2014

Sat 12th - Fri 18th April

Sat 10th - Fri 16th May

Sat 24th - Fri 30th May

Sat 19th - Fri 25th July

Sat 16th - Fri 22nd August

Sat 13th - Fri 19th September

About this holiday

The Isle Skye is world famous - and rightly so. It contains the most dramatic mountains in Britain, is steeped in history, and has an astonishing variety of landscapes and wildlife. 

When Bonnie Prince Charlie famously sailed "over the sea to Skye" he was sailing from Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. Visiting these remote islands is a memorable adventure in itself - each island in this great archipelago has its own character, and this holiday gives a taste of the largest islands in the chain -  the Uists, Harris and Lewis.  

Gaelic is still widely spoken here, and crofting is still very much an important way of life. Famous for their beautiful landscapes, the Outer Hebrides are quite unlike anywhere else in Europe. 

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.Note that the itinerary below is a guide - it is often possible to amend the schedule to take into account any particular wishes that clients may have.

DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO SKYE

The pick up for this holiday is in Inverness. From here we will drive to Skye, taking time to admire its famous bridge, before travelling to our guest house on the island.



DAY 2 - HUISINISH & CRAVADALE

A spectacular start, 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 3 - NESS

Today 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, admire the machair flowers at Suainebost, and take a walk along the coast to see the ruins of a wonderful cliff top chapel at Filiscleitir. All the time we will be surrounded by wildlife. This is a hotspot for corncrakes, and their characteristic croaks can often be heard amongst the township's croft fields. Look out too for the very rare Great Yellow Bumblebee on the machair, young golden eagles exploring the great expanse of peatlands, and the dramatic Bonxies - the pirate birds who can scare the wits out of other birds.....and unsuspecting walkers!


DAY 4 - REINIGEADAIL & THE POSTMAN'S ROUTE

A great circular walk on excellent paths, visiting the last village in the UK to get its own tarmac road! This will be a bit longer than other days, but the dramatic scenery is well worth the effort.


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 - THE SHIANTS

We finish with a boat trip to the wonderful Shiant Islands. Located in the Inner Minch, half way between Harris and Lewis, the Shiants are spectacular little islands, with cliffs of columnar basalt - similar to the rocks at Fingal's Cave off Mull and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The islands are home to numerous seabirds, including the Outer Hebrides' only puffin colony.


DAY 7 - DEPART

Grade: Easy - low level walks with a few gentle climbs. One longer day, but on good paths all the way. Some walking will be across moorland and away from paths.

Cost: £920

What's Included: 6 nights accommodation, 5 days walking. Full board at local quality guest houses, with full Scottish Breakfast, packed lunches and home cooked evening meals.

All transport during the holiday, boat trip to the Shiants, and the services of a qualified and experienced Mountain Leader. 

What's Not Included: Transport to and from Stornoway or Tarbert, including ferry fares. These can be arranged for you and will be charged at cost price. (We prefer to let people choose their own way to get to the islands, to maximise people's choice of how to travel. However, whether you prefer to bring your own car, to catch the bus or take a flight, we can help arrange your travel for you).