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Highlights
A unique chance to explore some of the best walks on both Harris and Lewis, plus an optional day trip to the World Heritage Site of St. Kilda. This is a relaxed holiday with a mixture of longer and shorter days. We will not be rushing - the islands are much too beautiful for that! There will be plenty of time to watch the wildlife, take in the views and - if the mood takes us - to sample some of the excellent coffee shops on the island. An outline itinerary for the holiday is given below. However, this will be kept flexible, as the weather may dictate changes - especially to the timing of the boat trip to St. Kilda. Note that if the weather makes the St. Kilda trip impossible, this will be replaced by an alternative day walk on Harris and Lewis. |
2018 Dates:
Sat 19th - Fri 25th May Sat 7th - Fri 13th July Sat 4th - Fri 10th August How long: 6 nights, 5 days walking Grade: Moderate (see our Grading Information page for more details on how we grade our tours) Start / Finish: Inverness Price: £1,090. Single supplement £120. Plus £200 for optional St. Kilda day trip. Guided Walking Holidays Special Offer: £50 per person discount for group bookings of 4 or more people. |
Tour Details
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN STORNOWAY
We will depart Inverness train station at 2.30pm then drive to Ullapool, stopping off enroute at the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge. We will then catch the evening ferry to Stornoway (the sailing takes approximately 2.5 hours), dining on the boat and arriving at Stornoway at 9.30pm. You will then be dropped off at your B&B in Stornoway.
DAY 2 - HARRIS COAST TO COAST
A wonderful start to the holiday on this ancient route where we will traverse South Harris twice in one day! This is a day of tremendous contrasts, starting on the intricate, rocky shores of the Bays of Harris before following part of the new Outer Hebrides Way long distance path over to the spectacular sandy beaches amd turquoise seas of Seilebost on the island's west coast.
DAY 3 - ST. KILDA
On the second full day of the holiday we will be off (weather permitting!) on a sensational day trip by boat to the remote island archipelago of St. Kilda. These famous islands are Britain's only dual World Heritage Site, nominated for both their outstanding cultural and archaeological remains and their sensational sea bird colonies. A visit to St. Kilda really is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. Thousands of gannets soar above you as the boat approaches the sensational rocky spires of its three main islands - Boreray, Soay and Hiort. Once ashore, the ruins of the old township on Hiort are an astonishing sight, and the wildlife and archaeology make for a truly fascinating day trip.
The boat trip takes 3.5 hours each way. You will be collected at 6.30am and we will not get back to Stornoway for our evening meal until about 7.20pm. It is undeniably a long day...but for many people a trip to St. Kilda ranks as one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. If you are interested to find out more about the day trip and see the boat you will be sailing on visit our colleagues at Seatrek: www.seatrek.co.uk
If you prefer not to take the boat trip to St. Kilda we will take you on an additional hike on either Lewis or Harris.
DAY 4 - CALLANISH, CARLOWAY & NESS
In the morning we will visit Lewis's two spectacular archaeological sites - the famous Callanish Stones and Carloway Broch, a magnificent 2,000 year old iron age fort. In the afternoon we travel to the northern most tip of the Hebrides, to the township of Ness and the dramatic Butt of Lewis lighthouse. We will visit the old fishing harbour at Port of Ness and walk along the tops of the sea cliffs on this wild section of coastline. This is a hotspot for corncrakes, so we will be listening out for their characteristic croaks amongst the township's croft fields.
DAY 5 - TOLSTA
Packing an astonishing amount into a small area, this walk takes us to remote moorland lochs, then along an airy cliff top walk, complete with sea stacks and rock arches, before visiting two of Lewis’s finest beaches.
DAY 6 - HUISINISH & CRAVADALE
A spectacular end to the tour, with this wonderful and varied low level hike - one of the best in Scotland. Starting at the beautiful machair of Huisinish, we will visit the stunning beach of Traigh Mheillin, which provides unparalleled views out to the nearby island of Scarp. From here we will explore the beautiful Glen Cravadale, before returning back to our start either (if the weather is kind) over the small but imposing Huisneabhal Mor or (if it isn't) along an ancient hill track to Amhuinnsuidhe Castle.
DAY 7 - DEPART
We will spend the morning exploring Stornoway, with its excellent museum and the fine woodland trails around Lews Castle, before catching the afternoon ferry to Ullapool and arriving back in Inverness by 6pm.
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN STORNOWAY
We will depart Inverness train station at 2.30pm then drive to Ullapool, stopping off enroute at the spectacular Corrieshalloch Gorge. We will then catch the evening ferry to Stornoway (the sailing takes approximately 2.5 hours), dining on the boat and arriving at Stornoway at 9.30pm. You will then be dropped off at your B&B in Stornoway.
DAY 2 - HARRIS COAST TO COAST
A wonderful start to the holiday on this ancient route where we will traverse South Harris twice in one day! This is a day of tremendous contrasts, starting on the intricate, rocky shores of the Bays of Harris before following part of the new Outer Hebrides Way long distance path over to the spectacular sandy beaches amd turquoise seas of Seilebost on the island's west coast.
DAY 3 - ST. KILDA
On the second full day of the holiday we will be off (weather permitting!) on a sensational day trip by boat to the remote island archipelago of St. Kilda. These famous islands are Britain's only dual World Heritage Site, nominated for both their outstanding cultural and archaeological remains and their sensational sea bird colonies. A visit to St. Kilda really is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. Thousands of gannets soar above you as the boat approaches the sensational rocky spires of its three main islands - Boreray, Soay and Hiort. Once ashore, the ruins of the old township on Hiort are an astonishing sight, and the wildlife and archaeology make for a truly fascinating day trip.
The boat trip takes 3.5 hours each way. You will be collected at 6.30am and we will not get back to Stornoway for our evening meal until about 7.20pm. It is undeniably a long day...but for many people a trip to St. Kilda ranks as one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. If you are interested to find out more about the day trip and see the boat you will be sailing on visit our colleagues at Seatrek: www.seatrek.co.uk
If you prefer not to take the boat trip to St. Kilda we will take you on an additional hike on either Lewis or Harris.
DAY 4 - CALLANISH, CARLOWAY & NESS
In the morning we will visit Lewis's two spectacular archaeological sites - the famous Callanish Stones and Carloway Broch, a magnificent 2,000 year old iron age fort. In the afternoon we travel to the northern most tip of the Hebrides, to the township of Ness and the dramatic Butt of Lewis lighthouse. We will visit the old fishing harbour at Port of Ness and walk along the tops of the sea cliffs on this wild section of coastline. This is a hotspot for corncrakes, so we will be listening out for their characteristic croaks amongst the township's croft fields.
DAY 5 - TOLSTA
Packing an astonishing amount into a small area, this walk takes us to remote moorland lochs, then along an airy cliff top walk, complete with sea stacks and rock arches, before visiting two of Lewis’s finest beaches.
DAY 6 - HUISINISH & CRAVADALE
A spectacular end to the tour, with this wonderful and varied low level hike - one of the best in Scotland. Starting at the beautiful machair of Huisinish, we will visit the stunning beach of Traigh Mheillin, which provides unparalleled views out to the nearby island of Scarp. From here we will explore the beautiful Glen Cravadale, before returning back to our start either (if the weather is kind) over the small but imposing Huisneabhal Mor or (if it isn't) along an ancient hill track to Amhuinnsuidhe Castle.
DAY 7 - DEPART
We will spend the morning exploring Stornoway, with its excellent museum and the fine woodland trails around Lews Castle, before catching the afternoon ferry to Ullapool and arriving back in Inverness by 6pm.
The holiday starts and ends in Inverness. Your guide will meet you at the entrance to Inverness railway station at 2.30pm where you will join the rest of the group for the drive to Skye.
Inverness is easily accessible by plane, train and bus.
Flights
The following airlines offer direct flights to Inverness:
www.flybe.com - Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Jersey, Amsterdam.
www.easyjet.com - London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Geneva.
www.britishairways.com - London Heathrow.
www.aerlingus.com - Dublin.
Trains
Inverness can be reached by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow and England. Travellers coming from London and the south of England can take advantage of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper service. For more information on train services see the following websites:
www.scotrail.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.thetrainline.com
www.sleeper.scot
Please note that all train tickets should be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as advance tickets are always considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Coaches
The following operator offers coach services from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness:
www.citylink.co.uk
Please note that all coach tickets must be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as coaches can get booked up. Advance tickets can also be considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Cars
Driving to Inverness by car is straightforward - it is simply a case of heading for Perth then taking the A9 north. Approximate journey times (not including stops, road works or delays) are as follows:
Edinburgh: 3 hours
Glasgow: 3.5 hours
Newcastle: 5.5 hours
Manchester: 6.5 hours
Birmingham: 7.5 hours
Bristol: 8.5 hours
London: 9.5 hours
Flying Direct to Stornoway
If you prefer to make your own way to Stornoway and meet us there at the start of the holiday, you can fly direct from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness with www.flybe.com.
Inverness is easily accessible by plane, train and bus.
Flights
The following airlines offer direct flights to Inverness:
www.flybe.com - Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Jersey, Amsterdam.
www.easyjet.com - London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Geneva.
www.britishairways.com - London Heathrow.
www.aerlingus.com - Dublin.
Trains
Inverness can be reached by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow and England. Travellers coming from London and the south of England can take advantage of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper service. For more information on train services see the following websites:
www.scotrail.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk
www.thetrainline.com
www.sleeper.scot
Please note that all train tickets should be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as advance tickets are always considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Coaches
The following operator offers coach services from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Inverness:
www.citylink.co.uk
Please note that all coach tickets must be purchased in advance of travel. We recommend that you do this as soon as you book your holiday as coaches can get booked up. Advance tickets can also be considerably cheaper than ones bought at the last minute.
Cars
Driving to Inverness by car is straightforward - it is simply a case of heading for Perth then taking the A9 north. Approximate journey times (not including stops, road works or delays) are as follows:
Edinburgh: 3 hours
Glasgow: 3.5 hours
Newcastle: 5.5 hours
Manchester: 6.5 hours
Birmingham: 7.5 hours
Bristol: 8.5 hours
London: 9.5 hours
Flying Direct to Stornoway
If you prefer to make your own way to Stornoway and meet us there at the start of the holiday, you can fly direct from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness with www.flybe.com.
We will be staying in comfortable guest houses in or near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, the bustling little capital of the Outer Hebrides. All rooms will have ensuite or private bathrooms. Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional cost of £120.
We may have to split the party up between several guest houses. However, we will be dining together each evening in local restaurants so there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising with the rest of the group.
We may have to split the party up between several guest houses. However, we will be dining together each evening in local restaurants so there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising with the rest of the group.
Grade: Moderate. This holiday goes at a gentle pace, with plenty of time to stop, take pictures, soak up the atmosphere and watch the wildlife. However, it is still a walking holiday, so you will need to be able to cope with a reasonable amount of hiking each day. As a guide, you should be able to manage small uphill sections, be comfortable walking for 5 hours and 7 - 10 miles or so each day, and be confident walking away from paths - for example over rough, grassy hillsides. We try to keep to easy ground as much as possible on these walks, but there will be some areas where the going can be a little rough and quite wet underfoot, so good hiking boots are essential. We don't tackle any hills on these walks but there are usually some modest uphill sections each day.
On Hiorta, the main island of St. Kilda, we will be doing a climb of approximately 280m (900ft) on a rough surfaced road. This is steep but relatively straightforward and provides great views of the village and the neighbouring island of Soay. If you do not like the idea of the climb you are welcome to spend the time ashore exploring the fascinating remains of the old village.
For more information about how we grade our holidays please refer to our Grading Information page.
On Hiorta, the main island of St. Kilda, we will be doing a climb of approximately 280m (900ft) on a rough surfaced road. This is steep but relatively straightforward and provides great views of the village and the neighbouring island of Soay. If you do not like the idea of the climb you are welcome to spend the time ashore exploring the fascinating remains of the old village.
For more information about how we grade our holidays please refer to our Grading Information page.
What's Included: 6 nights accommodation, 5 days walking. All meals, including full Scottish or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. All transport during the holiday, boat trip to St . Kilda (if this option is selected), and the services of a experienced guide.
What's Not Included: Food purchased during visits to cafes. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Travel insurance.
St. Kilda: If you wish to go on the St. Kilda day trip you must commit to this when you book your holiday. The boat operators can only take a maximum of 12 people per trip so it is important to book early if you want to secure your place. There is an additional charge of £200 per person for the St. Kilda trip and we require a deposit of £100 per person at the time of booking. This is in addition to the standard £100 holiday deposit.
Please note that the St. Kilda deposit is non-refundable if you subsequently decide you do not wish to go ahead with the day trip and the boat operators cannot resell your place. If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather, however, your deposit will be refunded.
What's Not Included: Food purchased during visits to cafes. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Travel insurance.
St. Kilda: If you wish to go on the St. Kilda day trip you must commit to this when you book your holiday. The boat operators can only take a maximum of 12 people per trip so it is important to book early if you want to secure your place. There is an additional charge of £200 per person for the St. Kilda trip and we require a deposit of £100 per person at the time of booking. This is in addition to the standard £100 holiday deposit.
Please note that the St. Kilda deposit is non-refundable if you subsequently decide you do not wish to go ahead with the day trip and the boat operators cannot resell your place. If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather, however, your deposit will be refunded.
