Scotland’s tourism doors have re-opened and we’re delighted to have everyone back! Make the most of your next adventure with these useful tools and websites, designed to help you plan your trip to the West coast of Scotland and beyond …
Wild About Argyll’s Travel Planner
The Wild About Argyll website is packed full of helpful information, covering everything from things to see and do, to ‘hidden gem’ blog posts and downloadable guides. The site’s most recent offering is a new travel planning tool, designed to allow users to check out what‘s open or closed, working closely with local businesses to ensure a safer travel experience.
The new search facility covers everywhere from places to eat, drink and shop, to accommodation and the key visitor experiences. Head to the directory and start trip planning: go.wildaboutargyll.co.uk
CalMac Ferries on the West coast of Scotland
CalMac’s award winning ferry services are one of the easiest ways to explore the Scottish islands, and their easy-to-navigate website makes planning your transfers fast and stress-free. Their handy ports and destinations map allows you to explore departures points for the entire West coast of Scotland, whilst their island-hopping holiday tickets provide convenient pre-planned hopscotch routes. Get your island inspiration hit and start organising your travel plans here: calmac.co.uk/island-hopping
Please Note: Due to Covid restrictions, bookings will be open for the period up to and including 18 October 2020. You can find CalMac’s full list of Covid-19 Customer Updates and Travel Advice here.
The Scotch Whisky Association
Looking to dive into the wonderful world of whisky tours, but don’t know your Highlands from your Lowlands? The SWA’s Discovery pages provide a crash course in all things whisky, offering visitors digestible guides to distilleries across Scotland, cocktail recipes, printable tasting tool-kits and industry videos. This is a great place to learn the basics before you head out for a physical Scottish distillery tour. Take a look at their discovery pages here: scotch-whisky.org.uk/discover
Smidge
The Scottish midge. An unfamiliar foe to many of those visiting Scotland for the first time. “How bad can a little fly really be?”, we’re often asked. But heed our warning folks, these little terrors are a real pain! As a solo entity, you’d barely notice this tiny biting fly … but these minute bugs travel in packs. Huge packs! Their nips aren’t painful, but they will leave and itch, and swarms of them can be downright annoying whilst you’re out exploring or attempting a large hike.
In a clever marketing twist, repellent brand Smidge have created a midge forecast map. The map gives users a daily midge update, using data collected from biting midge traps and mini-weather stations across Scotland. You can find their 5-day forecast map here: smidgeup.com/midge-forecast
Visit Scotland’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ Scheme
Travelling post-Covid should feel safe and relaxing. In order to re-install confidence, Visit Scotland have worked closely with Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitEngland and VisitWales to develop a new industry safety standards mark.
The scheme has been introduced to direct visitors towards those adhering to government and public health guidance. These locations have carried out a rigorous COVID-19 risk assessment, ensuring they have everything in place to reopen safely. You can find participating tours of Scotland, accommodation, events, restaurants, and much more on the Visit Scotland website.
Walk Highlands
There are walks to suit every level across the West coast of Scotland. Many travel to Scotland with dreams of bagging their first munro, whilst others simply come to explore leisurely trails and green landscapes. Whatever your preference, the diverse landscape ensures visitors never have to explore the same trail twice.
For those not already familiar with the encyclopedia that is Walk Highlands, the website is an absolute god send for anyone searching for timescales, walk descriptions, maps, start points, and pretty much anything you need to make sure you enjoy your day out. We’re particularly fond of their Argyll, Bute and Oban walks.
As well as all of the above references, our own Loch Melfort blog posts cover everything from the most Romantic places in Scotland to idyllic Highland island hot spots. Visit our blog page here.