy dinner. Overnight Fort William. Day 2 | Guided Hiking near Fort William This morning you will meet your Wilderness Scotland Guide who will take you for a hike in the local area. The West Highlands are a classic area for hiking and whatever your level of fitness your guide will be able to offer you a rewarding day, whether you would like to take to the mountains or hike in the glens. Overnight Fort William. (B) Day 3 | Travel to Eigg and Guided Hike Today you will journey West along the famous Road to the Isles, passing through the mountains to the seaside village of Arisaig. There you will meet your guide again by the jetty and together take the ferry to the Isle of Eigg. Eigg is a truly magical island offering extraordinary variety and history, and your guide will show you the best of the island before departing on the afternoon ferry leaving you to spend a night on the magical island. Overnight Eigg. (B) Day 4 | Explore Eigg and transfer to Arisaig This morning you will be able to explore the island some more, perhaps hiking to one of the beaches or exploring the amazing caves. In the afternoon you take the ferry back to the mainland (keeping an eye out for dolphins) and then drive the short distance to Arisaig House. This luxury B&B is set in its own grounds of private gardens and native woodland above a stunning cove and beach, and is the perfect base to explore the local area. Overnight Arisaig House. (B) Day 5 | Exploring Arisaig Enjoy a free day today. Your information pack will contain details of hikes in the local area that you can undertake, such as a hike beside Loch Morar or even a day trip to the Knoydart Peninsula. Alternatively you can relax at your accommodation and just soak in the atmosphere. Overnight Arisaig House. (B) Day 6 | Sea Kayaking and Beach Combing After breakfast, you’ll join a local sea kayak guide (along with some other clients) to explore the wonderful Sound of Arisaig skerries by sea kayak. These sheltered waters are perfect for kayaking whether its your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, as they are home to a seal colony, otters and porpoises. Your expert guide will ensure you get the most of this experience, offering some coaching while drawing your attention to the amazing natural elements around you. Note that the location for the sea kayaking trip is subject to weather and may change. (B) Day 7 | Arisaig and Depart On your final morning you may like to take a last stroll around the grounds before making your way through the hills back to Fort William, and from there on to your next destination. (B) Trip Grading | At Your Own Pace On this adventure you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Scotland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle low level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready! On the other days of the trip you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable. Accommodation and Meals In Fort William you will be based at The Lime Tree – an excellent small hotel located close to the town centre, with an enviable reputation for cooking. On the Isle of Eigg you will stay at the delightful Kildonan Farm House, a guesthouse run by your host, Marie. She will make you feel right at home in her special corner of the world. Your final accommodation is the splendid Arisaig House, a historic luxury B&B in 19 acres of private grounds. Please note that alternative accommodations may be offered when you book if availability at any of these is limited. At all stages of your trip you will be able to enjoy the finest of Scottish cuisine, enjoying delicious meals prepared from superb local ingredients. Packed lunches are not included in the trip cost, but will be available from your hotel or a local cafe/ deli. Inclusions This trip includes the following: • 6 nights accommodation with breakfast each day • 1 evening meal (on the Isle of Eigg) • 2 days private guiding with a qualified and experienced Wilderness Scotland Guide • A day of guided sea kayaking as part of a group trip, led by a local Sea Kayak Guide • Ferry fares to and from the Isle of Eigg (passengers only – no visitor cars can be taken to Eigg) • The services of the Wilderness Scotland team before and during your trip Our holidays reviewed in your words… Well organised trip which gave us new experiences we “wouldn't have done on our own and showcased some of the highlights of the Fort William area of Scotland Catherine Johnstone ” All Trip Reviews Here Your Guide During this trip you will be accompanied and led by one of our professional guides. Our guides are among the most highly experienced and qualified in the country. Defined by their passion for Scotland’s wild places, they have an intimate knowledge of the natural and social history of this land which they will be delighted to share with you. For more info and to meet the team please see our Guide Pages. Sustainable Travel Wilderness Scotland is committed to the principles of ecotourism. We work very hard to ensure our engagements with local communities, wild lands and wildlife are positive. We are a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics, which enhances our commitment to responsible activity in Scotland’s wild lands, as enshrined in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC). We are also proud to be a John Muir Trust Peak Partner. Thanks in part to the generosity of our clients though our Conservation Contribution scheme the John Muir Trust can rely on our investment to go towards conservation projects that have a deep connection to Wilderness Scotland and the areas we adventure in. You can learn more about the work we’re doing with the John Muir Trust and the other ways we care for the wild places we love here. Equipment List Check out our guide on what to wear when adventuring in Scotland. wildernessscotland.com/blog/hiking-in-scotland-what-to-wear Eat | Stay | See Looking for accommodation for before or after your adventure with us? Check out our list of where to stay and what to do Eat – Stay – See – Fort William.pdf General Info – Scotland From food and drink to the Loch Ness Monster, our General Info for Scotland guide has got you covered for all your need to know facts. General-Info-Scotland.pdf Travel Insurance It is your responsibility to take out appropriate travel insurance to cover you during your trip.