Although a scenic road trip is often synonymous with a summer getaway, Scotland is home to incredible islands to explore during winter. Whether it’s the views, the food, or the culture; each island has something magical to offer. So ditch Princes Street this December, and plan a mini-break with your flatmates instead. Here are my top four recommendations!
Skye
Although recently discovered by tourists and TikTokers alike, the Isle of Skye remains my favourite place, and if you venture up to the Highlands in Winter you’re sure to avoid the swarming crowds. For me, this peace and quiet is perfect for decompressing post-semester one.
Perhaps the most iconic attraction on the island is the Old Man of Storr. Located on the Trotternish Ridge (15 minutes north of Portree), this rocky walk is home to the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. Famed for its rich palaeobiodiversity, An Corran is also a great addition to your winter break itinerary. Wrap up warm and scour this brilliant beach to discover the footprints of 170 million-year-old Ornithopods!
If you can rope your parents into a mini break, or you’re confident in a rental car, you can even visit Eilean Donan Castle and make some picturesque pitstops on the way.
Mull
An Edinburgh to Oban train followed by an Oban to Craignure ferry will get you to Mull. The headliner of this Island is the food, especially at Christmas, with the availability of local ingredients elevating a traditional roast. Locally caught Inverlussa mussels make a great starter, with a Clootie Dumpling to finish! Mull is home to many self-catered cottages for you and your friends to unplug – and if you’re staying for a few nights, a trip to another island Iona is non-negotiable.
Iona
A comically short 10-minute ferry will transport you from Mull to the mystical Iona. Anyone who visits speaks of a special energy, whether it’s the lack of cars or internet service, the serenity of Iona is unbeaten. If religious history is your thing, take a stroll around the medieval ruins of Iona’s Abbey. But the island’s showstopper is its beaches. From the white sands of Traigh an t-Suidhe to the aquamarine waters of Martyr’s Bay – these are a sight to see all year round.
Bute
Bute is a perfect pick for an island trip from Edinburgh because of accessibility. If you start early enough, a train to Glasgow and a £13 ferry can have you there by lunchtime. From here, you can brave a crisp coastal walk along Scalpsie Bay or immerse yourself in the festivities at Bute Yard – the isle’s hub for eateries and festivities. For nature lovers, Bute’s wildlife is hard to beat. Spend a day scouting for seals at Ettrick Bay, spotting Greylag Geese, or even catching a glimpse of Gold Eagles. The dark nights of December also provide a chance to view the Northern Lights. What better way to round up a winter break than seeing the Aurora Borealis?
Image of Isle of Skye, provided by Olivia Farnworth.