Private family charter exploring the Small Isles os Scotland

The Inner Hebrides comprise the great swathe of islands lying off the western coast of Scotland - east of the Outer Hebrides, south of Skye and west of the Kintyre peninsula.

The most accessible of the islands is Mull, a 2hr ride from Oban. It's also the most popular by far, and with some justification. The variety of scenery on offer is astounding and its capital, Tobermory, is the most attractive port in western Scotland. A stone's throw from Mull is tiny Iona, one of the most important religious sites in Europe, with some divine beaches.
Further west, windswept Coll and Tiree offer miles of unspoilt beaches and some great windsurfing and, to the south, Colonsay is a stress-free zone that makes Mull seem hectic.

Those who enjoy a good malt whisky should head for Islay, famed for its distilleries, while neighbouring Jura is a wild and beautiful place, perfect for some off-the-beaten-track hiking. If you're after some peace and quiet on Jura then you're in good company, for this is where George Orwell came to write '1984'.

Furthest north are the "small islands" of Eigg, Muck, Rùm and Canna, reached from Mallaig,People come here for the fine bird watching and superb walking, this is where we will be spending most of this trip enjoying the isolation and wildlife.....

E Derrick 'skipper'