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Holiday Highlights
Despite being physically joined and connected by road, Lewis and Harris have always been regarded as two separate islands. And any visitor will soon realise that, indeed, the two are very different places. Lewis is home to Stornoway, the bustling little capital of the Outer Hebrides, as well as numerous small crofting villages along the east and west coasts. The north of the island is dominated by vast rolling moorlands, whilst the south and west coasts are dramatic and rocky. All around the coastline are numerous sandy beaches, some tiny, some huge, but all beautiful and, invariably, almost deserted. Harris is completely different. Smaller, rockier and more intimate in scale, its residents have historically looked more towards Skye than Lewis. North Harris has dramatic mountains, including the Clisham, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides. It is also one of the best places in Britain for spotting both golden and white tailed eagles. South Harris has two very different sides. The east coast is a fascinating intricate landscape of bays, rocky headlands and tiny coastal villages. The west coast could not be more different, with gorgeous beaches backed by flowering machair meadows looking out over shallow, turquoise seas and numerous off-shore islands. Both islands offer superb walking. If you enjoy hiking in wild places, going off the beaten track to discover deserted beaches and spectacular seacliffs, having frequent encounters with wildlife and gazing out over crystal clear seas, it doesn't come much better than Lewis & Harris. |
Dates: This self guided holiday can run at any time during the year.
How long: 7 days / 6 nights (longer or shorter trips are also available). Base: 3 nights on Lewis, 3 nights on Harris staying at comfortable guest houses / B&Bs. Price: From £995 per person, based on two people sharing a twin / double room. Includes return ferry tickets (car + 2 passengers) on either Ullapool - Stornoway or Uig - Tarbert ferries, or single tickets on both routes). Additional days: £65 per person. |
Below we have added a suggested itinerary for this holiday which would make for a fantastic 7 day tour Lewis & Harris. We have described a tour starting in Lewis and heading south to Harris. However, this holiday can also be done in the opposite direction. As part of your self guided package you will receive comprehensive information on other walks on each of the islands, plus ideas for alternative outdoors activities and things to do if you fancy a day off from walking, or if the weather isn't great. Treat the itinerary as a starting point, and amend it as you wish!
Day 1. Travel to Stornoway. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to spend a few hours exploring the attractive little capital of the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway is overlooked by the imposing Lews Castle which houses the islands' main museum. This is well worth a visit, as are the surrounding woodlands of the Castle Grounds which contain many miles of well constructed paths through some beautiful woodlands.
Day 2. Callanish, Carloway & Ness. In the morning we suggest you 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 a good option is to drive to the northern most tip of the Hebrides, to the township of Ness and the dramatic Butt of Lewis lighthouse. Here you can also 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 listen out for their characteristic croaks amongst the township's croft fields.
Day 3. Tolsta Head. Packing an astonishing amount into a small area, the hike around Tolsta Head takes you along an airy cliff top walk, complete with sea stacks, rock arches and grey seals, before visiting one of Lewis’s finest beaches. After the walk take a leisurely drive south to your next B&B in the Isle of Harris.
Day 4. Huisinis & Cravadale. In the morning you will need to pack your bags as today you are heading south to the neighbouring island of Harris for this memorable and varied low level hike which must surely be one of the best in Scotland. Starting at the beautiful machair meadows of Huisinish, you will visit the huge golden sands of Traigh Mheillin beach which provide unparalleled views to the nearby uninhabited island of Scarp. From here the route takes in the remote and beautiful Glen Cravadale, with a good chance of spotting golden or sea eagles along the way. At the end of the walk you can drive to your B&B in Harris.
Day 5. The Reinigeadail Circuit. A tremendous hike on good paths and tracks exploring the rocky east side of Harris. Includes a visit to Reinigeadal which, in 1990, became the last village in Britain to be connected to the public road network.
Day 6. South Harris. The amazing beaches of Luskentyre and Scarista in South Harris are world famous, regularly winning top accolades from the likes of TripAdvisor, National Geographic and Lonely Planet. A walk along Luskentyre beach is an unforgettable experience, with stunning views over the shallow Hebridean seas to the mountains of North Harris and the nearby island of Taransay. Follow this with a climb up the small hill of Toe Head for a sensational panorama of Harris and its southern neighbours, Berneray and North Uist. After visiting the exquisite medieval chapel at Rodel, you can drive back to your B&B along the beautiful Golden Road which winds its way along the intricate rocky bays and secluded villages of the island's east coast.
Day 7. Depart.
Day 1. Travel to Stornoway. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to spend a few hours exploring the attractive little capital of the Outer Hebrides. Stornoway is overlooked by the imposing Lews Castle which houses the islands' main museum. This is well worth a visit, as are the surrounding woodlands of the Castle Grounds which contain many miles of well constructed paths through some beautiful woodlands.
Day 2. Callanish, Carloway & Ness. In the morning we suggest you 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 a good option is to drive to the northern most tip of the Hebrides, to the township of Ness and the dramatic Butt of Lewis lighthouse. Here you can also 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 listen out for their characteristic croaks amongst the township's croft fields.
Day 3. Tolsta Head. Packing an astonishing amount into a small area, the hike around Tolsta Head takes you along an airy cliff top walk, complete with sea stacks, rock arches and grey seals, before visiting one of Lewis’s finest beaches. After the walk take a leisurely drive south to your next B&B in the Isle of Harris.
Day 4. Huisinis & Cravadale. In the morning you will need to pack your bags as today you are heading south to the neighbouring island of Harris for this memorable and varied low level hike which must surely be one of the best in Scotland. Starting at the beautiful machair meadows of Huisinish, you will visit the huge golden sands of Traigh Mheillin beach which provide unparalleled views to the nearby uninhabited island of Scarp. From here the route takes in the remote and beautiful Glen Cravadale, with a good chance of spotting golden or sea eagles along the way. At the end of the walk you can drive to your B&B in Harris.
Day 5. The Reinigeadail Circuit. A tremendous hike on good paths and tracks exploring the rocky east side of Harris. Includes a visit to Reinigeadal which, in 1990, became the last village in Britain to be connected to the public road network.
Day 6. South Harris. The amazing beaches of Luskentyre and Scarista in South Harris are world famous, regularly winning top accolades from the likes of TripAdvisor, National Geographic and Lonely Planet. A walk along Luskentyre beach is an unforgettable experience, with stunning views over the shallow Hebridean seas to the mountains of North Harris and the nearby island of Taransay. Follow this with a climb up the small hill of Toe Head for a sensational panorama of Harris and its southern neighbours, Berneray and North Uist. After visiting the exquisite medieval chapel at Rodel, you can drive back to your B&B along the beautiful Golden Road which winds its way along the intricate rocky bays and secluded villages of the island's east coast.
Day 7. Depart.
Standard accommodation is in good quality island B&Bs and guest houses. All rooms have either ensuite or private bathrooms.
Lewis and Harris have some excellent country houses and hotels - if preferred, accommodation can be arranged in these for an additional cost. The exact surcharge will vary depending on the rates charged by the hotel (some are more expensive than others).
Lewis and Harris have some excellent country houses and hotels - if preferred, accommodation can be arranged in these for an additional cost. The exact surcharge will vary depending on the rates charged by the hotel (some are more expensive than others).
The grade of this holiday is Moderate. Most walks are relatively short (5 - 7 miles) and should not take more than half day. The Reinigeadal Circuit, however, is longer (about 11 miles) but on excellent paths and tracks the whole way.
Most walking is close to the shore, either on beaches or the grassy machair fields or on rougher moorland terrain along the clifftops. Some of the walks can be a bit wet and boggy in places and the hike to Huisinis and Cravadale includes a short but steep and rocky path that traverses a steep hillside. Ascents are generally modest - the biggest climb is, again, on the Reinigeadal route where over the course of the day involves slightly over 3000 ft (700m) of ascent.
The routes should be easily within the capabilities of anyone who walks regularly and has experience of the sort of terrain found in upland parts of Britain or Europe.
Note that not all routes follow obvious paths so basic map reading skills will be required.
For those who would prefer an easier or more challenging holiday we can adjust the recommended itinerary to incorporate routes of any grade.
Most walking is close to the shore, either on beaches or the grassy machair fields or on rougher moorland terrain along the clifftops. Some of the walks can be a bit wet and boggy in places and the hike to Huisinis and Cravadale includes a short but steep and rocky path that traverses a steep hillside. Ascents are generally modest - the biggest climb is, again, on the Reinigeadal route where over the course of the day involves slightly over 3000 ft (700m) of ascent.
The routes should be easily within the capabilities of anyone who walks regularly and has experience of the sort of terrain found in upland parts of Britain or Europe.
Note that not all routes follow obvious paths so basic map reading skills will be required.
For those who would prefer an easier or more challenging holiday we can adjust the recommended itinerary to incorporate routes of any grade.
What's Included: 6 nights accommodation, with full Scottish breakfast. Ferry crossings (car + 2 passengers) for the following sailings:
A full set of Ordnance Survey 1: 50,000 maps for Lewis and Harris, annotated with useful visitor information. An emailed folder containing .gpx files for every walk we recommend. A walking guide book to Harris and Lewis. A detailed holiday pack including all the information you need for a memorable stay in the Hebrides. The pack includes route information on many of the best walks on the islands - based on what you tell us, we will recommend routes we think you will particularly enjoy; advice about the most interesting places to visit, the best cafes and restaurants; plus lots of tips and advice to help you get the most from your holiday.
What's Not Included: Evening meals - we will provide you with information on the best places to eat out on the islands. Packed lunches: these are usually available to buy from B&B's at a cost of £6 - £7 per person. Travel insurance.
- Ullapool - Stornoway
- Uig - Tarbert
A full set of Ordnance Survey 1: 50,000 maps for Lewis and Harris, annotated with useful visitor information. An emailed folder containing .gpx files for every walk we recommend. A walking guide book to Harris and Lewis. A detailed holiday pack including all the information you need for a memorable stay in the Hebrides. The pack includes route information on many of the best walks on the islands - based on what you tell us, we will recommend routes we think you will particularly enjoy; advice about the most interesting places to visit, the best cafes and restaurants; plus lots of tips and advice to help you get the most from your holiday.
What's Not Included: Evening meals - we will provide you with information on the best places to eat out on the islands. Packed lunches: these are usually available to buy from B&B's at a cost of £6 - £7 per person. Travel insurance.
Do I need a car for this holiday? Yes, all our self-guided holidays require a car. You can bring your own or hire one - there are lots of car hire firms in Inverness who can provide you with a vehicle for your trip.
Can I make the holiday longer / shorter? Yes! Just tell us how long you would like to spend exploring the islands and we will put together a customised itinerary for you. Additional days can be added to the standard itinerary for just £65 per person.
What equipment do I need? Your equipment needs to be capable of coping with the very variable weather we get on the Outer Hebrides. It is quite possible to get driving rain, fog, then glorious sunshine all on the same day. It is also possible to get sunburnt in March and to have snow showers in May, so be prepared! We strongly recommend walking boots rather than shoes as the terrain on the islands tends to be rough, wet and uneven. Walking poles are optional but can be useful. A list of suggested equipment can be found by clicking here.
When is the best time to visit? May and June are traditionally regarded as the best months for visiting the Hebrides, but any time of year can be good. April and September / October can be particularly good - the low sun highlighting the beautiful colours of the heather cloaked hillsides.
Are the midges bad on the Outer Hebrides? No! Midges are the tiny biting flies that can make a visit to Highland Scotland memorable for all the wrong reasons. However, the good news is that the Outer Hebrides is one of the least midgey places in Scotland - being on the edge of the Atlantic we almost always get some wind and this is usually enough to stop them flying.
On the occasional day in July and August they can be annoying - but if this happens just choose a walk along a coastline where there will almost always be enough breeze to keep them at bay.
Can I make the holiday longer / shorter? Yes! Just tell us how long you would like to spend exploring the islands and we will put together a customised itinerary for you. Additional days can be added to the standard itinerary for just £65 per person.
What equipment do I need? Your equipment needs to be capable of coping with the very variable weather we get on the Outer Hebrides. It is quite possible to get driving rain, fog, then glorious sunshine all on the same day. It is also possible to get sunburnt in March and to have snow showers in May, so be prepared! We strongly recommend walking boots rather than shoes as the terrain on the islands tends to be rough, wet and uneven. Walking poles are optional but can be useful. A list of suggested equipment can be found by clicking here.
When is the best time to visit? May and June are traditionally regarded as the best months for visiting the Hebrides, but any time of year can be good. April and September / October can be particularly good - the low sun highlighting the beautiful colours of the heather cloaked hillsides.
Are the midges bad on the Outer Hebrides? No! Midges are the tiny biting flies that can make a visit to Highland Scotland memorable for all the wrong reasons. However, the good news is that the Outer Hebrides is one of the least midgey places in Scotland - being on the edge of the Atlantic we almost always get some wind and this is usually enough to stop them flying.
On the occasional day in July and August they can be annoying - but if this happens just choose a walk along a coastline where there will almost always be enough breeze to keep them at bay.