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CalMac Blog
08/09/2020

Autumnal ideas

wooden hideaway, Brodick Castle adventure playground

In need of Inspiration?

If you're looking for some inspiration for an autumn getaway over the next few months - join us below as we take a tour through some of the best options the west coast has to offer.

Autumn adventure on Arran

Arran offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure for all levels. Take in Brodick Castle's formal gardens with its Silver Garden Trail and Plant Hunters' walk. Younger visitors can let their imaginations run wild on the Faeries and Legends trail too. The Isle Be Wild play park is also open - with zip wires, towers and bridges galore. The country park - the only island country park in Britain has over 10 miles of trails, so it definitely makes sense to pack your walking shoes.

Beyond Brodick - there's plenty more outdoor walks and trails to enjoy on Arran, many of them to intriguing locations like the Machrie Moor standing stones, Kings Caves and the Giant's Graves.

Brodick Castle kids Playground
 

Enjoy Mull's wild side

Mull is one of the country's most popular locations for watching wildlife since it's home to some iconic residents like otters and eagles. However, they can be quite difficult to spot.  A guided wildlife trip from one of the great local operators will help increase your chances.

Timing is everything as they say - and Autumn is the perfect time of year to witness a busy and memorable period in the island's wildlife calendar. From now, Atlantic Grey Seal pups begin to arrive on the Treshnish Isles, the archipelago to the west of Mull. Local experts like Turus Mara run trips until late October - with limited numbers - to see some of the 1,200 pups born here each year.

Common seal on isle of Coll
 

Off the beaten track on Skye

Skye is a fantastic outdoor playground and when respected, it offers a world class outdoor experience for all abilities. With the help of local guides, you can create the perfect trip for everyone from young (and older) beginners to experienced outdoor types. For example, experts like Skye Outdoors can help create a suitable and safe adventure - from hikes through the heather to the top of a Ben - with beautiful views of the Cuillin at the end to coasteering your way around the dramatic Atlantic shoreline. With guides like these - equipment is provided as well as years of local knowledge and expertise to help you make the most of the experience.

So, as summer bids us farewell, the arrival of autumn offers us plenty of opportunity to once again soak up the beauty of the west coast at a pace that suits you.

Coasteering on the Isle of Skye
 

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The practicalities

It's certainly been a different year for everyone, and where travel is concerned, there's a few extra considerations we all need to make. We are delighted to bring more of you back to the islands - and when you travel with us, we'd encourage you to plan ahead and be prepared:

  • If you're travelling on our bookable routes - reserve your tickets in advance.
  • If you need accommodation, don't travel without confirmation.
  • Follow all our safer travel guidance to help keep the islands and one another safe.
  • Be in the know before you go. Read up on how your destination is handling the response to the COVID19 and find out what arrangements are in place locally.
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