Holiday Details
|
Enjoy outstanding seascapes, wildlife and archaeology on this fabulous tour of the two largest islands in the Outer Hebrides.
2016 Dates: 20th - 26th August 26th September - 2nd October Price: £920. Single supplement £120. 
|
A unique chance to explore some of the best walks on both Harris and Lewis, the largest islands in the Outer Hebrides.
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 to the schedule. 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 - ARRIVE IN STORNOWAY There are several ways to reach Stornoway, the main town on Lewis, and the start point for this holiday. Daily direct flights are available from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness, whilst a twice daily ferry service runs from Ullapool - Stornoway. It is also possible to take a ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert in Harris, then catch the bus to Stornoway. We are always happy to provide travel advice so if you have any queries do get in touch. When you arrive in Stornoway we will collect you from the airport, ferry terminal or bus station and take you to your guest house. DAY 2 - HUISINISH & CRAVADALE A spectacular start, with this memorable and varied low level hike - one of the best in Scotland. Starting at the beautiful machair meadows of Huisinish, we will visit the huge golden sands of Traigh Mheillin which provides unparalleled views out to the nearby island of Scarp. From here we will explore the remote and beautiful Glen Cravadale, with a good chance of spotting golden or sea eagles along the way. 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 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 4 - SCALPAY & WEST HARRIS Scalpay is a very attractive and characterful island connected, since 1997, to the east coast of Harris by a graceful concrete road bridge. We will be exploring the spectacular southern coastline of the island, then heading to the world famous beaches of Luskentyre and Horgabost in west Harris, where we will be able to look out over turquoise seas to the deserted island of Taransay. 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 - UIG & MANGERSTA We finish with a day exploring what many people regard as the most beautiful place in Lewis (high praise indeed!) - the Uig area in the west of the island. This dramatic region of low lying, rocky hills and spectacular sandy beaches was where the famous Lewis Chessmen - a complete set of Viking chess pieces beautifully carved out of walrus ivory - were discovered in 1831. Our day will include a walk along the mighty cliffs of Mangersta, from where we will have magnificent views out to the Atlantic, with the Flannan Islands and St. Kilda often visible on clear days. DAY 8 - DEPART On the final day we will transport you back to the airport, ferry terminal or bus station for your departure. Holiday Fact File Grade: Easy / Moderate. These holidays go at a gentle pace, with plenty of time to stop, take pictures, soak up the atmosphere and watch the wildlife. However, they are still walking holidays, 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 4 - 5 hours and 6 - 7 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. Start: Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Cost: £920.00 - includes guest house accommodation plus breakfast, packed lunch and evening meals. Single supplement: £120. We also offer a low cost self catering accommodation in shared dormitories in a comfortable Stornoway hostel. This option costs £650 per person. Accommodation: We will be staying in comfortable guest houses in or near Stornoway, the bustling little capital of the Outer Hebrides. All rooms will have ensuite or private bathrooms. 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, including collection and transfers at the start and end of the holiday. The services of an experienced walking guide. What's Not Included: Transport to / from holiday departure point at Stornoway. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Travel insurance. |