Feuding clans. Viking invasions. Piracy.

Glimpse beneath the surface of Scotland’s beautiful west coast and you’ll find a history alive with drama and intrigue. And what better way to uncover it all than with a trip on The Gaelic Rings, or Cearcaill na Gàidhlig?

The Gaelic Rings is a collaboration by a group of travel partners whose shared enthusiasm for the Gaelic language and culture has led to the creation of six Rings – or round trips – taking in the islands from Islay in the south to Lewis in the north and the West Highland mainland from Kennacraig to Ullapool.

Each Ring has its own history, landmarks and legends to share. Simply pick your chosen route and let us take you back in time to explore the important role Gaelic played in shaping Scotland’s past and its continued relevance in the present day. There will also be ample opportunity to sample the renowned Gaelic hospitality along the way.

This website is designed to give you everything you need to get started: overviews of all six Gaelic Rings, links to up-to-date travel information and, for added inspiration, the personal journeys of six well-known Scots as they each travel around one of the Rings.

Happy exploring…

The Gaelic Rings / Cearcaill na Gàidhlig is supported by Argyll & Bute Council; Bòrd na Gàidhlig; Bowmans Buses; Caledonian MacBrayne; Comhairle nan Eilean Siar; Comunn na Gàidhlig; Highland Airways; HITRANS: Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership; Loganair, Flybe¹s franchise partner; National Trust for Scotland; Oban Airport; Proiseact
nan Ealan: The Gaelic Arts Agency; Scotrail; Scottish Citylink; Shiel Buses; The Highland Council; VisitScotland and
West Coast Motors.