Wild at heart
The Scottish Highlands and islands are some of Europe’s wildest reaches. Three billion years of Earth’s history is recorded in its ancient rocks and weathered mountain ranges. It's a land of outstanding natural beauty that has long captivated adventurers, conjuring feelings that have fed into literature and folklore for many, many years.
Shoulder to shoulder with Cookson Adventures, you can sail around its intricately-carved coastline and the far-reaching Hebrides. Fly around castles in a helicopter or count puffin populations in a sea kayak. Evenings can be drawn to a close with a three-course meal on a river bank, cooked with ingredients you foraged earlier that day alongside your chef.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to island-hopping. Islay, known for its eight whisky distilleries, is the breeding ground for over 100 species of birds such as golden eagles, guillemots and barnacle geese. Before bird spotting and a toast to the island’s finest, board a RIB boat and journey to the magnificent Corryvreckan whirlpool. This is the third-largest whirlpool in the world, and one that has harbour porpoises and seals regularly passing by.
Next, you could head to the uninhabited island of Staffa, where eerie sounds reminiscent of a cathedral rise from Fingal’s Cave. Formed from hexagonally-jointed basalt columns, this sea cave echoes with the natural acoustics of waves crashing against it, reflecting off its high-arched roof. By kayak, explore this landmark while searching for the puffins that line the island’s rocky shores.
Red deer on the Isle of Rum
Step ashore the diamond-shaped Isle of Rum where around 900 red deer roam freely in a beautiful coastal setting. Eagles are often flying overhead.
Hebridean Island of Coll
Explore the small Hebridean Island of Coll, visited by few. This tranquil home to just over 150 residents is one of the best places in the U.K. to search for basking sharks, the second largest species of shark in the ocean.
Head out with our trackers to search the waters around the island and, with luck, you may find yourself alongside these giants.
Fly around the Isle of Skye
The largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago is renowned for its rugged mountains, which are skirted by picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. Take a heli around it to see the vivid-blue Fairy Pools and the atmospheric Old Man of Storr.
Foraging on Islay
Join a specialist on a foraging walk gathering wild plants and shellfish from fields to the shore. You will find delicious and unusual ingredients for lunch on a remote beach and special Islay cocktails.
Spot puffins
Search for puffins as you sail past Colonsay’s sweeping sandy beaches to Iona. While you’re here, explore the island’s famous abbey which dates back to AD 563 and is often described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.
After-hours at a whisky distillery
Bring friends or family to toast one of Scotland's finest exports alongside the distillery owner.
