How to spend your bank holidays wisely
2022 is a bumper year for bank holidays, and a few of them are just around the corner. If you're looking for ways to spend them wisely, we have some fantastic ideas for you.
Gigha
A trip to the isle of Gigha is perfect for a short break or a day trip with a difference. The most southerly of the Hebrides, it's just a 20-minute ferry journey from Tayinloan on Kintyre. There's plenty to draw you into this wee slice of paradise, including the island's beautiful 'twin beaches' at the north end of the island - fine white sands, clear turquoise waters and a beautiful view out to Jura. Gigha also offers some of the best food on the west coast - beautiful produce with a glorious backdrop. Make sure you try the Smoked Gigha Halibut, reared on the island and ice cream from the Wee Isle Dairy. Devine.
Mull, Iona and Staffa
Mull, Iona and Staffa - this short break is an island hat-trick in the making. Sail to Mull from Oban or add to the adventure by journeying to the stunning Ardnamurchan peninsula, where you can take the ferry to Mull from Lochaline or Kilchoan. Mull is renowned for its wildlife - while it's never guaranteed, the waters around the island are a good place to spot Minke whales - and sometimes orca, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. From Mull you can take a trip to the 'magic isle' of Staffa - home to Fingal's cave composed of towering hexagonal columns. It's a beautiful sight. From May to August, a colony of puffins choose to breed here, a sight which is just as memorable as the cave. Iona also lies off Mull's coast - a peaceful and tranquil spot, surrounded in spectacular sandy beaches, and home to Iona Abbey. Measuring just one and a half miles wide and 3 miles long, this tiny island has a huge place in Scottish and European history.
Take a look at Mull ferry options
Northern Skye
Pack your boots and coat, Skye is best explored on foot. Stunning mountain scenery with geological features from the Old Man of Storr to the dramatic Quiraing. North of Dunvegan, you'll find Claigan's beautiful coral beach, it's easy to see why this spot is known locally as 'wee gem'. The beach itself is formed of fossilised algae, and at low tide you can explore the tidal island of Lampay. Just a few miles away is Dunvegan Castle - the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, full of tales and treasure - from the legendary fairy flag with miraculous powers and artefacts from Bonnie Prince Charlie himself.
View your timetable for a trip over the sea to Skye
Small Isles
The magic starts with a trip along the Road to the Isles, bound for Mallaig. Stop off at Glenfinnan (either by rail or road). It's a beautiful spot - with a monument to the aforementioned Bonnie Prince Charlie. High up on the hill is the railway viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter's annual railway journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Set sail for the Small Isles from the port of Mallaig. On Eigg you'll find the mighty An Sgurr, remnants of an ancient volcano which will give you fabulous views from the top. The island is an excellent lesson in reducing our carbon footprint, boasting the first wind, water, and sun-powered electricity grid in the world. It's a wildlife paradise with 130 different types of birds being spotted in a typical year. Summer months bring visits from whales and dolphins, and the beaches offer fascinating rock formations.
Bank Holidays
Make the most of this bumper bank holiday year. Short breaks. Day trips. We'll help you spend your time wisely here on the west coast.
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday 2nd May 2022 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Thursday 2nd June 2022 |
| Platinum Jubilee bank holiday | Friday 3rd June 2022 |
| Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland) | Monday 1st August 2022 |
| Summer Bank Holiday | Monday 29th August 2022 |
| St. Andrew's Day (Scotland) | Wednesday 30th November 2022 |
| Boxing Day | Monday 26th December 2022 |
| Christmas Day (25 December falls on a Sunday) | Tuesday 27th December 2022 |