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Scottish Island Bagging
The Walkhighlands guide to the islands of Scotland
- Paperback
- ISBN: 978-1-912560-30-1272 pages
- Author
- Helen & Paul Webster
- Publication date
- 3 Oct 2019
'An ideal jumping point for anyone planning a trip to Scotland's islands and looking for a little inspiration.' – Roger Cox, The Scotsman
Scottish Island Bagging by Helen and Paul Webster, founders of Walkhighlands, is a guide to the magical islands of Scotland.
Focusing on the ninety-nine islands that have regular trips or means of access for visitors, plus fifty-five other islands which have no regular transport but are still of significant size or interest, the authors have described the best ways to experience each one. Of the islands featured, many are household names – Skye, Lewis, Bute – while some, such as the isolated St Kilda archipelago and the remote Sula Sgeir, will be unknown to all but a hardcore few.
When it comes to things to see and do, the islands of Scotland have it all. Wildlife enthusiasts can watch out for otters, orcas and basking sharks, while birdwatchers in particular are spoilt: look out for the rare corncrake on Islay, sea eagles on Mull, or sight puffins, gannets, storm petrels and many other seabirds on any number of islands – although beware the divebombing bonxies.
Foodies can sample Arran or Westray cheese, the many islands’ world-renowned seafood or learn about the whisky making process and sample a wee dram on a distillery tour.
While the human history may not stretch back in time as far as the geology of these ancient lands, it is rich and varied: visit the 5,000-year-old Neolithic village of Skara Brae on Orkney, or Mackinnon’s Cave on Mull, following in the footsteps of Samuel Johnson and James Boswell. You can even stay in the house on Jura where George Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Hillwalkers can bag a Munro, walk the wild clifftops or take in the sights, or you could just escape from it all on one of the dozens of beautiful and deserted beaches – before joining the locals for a ceilidh into the wee hours.
Well served by ferries and other transport links, getting around is easy. You could even take the world’s shortest scheduled flight. In Scottish Island Bagging, let Helen and Paul Webster be your guides to these enchanting isles.
Also available as an ebook:
Helen and Paul Webster share a passion for walking and wild places. In 2003–2004 they undertook a life-changing 4,000-mile continuous backpacking trip across Europe. Following their return, they quit their careers to begin a new life evangelising for Scotland’s spectacular outdoors – especially the Highlands and Islands. Together they set up Walkhighlands, a free online guide and forum which has become the busiest walkers’ website in the UK. They have also written fifteen guidebooks to various areas of Scotland and in 2018 Paul won the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. They live in the Cairngorms National Park. www.walkhighlands.co.uk
- Title: Scottish Island Bagging
- Subtitle: The Walkhighlands guide to the islands of Scotland
- Authors: Helen & Paul Webster
- Imprint: Vertebrate Publishing
- ISBN: 978-1-912560-30-1
- Rights: World
- Publication date: 3 October 2019
- Edition: First
- Size: 229mm x 178mm
- Extent: 256 pages, with colour illustrations
- Cover: Paperback
- Weight: 730g
- Retail price: £17.99
Also available as an ebook:
- Imprint: Vertebrate Digital
- ISBN: 978-1-912560-31-8
- Publication Date: 3 October 2019
- Price: £17.99
Whether by boat, swimming or on foot, dedicated travellers are steadily ticking off Britain’s ‘baggable’ islands. – The Guardian. Read more here.
It’s an eco adventurer’s dream: 706 islands to conquer without stepping foot on a plane. – Emma Featherstone, The Telegraph. Read more here.
Travelling by ferry or by kayak, island-baggers find tranquillity, freedom and wild nature in the specks of land off our coasts. – Nicholas Hellen, The Sunday Times. Read more here.
The Webster's book is an ideal jumping point for anyone planning a trip to Scotland's islands and looking for a little inspiration. – Roger Cox, The Scotsman
As soon as you pick up Scottish Island Bagging, you immediately feel the quality of the publication. The stunning photographs are a lovely trip down memory lane for anyone who has already travelled to any of the 150+ islands on display in this book, and a wonderful source of inspiration to those hoping to explore them in the future. – Gary Hodgson, Tarmachan Mountaineering
Before I read this book, I did not consider myself a 'bagger,' although I’d be the first to admit a thrill of happiness every time I land on an island that is new to me. However, like islands themselves, this book is strangely enticing, the glossy front cover and wonderful photographs within are beaming images that evoke memories of past adventures, and conjure up new ideas. I’ll admit it wasn’t long before my pencil was out, and I was popping ticks in the list at the back. It’s a great companion for dreams and for planning, and has charmed me in to wanting to visit more islands, preferably soon. The book would also make a lovely gift, and will appeal not only to island enthusiasts like me, but also curious tourists, active travellers, and family holidaymakers. It will be very at home on a coffee table, but even more so in your hand; as you embark on your next ferry journey, anticipating adventures to come. – Professional Mountaineer
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