THE ISLES OF SMILES It’s the ideal time to board a ferry and enjoy some island delights

SeT sail for an island adventure with Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries this summer and experience a break where getting there is half the fun. From the isles of Arran and Cumbrae in the south, to the Inner and Outer hebrides further west and north, experience the true delight of an island escape as you unwind from the stresses of everyday life in these idyllic sanctuaries.

Discover miles of unspoilt white sandy beaches, giant sea cliffs, unique culture, mysterious castles, fascinating wildlife and an unrivalled natural playground that you’ll want to visit time and again.

Island hopping by ferry is a great way to explore the enchanting Outer hebrides – an archipelago stretching 130 miles from tip-to-toe on the very edge of europe.

From a dramatic island stronghold off Barra and nature reserves on the Uists teeming with wildlife, to the rugged mountains of north harris, iconic harris Tweed and the incredibly well preserved archaeology of Lewis, there’s so much to discover.

If you travel to Lewis from Ullapool to Stornoway, you will also enjoy the comfort and speed of the MV Loch Seaforth, the fabulous new addition to CalMac’s fleet.

Further south, the Inner hebrides are a beautiful array of islands just waiting to be explored.

The Isle of Skye is arguably the most famous of this island chain and it’s only a short ferry hop from Tarbet on harris to Uig in the north of Skye, if you’re continuing your islandhopping hebridean odyssey.

One of Scotland’s most popular islands for visitors, it is renowned for its natural beauty, airy crested ridges and peaks, abundant wildlife, enthralling history and outstanding food and drink.

Argyll’s Inner hebrides are also not to be missed. Visit Mull and Iona and uncover fascinating religious, pre-historic and medieval history, or see massive white-tailed sea eagles soaring high above.

Be captivated by Coll and Tiree’s sandy bays, turquoise waters and picture-postcard white-washed cottages and pretty villages.

relax on the lovely beaches and walk the hills (known as MacPhies) of Colonsay. Visit Scotland’s whisky island of Islay, where you’ll find no fewer than eight remarkable distilleries. head for Jura to climb the Paps, see hundreds of red deer, enjoy more whisky, or take a boat trip to see the Corryvreckan whirlpool.

Just off the Kintyre peninsula, head for the enchanting island of Gigha, with its distinct history, beautif ul Achamore Gardens and lovely beaches and you’ll find splendid architecture and glorious gardens on the Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde.

In the south just off the Ayrshire coast, the i sles of Arran and Cumbrae are amongst the most accessible i sl and escapes in Scotland and ideal for day visits and longer stays.

Cumbrae is a ten-minute crossing from Largs and is popular with sailing enthusiasts and cyclists as the island is only four miles in length. The isle of Arran, voted Scotland’s No.1 island by Trip Advisor, is crammed full of wonderful walks from sea to summit, incredible history and historic attractions, glorious golf, outdoor adventures, arts and crafts and a fantastic array of local produce from tasty ales and whisky to delicious cheeses, chocolate, seafood and more.

Thanks to recently reduced ferry fares, there has never been a better time to visit Arran.

With the option of CalMac’s Island hopscotch® tickets you can create your own island hopping break. With 25 options to choose from, it really could not be easier to visit Scotland’s west coast islands this summer.

For more details, see visitscotland. com/see-do/island-hopping.