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Highlights
Similar to our Outer Hebrides Highlights tour but with shorter, easier walks suitable for most abilities. This holiday is a wonderful combination of beautiful short rambles and relaxed touring and allows you to sample the best the Outer Hebrides has to offer. A great way to experience the magic of the Outer Hebrides, this gentle journey down the entire length of the island chain offers unrivalled variety, interest and scenic beauty. Over the course of the week you will visit wonderful Lewis beaches, remote mountain glens in Harris, see the stunning flowering machair of the Uists and experience the unique charms of the smaller southern Hebridean islands of Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. As well as some great short walks, you will also see how Harris Tweed is made, tour a whisky distillery, visit several fascinating island museums and learn about crofting - the small scale farming that underpins much of Hebridean life. |
2020 Dates:
Sat 16th - Fri 22nd May 8 places left Sat 4th - Fri 10th July 5 places left How long: 6 nights, 5 days walking Grade: Easy (see our Grading Information page for more details on how we grade our tours) Start: Inverness Price: £1,395. Single supplement £120. ***£50 discount for returning clients!*** |
Tour Details
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO 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 .
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 2 - CALLANISH STONES, CARLOWAY BROCH & ARNOL BLACK HOUSE (Lewis)
On our first day we will visit two of northern Europe’s finest archaeological sites, then head on to Arnol to see how islanders used to live until the middle of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we will drive to the northern tip of Lewis to see the famous Butt of Lewis lighthouse and go for a short walk along this spectacular coastline.
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 3 - HARRIS BEACHES (Harris)
We start the day with a drive down to Tarbert and a visit to the wonderful new Isle of Harris whisky distillery, followed by a fascinating demonstration of Harris tweed weaving. We will then head over South Harris for a short walk on one of its many world famous beaches. After the walk we will visit the beautiful ancient chapel at Rodel before heading to Leverburgh for our evening meal and the ferry to Berneray. This takes an hour and on a fine day must be rank as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world!
Accommodation: Uist B&B
DAY 4 - BERNERAY (North Uist)
The island of Berneray (reputedly Prince Charles's favourite island!) is a little gem connected to the northern tip of North Uist by causeway. Today we will be walking amongst the birds and wildflowers of its stunning machair meadows, followed by a gentle stroll on the magnificent silver beach that cloaks its western shore. Afterwards we will drive to Lochmaddy, the charming little capital of North Uist, and visit Taigh Chearsabhaigh, its excellent little Arts Centre and museum. We will end the day with a short walk to Barpa Langais, a spectacular 5,000 year old burial chamber. As well as being a spectacular structure, the location of this tomb is truly spectacular...
Accommodation: Uist B&B
DAY 5 - FLODDA & ERISKAY (Benbecula / South Uist)
We will start the day with a short, easy walk on the little island of Flodda where we should get excellent views of Grey Seals.
We will then drive slowly down through South Uist, stopping at the gently atmospheric settlement of Howmore. With its thatched cottages, ruined chapels and old stone walls this is one of the most beautiful of all the Hebridean villages.
Leaving South Uist we will cross by causeway to Eriskay, where we will take a short tour around this attractive island, before visiting the beach where Bonnie Prince Charlie first landed in Scotland during the Jacobite uprising of 1745.
The day will end with an evening sailing to Barra, where we will stay the night.
Accommodation: Barra B&B.
DAY 6 - BARRA & VATERSAY
Our final day will be spent exploring the southern islands of the Outer Hebrides. Barra has a strong sense of island community, and packs a lot into a small area. We will start the day with a walk around the peninsula of Eoligarry, at the north end of Barra. As well as its great machair and abundance of corncrakes and fine coastal scenery, this is also the location of the island's unique airport - the only place in Britain where scheduled passenger planes land and take off on the beach. Even if you are utterly disinterested in aviation this is quite a sight, so we will try and time things to watch a landing or departure - though as these are dependent on the tides we may or may not be lucky!
The afternoon will be spent at the other end of the island, touring the amazing island of Vatersay. Connected these days to Barra by a small causeway, Vatersay has a fascinating history and our final short walk will include a couple of stunning beaches.
Accommodation: Barra B&B.
DAY 7 - DEPART
The return trip to Inverness is a great way to end the holiday! We will sail from Barra to Oban, an amazing trip with views of the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Coll, Tiree and Mull along the way. From Oban we will drive back to Inverness, arriving there by about 6pm. Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, you can fly back to Glasgow from Barra, departing on the small Twin Otter plane that takes off from Traigh Mhòr beach at the north end of the island.
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO 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 .
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 2 - CALLANISH STONES, CARLOWAY BROCH & ARNOL BLACK HOUSE (Lewis)
On our first day we will visit two of northern Europe’s finest archaeological sites, then head on to Arnol to see how islanders used to live until the middle of the 20th Century. In the afternoon we will drive to the northern tip of Lewis to see the famous Butt of Lewis lighthouse and go for a short walk along this spectacular coastline.
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 3 - HARRIS BEACHES (Harris)
We start the day with a drive down to Tarbert and a visit to the wonderful new Isle of Harris whisky distillery, followed by a fascinating demonstration of Harris tweed weaving. We will then head over South Harris for a short walk on one of its many world famous beaches. After the walk we will visit the beautiful ancient chapel at Rodel before heading to Leverburgh for our evening meal and the ferry to Berneray. This takes an hour and on a fine day must be rank as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world!
Accommodation: Uist B&B
DAY 4 - BERNERAY (North Uist)
The island of Berneray (reputedly Prince Charles's favourite island!) is a little gem connected to the northern tip of North Uist by causeway. Today we will be walking amongst the birds and wildflowers of its stunning machair meadows, followed by a gentle stroll on the magnificent silver beach that cloaks its western shore. Afterwards we will drive to Lochmaddy, the charming little capital of North Uist, and visit Taigh Chearsabhaigh, its excellent little Arts Centre and museum. We will end the day with a short walk to Barpa Langais, a spectacular 5,000 year old burial chamber. As well as being a spectacular structure, the location of this tomb is truly spectacular...
Accommodation: Uist B&B
DAY 5 - FLODDA & ERISKAY (Benbecula / South Uist)
We will start the day with a short, easy walk on the little island of Flodda where we should get excellent views of Grey Seals.
We will then drive slowly down through South Uist, stopping at the gently atmospheric settlement of Howmore. With its thatched cottages, ruined chapels and old stone walls this is one of the most beautiful of all the Hebridean villages.
Leaving South Uist we will cross by causeway to Eriskay, where we will take a short tour around this attractive island, before visiting the beach where Bonnie Prince Charlie first landed in Scotland during the Jacobite uprising of 1745.
The day will end with an evening sailing to Barra, where we will stay the night.
Accommodation: Barra B&B.
DAY 6 - BARRA & VATERSAY
Our final day will be spent exploring the southern islands of the Outer Hebrides. Barra has a strong sense of island community, and packs a lot into a small area. We will start the day with a walk around the peninsula of Eoligarry, at the north end of Barra. As well as its great machair and abundance of corncrakes and fine coastal scenery, this is also the location of the island's unique airport - the only place in Britain where scheduled passenger planes land and take off on the beach. Even if you are utterly disinterested in aviation this is quite a sight, so we will try and time things to watch a landing or departure - though as these are dependent on the tides we may or may not be lucky!
The afternoon will be spent at the other end of the island, touring the amazing island of Vatersay. Connected these days to Barra by a small causeway, Vatersay has a fascinating history and our final short walk will include a couple of stunning beaches.
Accommodation: Barra B&B.
DAY 7 - DEPART
The return trip to Inverness is a great way to end the holiday! We will sail from Barra to Oban, an amazing trip with views of the Inner Hebridean islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Coll, Tiree and Mull along the way. From Oban we will drive back to Inverness, arriving there by about 6pm. Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, you can fly back to Glasgow from Barra, departing on the small Twin Otter plane that takes off from Traigh Mhòr beach at the north end of the island.
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
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
What's Included: 6 nights accommodation, 5 days touring and walking. Accommodation at local quality guest houses*, with full Scottish or continental breakfasts; packed lunches; evening meals at local restaurants (note that lunch on the final day is not included).
All transport during the holiday, including collection and drop off in Inverness and all ferry crossings. The services of an experienced walk leader.
Transport is provided by our comfortable, modern minibus. On transfer days luggage is left in the minibus whilst we go for walks and site visits; whilst walking you will only need to bring a small daysack in which to carry your packed lunch, waterproofs, etc.
What's Not Included: Food at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Travel insurance.
*This holiday involves staying in three separate guest houses (two nights in each). We start off with two nights in or near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, the bustling little capital of the Outer Hebrides. We follow this with two nights in North Uist and end with a further two nights in Barra. At the end of the holiday we will spend a wonderfully leisurely day travelling (via two ferries) from Barra to Skye and then onwards to Inverness.
We will be staying in carefully selected guest houses. 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.
All transport during the holiday, including collection and drop off in Inverness and all ferry crossings. The services of an experienced walk leader.
Transport is provided by our comfortable, modern minibus. On transfer days luggage is left in the minibus whilst we go for walks and site visits; whilst walking you will only need to bring a small daysack in which to carry your packed lunch, waterproofs, etc.
What's Not Included: Food at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Travel insurance.
*This holiday involves staying in three separate guest houses (two nights in each). We start off with two nights in or near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, the bustling little capital of the Outer Hebrides. We follow this with two nights in North Uist and end with a further two nights in Barra. At the end of the holiday we will spend a wonderfully leisurely day travelling (via two ferries) from Barra to Skye and then onwards to Inverness.
We will be staying in carefully selected guest houses. 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.
Easy
This is the easiest holiday we run and is specifically designed for those who enjoy short walks but are perhaps not capable of the longer hikes we do on our other tours.
We go at a gentle pace, with plenty of time to stop, take pictures, soak up the atmosphere and watch the wildlife.
To go on this holiday you must be comfortable going for short walks for 1 - 2 hours and 2 - 3 miles each day. and be confident walking away from paths - for example on sandy beaches or grassy meadows.
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 quite wet underfoot, so good hiking boots are strongly recommended. There are no significant uphill sections on any of these walks.
See our Grading Information page for more information about how we grade our holidays.
This is the easiest holiday we run and is specifically designed for those who enjoy short walks but are perhaps not capable of the longer hikes we do on our other tours.
We go at a gentle pace, with plenty of time to stop, take pictures, soak up the atmosphere and watch the wildlife.
To go on this holiday you must be comfortable going for short walks for 1 - 2 hours and 2 - 3 miles each day. and be confident walking away from paths - for example on sandy beaches or grassy meadows.
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 quite wet underfoot, so good hiking boots are strongly recommended. There are no significant uphill sections on any of these walks.
See our Grading Information page for more information about how we grade our holidays.
The following reviews are taken from the Hidden Hebrides page on TripAdvisor: For reviews of all our holidays click here.
C.M. (London) May 2019
Our recent Hebridean Gentle Rambles holiday took us from the Northern tip of Lewis through Island after Island, down to Barra and Vatersay. Highlights were the mystic Callanish Standing Stones, idyllic beaches and beautiful ferry crossings. With Eilidh as guide our small group admired the rare flora of the machair, wild orchids, ancient rocks, eagles, owls and seals. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and sheer love of the Isles made the holiday that bit more special. Having started the holiday from Inverness I took the option of flying back from Barra--taking off from the beach was an unmissable experience. This, my first visit to the Isles, was a superb introduction to such a beautiful, peaceful and ancient place. For anyone wanting to explore such stunning landscapes, this small, very friendly company offers some great holidays.
P.L. (Derbyshire, England) May 2019
The planning, people, accommodation and food were all first class. Our group of four friends, joined by 2 sole travellers in Inverness, all enjoyed a great holiday. Our excellent friendly and knowledgeable guide adjusted the programme at times to accommodate our interests. The superb scenery and wildlife made the long journeys worthwhile. Our only regret is that it was over too quickly- meaning that we are left with the intention of booking another holiday with Hidden Hebrides!
A.S. (Essex, UK) May 2017
I have just returned from an amazing walking holiday led by John Groom. He is a super guide and host! Apart from the fantastic organisation of ferry bookings, B and B's, evening meals and walking trails (thank you Mick Blunt), John added the unflappable, always on time, courteous, generous element to this trip. His knowledge of the islands was outstanding and passionate. At last count our group had identified 45 birds,visited 10 islands, learnt about crofting, visited Neolithic remains from 5000 years ago, saw a scheduled plane land on the beach, visited Harris Island distillery and remained sober(ish). Thank you Hidden Hebrides.
C.M. (London) May 2019
Our recent Hebridean Gentle Rambles holiday took us from the Northern tip of Lewis through Island after Island, down to Barra and Vatersay. Highlights were the mystic Callanish Standing Stones, idyllic beaches and beautiful ferry crossings. With Eilidh as guide our small group admired the rare flora of the machair, wild orchids, ancient rocks, eagles, owls and seals. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and sheer love of the Isles made the holiday that bit more special. Having started the holiday from Inverness I took the option of flying back from Barra--taking off from the beach was an unmissable experience. This, my first visit to the Isles, was a superb introduction to such a beautiful, peaceful and ancient place. For anyone wanting to explore such stunning landscapes, this small, very friendly company offers some great holidays.
P.L. (Derbyshire, England) May 2019
The planning, people, accommodation and food were all first class. Our group of four friends, joined by 2 sole travellers in Inverness, all enjoyed a great holiday. Our excellent friendly and knowledgeable guide adjusted the programme at times to accommodate our interests. The superb scenery and wildlife made the long journeys worthwhile. Our only regret is that it was over too quickly- meaning that we are left with the intention of booking another holiday with Hidden Hebrides!
A.S. (Essex, UK) May 2017
I have just returned from an amazing walking holiday led by John Groom. He is a super guide and host! Apart from the fantastic organisation of ferry bookings, B and B's, evening meals and walking trails (thank you Mick Blunt), John added the unflappable, always on time, courteous, generous element to this trip. His knowledge of the islands was outstanding and passionate. At last count our group had identified 45 birds,visited 10 islands, learnt about crofting, visited Neolithic remains from 5000 years ago, saw a scheduled plane land on the beach, visited Harris Island distillery and remained sober(ish). Thank you Hidden Hebrides.