Join Denise and Nick for a transformative pilgrimage across ancient Scottish landscapes to the sacred Isle of Iona.

This journey will begin with an 8:00 AM private-hire bus group pickup at the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport for a day-long trip to Kilmartin Glen  with visits to Dunadd Hill Fort, Temple Wood Stone Circles,, Burial Chambers, the Nether Largie Standing Stones, and Kilmartin’s newly refurbished museum and, if open, its café.

Early evening (around 5:00 PM), our bus trip will end with a drop-off at our overnight en-suite accommodation in Oban, the Muthu Alexandra Hotel.

After check-in, we will enjoy a group-booked meal (time TBA) at an atmospheric and delicious restaurant by the waterside.

The next morning, guests will enjoy an inclusive breakfast buffet at our hotel before walking to the ferry terminal to begin our pilgrimage to the Isle of Iona as we embark on a beautiful 45-minute sail from Oban to Craignure, on the Isle of Mull.

Upon arriving in Craignure, together we will board a public bus and make our way across the majestic Isle of Mull to Fionnphort where we will catch our final 15-minute ferry over the turquoise blue Sound of Iona to our pilgrimage destination, the Isle of Iona.

After setting foot on Iona, we will walk together (approximately 5 minutes) to our lovely home for the week at the Argyll Hotel, featuring en-suite rooms, inclusive of delicious breakfasts and gourmet dinners for our entire stay, and a private gathering space exclusive to our group.

While on Iona, Denise and Nick will offer a variety of optional guided informational and reflective walks, morning meditations, and group sessions focusing on Iona history and myth, our interconnection with Nature, various aspects of Celtic Spirituality, and more.

• Columba's Bay

  Located on the southern tip of Iona, this pebble beach is traditionally believed to be where St. Columba first landed in 563 AD. Surrounded by dramatic ocean views, it is a serene spot for reflection and searching for the famous green Iona pebbles.

• The Hermit's Cell

  Nestled in a quiet, secluded meadow on the island, the remains of this ancient stone circle offer a tranquil space historically associated with quiet contemplation, solitary prayer, and deep stillness.

• The Nunnery Ruins

  Founded around 1208, these beautiful Augustinian ruins are among the best-preserved medieval nunneries in Britain, featuring lush gardens, intricate stone arches, and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It also features one of Scotland's rare Sheela Na Gigs.

• The Oran Chapel

  Dedicated to St. Oran, this 12th-century chapel is the oldest intact building on Iona, situated within the historic burial ground of ancient Scottish kings.

• Iona Abbey

  The spiritual heart of the island and a focal point of Western Christianity. Your trip includes week-long admission tickets, allowing you to return as often as you wish to explore its cloisters, museum, and quiet worship spaces.

• Dun I

  The highest point on Iona, offering breathtaking 360-degree views across the entire island, the surrounding waters, and neighboring Hebridean islands on a clear day.

• Brigid's Well (a.k.a. the Well of Eternal Youth)

  Tucked near the summit of Dun I, this natural spring is steeped in Celtic folklore, associated with healing, renewal, and the ancient goddess-turned-saint Brigid.

• Hidden Gems

  Beyond the main sites, we will journey to some of Iona's seldom-visited, tranquil corners—including an easily accessible tidal cave and secluded stretches of brilliant white-sand beaches bordering clear turquoise waters.

This Walking Awake on Iona Pilgrimage will conclude with Denise and Nick accompanying the group back across the Sound of Iona via ferry to the village of Fionnphort. There, either as individuals or together as a group, guests will return via public bus back across Mull to Craignure, then by ferry from Craignure to Oban (bus and ferry tickets are included in pilgrimage fee).

From Oban, it is up to the individual traveller! You may wish to explore Oban further on your own—perhaps shop, pub-hop, visit the Oban Distillery, walk up to McCaig's Tower, or visit Dunollie Castle and walk its magical woodland trails.

If staying in Oban a little longer isn't of interest to you, upon returning to Oban via the ferry, it's a short walk to hop the train or take the bus back to Glasgow or travel further on to Edinburgh. From either city, you might choose to travel on elsewhere within Scotland or start your journey home. If desired, Denise and Nick are happy to offer available travel suggestions.

• Airfare: Flights to and from Scotland (we strongly suggest arriving at least one day prior to the commencement of our journey and plan on returning home no earlier than one full day after our journey concludes to accommodate any potential travel delays).

• Pre & Post-Trip Accommodations & Travel: Any lodging or transportation before September 1st or after September 9th.

• Lunch on September 1st (En Route to Kilmartin): Walking Awake will collect pre-orders for packed lunches to pick up along the way, but guests are responsible for paying for their own lunch (estimated cost: £13.00 per person).

• Lunch on September 2nd (En Route to Iona): Guests are responsible for their own lunch, which can be purchased in Oban prior to boarding or bought on board the ferry.

• Welcome Dinner in Oban (Evening of September 1st): Walking Awake will reserve a restaurant table for the group, but guests are responsible for purchasing their own meal and drinks (estimated cost: £45.00 per person).

• Other Unlisted Meals: Any lunches, dinners, or snacks not explicitly listed as included in the itinerary.

• Optional Isle of Staffa Boat Trip: The boat excursion to Staffa and Fingal's Cave arranged by Walking Awake (approximately £45.00 per person, subject to weather).

• Travel Insurance (Required): Comprehensive individual travel insurance covering medical, cancellation, and emergency eventualities is strictly required for all participants.

• Gratuities: Tips for bus drivers, guides, hotel staff, and restaurant services.

• Unforeseen Travel Expenses: Any unexpected costs incurred due to independent travel delays, missed connections, or personal schedule changes during the pilgrimage.

• Personal Expenses & Unlisted Activities: Souvenirs, independent sightseeing, and any options not explicitly detailed above.