Islands that inspire

We include such a wonderful array of islands on our cycling, walking and touring trips that we thought we would share a selection with you.

13th Century split

Marken was separated from North Holland by a storm 8 centuries ago and remained an island until a causeway was built in 1957. Its isolated history remains evident in its wooden housing. To keep their feet dry, inhabitants built their houses originally on artificial knolls and later on stilts. Cycle this tour to enjoy.

A river folly

As you cycle, walk or float along the Thames river, you pass many islands but none as high profile as Temple Island. It marks the start of the Henley Royal Rowing Regatta and its fishing folly, designed as a Temple is a gorgeous landmark in one of the prettiest stretches of the river.

Narrow sand dunes

The Curonian spit is joined at its southern end to mainland Russia; its northern end has a narrow opening into the Baltic at Klaipeda in Lithuania, so strictly it isn't an island. Formed of sand dunes, it's 61 miles have been moulded by sea currents to form a spit, barely 400 m wide at its narrowest. It was the loved summer retreat of Thomas Mann and the playground of military officers during the war. Its peace and extraordinary being are beyond measure. Enjoy it on our Curonian lagoon cycling holiday

The Long Island

Scotland has its own Long Island, otherwise known as the Outer Hebrides. They are a collection of islands off the west coast including Lewis and Harris which are hilly and the Uists and Benbecula which are flat. Wind and history play a part. Barra on the other hand hosts the only airport that has a runway where tides are relevant - you land on the beach. How romantic is that? Cycle our Highlands and Hebrides trip

Inishbofin

Just 7 miles off the coast of Connemara in Galway, Ireland, the small island of Inishbofin has 180 inhabitants, white sandy beaches and magnificent scenery. Its name, meaning island of the white cow is these days more linked with traditional Irish music and a half marathon every May. Visit on our walking holiday or cycling holiday of Connemara.

A mountain in the Mediterranean sea

An island of contrasts, Corsica is French whilst retaining a distinct Italian culture. It has craggy peaks alongside dense forest and stylish coastal towns and beaches that range from the absurdly busy to frankly, remote. It's good local produce and wine and its size - smaller than Sicily or Sardinia but the 4th largest in the Med, make it a fascinating visit. Check it out on our walking trip

Fossils and Needles

The Isle of Wight sits off the south coast of England and several of our New Forest and Dorset cycling holidays take you there for a day. There is great fossil hunting and the famous 3 stacks or huge chalk rocks known as the Needles lie adjacent to its coast as shown in the photo above.