Do you like Skye? You will love Mul

We see it in movies and series, we read dreamy accounts of it in novels: Skye is often a must in Scotland. The country’s largest island has many treasures, from the colorful houses of Portree to the stunning scenery of the Old Man of Storr. Easily accessible by land, the problem with this country’s most popular destination is that it’s hard to enjoy when it’s so crowded…especially in the summer. But don’t panic, there is a great alternative: Isle of Mull. As for the Isle of Skye, the road to get there alone is very strange: by car, you follow Loch LomondAnd a section Loch wonder (where Kilchurn Castlethe former ruined castle of Clan Campbell), later a part of it Lock EtiveBefore arriving ObanKnown for its charming port city Whiskey. This is where the ferry leaves for Mull: you will reach the island in just 50 minutes. Go to this TobermoryStep into it, the multicolored facades of the houses overlooking the small fishing port GlengormLandscapes as stunning as Skye’s… there is no shortage of places to explore on the Inner Hebrides’ second largest island after Skye.

It is surrounded by unusual small islands starting with Mull BracketIt inspired composer Felix Mendelssohn for his symphonic piece The Hebrides This is where Fingal lies, an approximately 60-million-year-old cave formed by the same lava flow that created Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, directly across the sea. the island D’IonaThe south-west of Mull is also worth a visit: in 536, it was here that St Columba arrived to spread Christianity to Scotland.

Oban Seafood Hut : To enjoy excellent fresh seafood at very affordable prices, don’t leave Oban without stopping at the Seafood Hut.

Western Isles Hotel , a charming hotel high above Tobermory, with a restaurant where you can dine or have breakfast with a stunning view of the fishing harbour. From £168 per night.
64, A848, Isle of Mull PA75 6PR. Tel. : +44 1688 302012.

• Take the opportunity to visit…

Dwart Castle At the tip of a peninsula on the east side of Mull, the castle of Clan MacLean dates from the 14th.^E The century in which the current clan head is still living.

If you are thinking of NC500, choose Kintyre 66

If you come on holiday to Scotland to get some fresh air and see miles of desert scenery, it’s definitely to avoid getting stuck in a traffic jam on a tourist route in the Highlands! So, avoid the row of converted vans Single track roads Direction to travel through the crowded Kintyre Peninsula Kintyre 66. This tourist route is one of Scotland’s newest and works so well by bike that it’s never crowded: it’s a small hub of beaches, forests, fishing villages and mountains to discover in 66 miles (106 km). ) root. Don’t leave without eating one Fish and chips Extraordinary Starfish RestaurantIn the village Tarbert (Not to be confused with Tarbet, mentioned later in this article). to CampbelltownA town that gives its name to Scotland’s smallest whiskey-producing region, it’s distilleries are unmissable: Glen Scotia, Glengyle etc Springbank All three open the door for visitors.

Craigard House Hotel , on the edge of Campbelltown Loch, is a renovated Victorian property with a restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced seafood. From £116 per night.

At Low Ascom, Campbelltown, PA28 6EP. Tel. : +44 158 6554242 .

Kilberry Inn , an isolated inn on the west side of the Kintyre Peninsula, recognizable by its red tin roof. Housed in an old farmhouse, the restaurant offers local and comforting dishes that can be enjoyed over a wood fire. Take a short tour Wee BarPerhaps the smallest bar in the world, it is nothing more than a red telephone box bought by the owners of the hostel for a modest sum of one pound for a drink offered by the hostel.

to appointmentTake the ferry to visit Giga, an island that bought its own population 20 years ago, mostly Galofon. The island’s main attraction is Achamore Gardens, south of Ardminish, the island’s only village.

Skip Loch Ness and dash for Loch Morar

Of Scotland’s more than 30,000 lochs, Loch Ness is best known for the monster that inhabits its dark depths. If you want to avoid the crowds trying to catch a glimpse of Nessie, head back Loch Morar : it follows the route of the Isles (rathed nan ailean in Gaelic) or Steam train The famous passes Via Glenfinnan You will find this loch located on the west coast not far from the Isle of Skye. At 310 meters deep, it is the deepest body of fresh water in the United Kingdom: no wonder a monster answering to the sweet name of Morag found its quarters there.

Loch Morrer is very popular with walkers: a 13km path takes you along the loch To the village of Tarbeton the shores of Loch Nevis, from where you can take a ferry to Mallaig (which takes reserve).

Finally, lovers of fine sandy beaches will not be disappointed: the Silver Sands of Morar is one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast. The long beach at Morar Bay is especially worth a look: at low tide, you can walk to the other shore to find another relatively uncrowded beach.

The Cornerstone Restaurant In Mallaig, you can eat fresh seafood from the harbour.

West Highland Hotel , at Mallaig, south of the Isle of Skye, for a spectacular view from the sea. From £125 per night.

Davies Bra, Mallaig PH41 4QZ. Tel. : +44 1687 462210.

from Arisaig, take a ferry to visit a small archipelago of small islands, the best known of which are Eigg and Mak. More information on the website Arisaig Marina.