Edinburgh in 10 Days for Friends - Goatfell ascent on Arran
In Collaboration with Mckenzie Mountaineering - Guided Walking Adventures. Updated on February 6, 2026.
Active, social island-hopping adventure across Arran, Islay, Jura and Mull with guided mountain walks and whisky tastings — ideal for groups of friends who like good company, great views and memorable shared experiences.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Mckenzie Mountaineering - Guided Walking Adventures, inspired by the tour 10 Day / 9 nights - Island Hopping Walking Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Goatfell ascent on Arran
- Machrie Moor standing stones
- Distillery tastings on Islay & Jura
- Paps of Jura hike (Beinn an Oir)
- Ben More (Munro) & Tobermory distillery
- Community-run Ulva circuit
- Scenic ferry crossings and coastal drives
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Edinburgh, transfer to Arran then afternoon walk to Machrie Moor and check-in.
Meet-up in central Edinburgh
Group meet and pickup point in central Edinburgh. Final kit check, quick intro to the week and departure towards the west coast.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early so the driver can start promptly — parking near Waverley can be busy.
- Bring a small daypack (water, passport/ID, suncream) — you'll board ferries later.
- Charge phones and bring a powerbank — long transfers are great for photos and playlists.
Drive to Ardrossan and ferry to Brodick (transfer)
Scenic road transfer along the Clyde coast to Ardrossan then the 1‑hour ferry crossing to Brodick on Arran.
Tips from local experts:
- Grab a coffee at the ferry terminal shop before boarding — windows seats on the ferry give the best views.
- Keep jackets handy — it can be breezy on deck even in June.
- If you're prone to seasickness, sit mid-ship and bring motion-sickness tablets.
Machrie Moor standing stones — short introduction walk
Afternoon 1.5–2 hour walk among ancient stone circles and burial cairns — a relaxed introduction to Arran’s archaeology and landscape.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light waterproof and good shoes — paths are uneven in places but suitable for active groups.
- This location is superb for group photos at golden hour — plan a short photo stop on the moor.
- Listen to your guide’s local legends — they’ll point out the best stone circles and camera angles.
Check-in & village evening (Brodick)
Check into your B&B/guesthouse in Brodick, free time to freshen up and explore the harbour before an informal group welcome from the guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your host for insider evening spots — locals often know the best pub for group seating.
- Drop muddy boots in the porch and air jackets so they’re dry for tomorrow’s longer walk.
- If you want to split the bill at dinner, ask the B&B staff about local pubs that do group platters.
Day 2
Full day ascent of Goatfell with brewery stop and Arran Distillery tasting.
Breakfast & kit-up in Brodick
Hearty breakfast at the accommodation; final gear check for a long mountain day (layers, waterproofs, lunch/snacks).
Tips from local experts:
- Fill a reusable water bottle — there are limited refill options on the mountain.
- Pack high-energy snacks (bars, nuts) for quick boosts during ascent.
- Wear broken-in boots; blisters slow groups down — bring Compeed/plasters.
Ascent of Goatfell (full-day hike)
Guided ascent to Goatfell (approx. 6–8 hours total walking). Expect rougher ground near the summit and excellent panoramic views.
Tips from local experts:
- Pace as a group — set steady intervals and short rest stops so everyone enjoys the summit.
- Bring sun protection and sunglasses — strong glare from rock and peat can be tiring.
- Swap camera tasks among the group so everyone gets summit photos without long waits.
Corrie Hotel — refreshment stop
Mid-route refreshment stop in the village of Corrie — ideal for a well-earned cuppa or light pub lunch.
Tips from local experts:
- Groups: order rounds of pints/snacks to share — ask for outdoor seating if weather’s good.
- Try local hearty pub options — they’re ideal after a long mountain day.
- Keep wallets together for easy splitting of the bill at the table.
Arran Distillery tour & tasting — Lochranza
Guided distillery tour in Lochranza with tasting — share impressions and pick favourites as a group.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the tour slot in advance for groups — distilleries have limited spaces.
- Taste mindfully — share sample notes with friends to compare flavour impressions.
- Ask staff about limited releases — small groups often get told about special bottlings.
Evening social — group dinner and debrief
Group dinner in Brodick or nearby pub to recap the day’s high points and plan tomorrow.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance for groups — some pubs fill quickly in summer evenings.
- Order a couple of shared starters to try multiple local dishes without long waits.
- Keep the tone lively but relaxed — long hiking day tomorrow so early night options are good.
Day 3
Transfer to Islay, coastal walk and settle into Bowmore base for 3 nights.
Transfer to Kennacraig & ferry to Islay
Scenic drive across the Kintyre/Argyll coast to Kennacraig for the ferry crossing to Islay (arrival typically Port Askaig or Port Ellen).
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your group together at the ferry terminal — vehicle ramps can be chaotic on boarding.
- Snack stash: bring sandwiches for flexibility; lunchtime on ferries can be limited.
- Watch for seals and dolphins in the Sound — best viewed from the starboard side.
Coastal walk on Islay (Machir Bay style beach walk)
Relaxed coastal walk on one of Islay’s unspoilt beaches — bird and marine-spotting possible, great for group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars if you have them — the coastline is great for spotting eiders and occasional otters.
- Wear trainers/walking shoes — sand can be soft in parts, and tide times matter for some beaches.
- Plan a short picnic on the beach — shared snacks are great group bonding moments.
Check-in in Bowmore & evening stroll
Settle into Bowmore, stroll the village and the round church, then meet for an island briefing and optional pint.
Tips from local experts:
- Bowmore has a compact centre — great for group wandering and finding a cosy pub.
- Visit Bowmore Round Church quickly — it's a neat photo stop before dinner.
- Sample local seafood at a tavern — share plates so everyone tries something different.
Day 4
Day trip to Jura: short ferry, Paps of Jura hike and Jura Distillery tasting before returning to Islay.
Short ferry to Jura (transfer)
Quick ferry hop from Islay to Jura — the crossing is short and scenic.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep jackets to hand — crossing can be chilly even in June.
- Mind the ferry schedule — small inter-island ferries can be infrequent.
- Take photos of the shoreline — Jura’s profile is dramatic and photogenic.
Beinn an Oir — Paps of Jura ascent
Guided mountain walk up Beinn an Oir — long, often boggy approach improving into a steep grassy/rocky summit with superb views.
Tips from local experts:
- Good waterproof trousers and gaiters are recommended — the lower ground can be wet and boggy.
- Group photo on the ridge is a must — summit viewpoints are memorable with friends.
- Pack lunch with quick-to-eat items; summit stops are best for relaxed snack breaks.
Jura Distillery — tour & tasting
Finish the day with a distillery tour and tasting at Jura — compare notes with the group and relax before ferry back.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the tasting in advance for your group — some slots fill fast in summer.
- Ask for water or palate cleansers between drams so everyone can enjoy multiple samples.
- Buy a souvenir dram to split later as a group memento and topic of tasting conversation.
Ferry back to Islay & relaxed evening
Return ferry to Islay and evening at leisure — dinner in Bowmore with the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan dinner reservations in Bowmore if you have a larger group.
- Compare tasting notes from the day — makes for a lively dinner conversation.
- Keep change handy for small purchases in village shops.
Day 5
Islay 'distillery trail' day with coastal highlights: Mull of Oa, the Singing Sands and tastings at three famed distilleries.
Mull of Oa walk and monument visit
Morning walk on the dramatic Oa peninsula with coastal cliffs and a WWI/II memorial — sweeping views ideal for group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear windproof layers — the Oa can be exposed and windy even on sunny days.
- Bring a wide-angle lens or use panorama mode for cliff-edge shots with friends.
- Look out for wildlife: razorbills and guillemots nest on the cliffs in summer.
Singing sands coastal stop & light lunch
Short walk to one of Islay’s famed sands; relaxed picnic or light lunch break with the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a picnic blanket — sitting on the sand makes a great group chill-out spot.
- Check the tides if you plan a longer shoreline walk.
- Local cafés sometimes run out of hot food at peak times — grab snacks early.
Distillery trio — Laphroaig, Lagavulin & Ardbeg tastings
Visit three iconic distilleries on the south coast — shared tastings and a tour at Ardbeg to cap the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Book tastings in advance for groups — stagger times so the driver can shuttle between sites.
- Share a tasting board among friends so everyone samples multiple malts without overdoing it.
- Use a notebook or phone to jot tasting notes — it's fun to compare later on the drive home.
Sunset pint & group dinner (Islay south coast)
Relaxed evening with a sunset drink and a shared meal — reminiscing about the day’s peat and coastal views.
Tips from local experts:
- Watch the west-facing sunset — a great time for rooftop or beachside pints.
- Order sharing platters to keep the vibe social and casual.
- Keep a contact plan for the group so meeting up after independent exploration is easy.
Day 6
Ferry to Mull via west-coast ferry and scenic drive arriving in Tobermory for four nights base.
Ferry from Islay to Mull (transfer via west coast)
Morning drive/ferry combination to reach Isle of Mull — sit back and enjoy coastline views en route to Craignure.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep group snacks and refreshments for the transfer — stops can be limited.
- The road to Craignure is scenic — have cameras ready for coastal panoramas.
- If anyone prefers to nap, a short stop in Oban can be arranged for stretch and coffee.
Short exploratory walk and lunch in Tobermory
Afternoon arrival in colourful Tobermory — short harbour walk, lunch and some free time to browse local shops.
Tips from local experts:
- The harbourfront is photogenic — split into small pairs to avoid blocking the quay for other visitors.
- Try local seafood restaurants for shared platter options — great for groups.
- Pick up a map from the tourist info for recommended short walks and timing suggestions.
Check-in and optional short afternoon walk
Check into accommodation and, weather permitting, a gentle 2–3 hour walk nearby to stretch legs after travel.
Tips from local experts:
- Drop daypacks and go light for the afternoon walk — keep boots handy for tomorrow’s bigger hike.
- Ask hosts about quiet spots for an evening group drink; many B&Bs will recommend local pubs.
- Reserve a tasting slot at Tobermory Distillery for a later day while you have good mobile signal.
Day 7
Ben More ascent — full mountain day — followed by a Tobermory distillery tasting and relaxed evening.
Breakfast & transfer to Ben More start point
Early breakfast then short transfer to the Ben More trailhead — gear check before a long day.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a calorie-dense breakfast — the Ben More ascent is sustained and energy-taxing.
- Share spare layers among friends if someone forgets a mid-layer — practical group support.
- Pack a thermos for a hot drink at the summit if the weather is brisk.
Ben More (Munro) — guided ascent and descent
Full-day guided climb of Ben More (approx. 6 hours walking) — rocky upper sections and excellent views; moderate/strenuous.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a steady group pace and regular regroup points to keep everyone together.
- Bring trekking poles if you use them — they help on the rocky descent and for group-stability.
- Take photos at key viewpoints — the summit panorama is a special shared memory.
Tobermory Distillery tasting & relaxed debrief
Late afternoon tasting tour at Tobermory Distillery — compare island malts and chat about the climb.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the distillery tour for a group slot so you don’t get split across times.
- Share tasting impressions and rank favourites — fun conversation for the table afterwards.
- Buy a small bottle as a group souvenir to toast the summit later.
Group dinner in Tobermory
Evening meal at a friendly local restaurant — relaxed, social atmosphere to finish the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve in advance for larger groups; ask for sharing platters to sample island produce.
- Stick to a reasonable finish time — early start tomorrow for Ulva day.
- Toast the day with a local ale or dram — keep hydration in mind after a big hike.
Day 8
Day trip to community-owned Ulva: ferry crossing, circuit walk, boathouse cafe stop and scenic beach on return.
Ferry to Ulva and start at the Boathouse Cafe
Short morning ferry to Ulva; meet the island team at the boathouse cafe and prepare for the circuit walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring cash as some community cafés prefer it; check opening times in advance.
- Wear layers — sea breeze cools quickly on the crossing even in June.
- Keep group numbers small for the ferry crossing; follow the island landing rules.
Ulva circuit — community-owned island walk
3–4 hour varied walk around the southern section of Ulva: croft remains, coastal cliffs and a coastal cave — intimate island scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect private croft areas and stick to established paths to support the community.
- This is a lovely spot for group storytelling and relaxed pacing — take snack breaks at viewpoints.
- Bring a lightweight picnic blanket for beach stops; finishers tend to linger for photos.
Refreshment at the Boathouse Cafe & ferry back
Return to the boathouse cafe for cake/coffee before taking the ferry back to Mull.
Tips from local experts:
- Try local baked goods — they make great shared treats for the ferry ride home.
- Respect cafe seating limits during busy periods; rotate groups through if needed.
- Ask staff for secret photo spots on Ulva before you leave — locals often share hidden gems.
Calgary Bay beach stop on return to Tobermory
Short scenic beach stop at Calgary Bay — white sands and turquoise water, perfect for group photos and a swim (if brave!).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a spare towel and quick-dry shirts if anyone wants a dip — water is chilly but refreshing.
- Calgary is exposed — have windproof layers and secure hats for photos.
- Keep an eye on the clock; lingering at the beach can push dinner plans back.
Day 9
Dùn da Ghaoithe ridge section and Duart Castle visit — final big day on Mull before travelling home tomorrow.
Transfer to Dun da Ghaoithe trailhead
Short scenic drive to the start of the ridge walk on Mull with final route briefing.
Tips from local experts:
- Fuel up and snack before the walk — options can be limited near trailheads.
- Split into buddy pairs for the ridge section — good for photo-taking and safety.
- Carry an extra layer in case the wind gusts on the ridge.
Dùn da Ghaoithe ridge walk (section)
Guided ridge walk along Dùn da Ghaoithe — outstanding ridge views; do a scenic section and return the same way.
Tips from local experts:
- Enjoy the ridge in small groups so everyone can move at a comfortable pace.
- Keep cameras ready for wide-seascape shots and to capture the group on the ridge crest.
- Conserve energy for the descent — rocky sections require careful footing.
Duart Castle grounds & short tour
Afternoon visit to Duart Castle — explore the grounds and take a short guided tour inside where available.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy combined entry/tour tickets in advance if your group wants the interior tour.
- Castle grounds are great for picnic-style lunch if you prefer an outdoor meal.
- Evening light on the castle is excellent for moody group photos; consider a quick photo stop before leaving.
Farewell dinner in Tobermory — final group catch-up
Shared farewell dinner to celebrate the trip and swap highlight moments, music and laughter.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a communal table for a lively atmosphere and easier bill-splitting.
- Share favourite photos and nominate a ‘best moment’ each to remember the trip by.
- Consider a small presentation or toast with the dram you bought earlier as a group keepsake.
Day 10
Transfer back to the mainland via Ardnamurchan peninsula, scenic drive through Glencoe and return to Edinburgh (finish around early afternoon).
Ferry from Tobermory to Kilchoan (Ardnamurchan) — scenic hop
Early ferry crossing to Kilchoan on Ardnamurchan to start the scenic mainland drive east towards Glencoe and Edinburgh.
Tips from local experts:
- Have cameras ready for dramatic coastal views on the crossing; the first light is often atmospheric.
- Collect any packed lunch items from accommodation before boarding.
- Keep small changes handy for ferry foot passenger fares if needed.
Photo stops on Ardnamurchan & Glencoe scenic drive
Several short photo stops and leg-stretch breaks along the Ardnamurchan peninsula and through Glencoe — enjoy the west-to-east Highlands scenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Stretch legs at designated viewing points — the group will appreciate frequent brief stops.
- Pick a photo leader to coordinate group shots so everyone gets in the frame.
- The weather can change fast; layer up for comfort at high viewpoints.
Return to Edinburgh — drop-off and farewells
Arrival back in Edinburgh around early afternoon; official finish and goodbyes with option to arrange onward travel.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm onward transport times in advance to allow for traffic variation on the A82/A82 route.
- Exchange contacts if you want to arrange post-trip meetups or share photos.
- Collect any lost items from the group leader before leaving the vehicle.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 10 |
| Highlights | 7 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 11 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 27 |
| Total Places | 27 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Hotel, Meal, Restaurant, Experience, Nightlife, Neighborhood, Break, Culture |
