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Holiday Highlights
The Outer Hebrides is a land apart - an island archipelago stretching for over 120 miles down the north west coast of Scotland. Here on the fringes of Europe lies the heartland of Gaelic language and culture, once the native tongue of all Highland Scotland. This is a land of dramatic mountains, huge deserted beaches, turquoise seas, countless freshwater lochs and abundant wildlife. The wild island interiors are virtually uninhabited, whilst small crofting communities farm the fertile machair grasslands that can be found along many coastlines. This memorable self guided holiday takes you on a relaxed meander up or down the island chain, from Lewis in the north to Barra in the south, sampling the best walks on each island along the way. You can travel in either direction - the choice is yours. Staying in comfortable guest houses, over the course of this trip you will visit at least 10 separate islands, walk on some of Britain's most beautiful beaches and experience the incredible variety of landscapes that the Outer Hebrides has to offer. From the dramatic seacliffs of Lewis to the world famous beaches of South Harris, the unique flower rich meadows of the Uists and the wonderfully relaxed atmosphere of Barra, this is surely one of the finest touring holidays in Britain. We provide everything you need for a wonderful holiday. We arrange all accommodation and ferry crossings and provide you with a comprehensive information pack to help you get the most out of your visit to the islands. We include a recommended walking route for each day, along with lots of suggestions for alternative routes we think you might enjoy. Three walking guide books and a complete set of Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger maps for the Outer Hebrides will make sure you don't get lost! We also provide details of a wide range of other outdoor activities available on the islands, as well as ideas for things to do if the weather is not great. Here is what some of our clients have to say about this holiday: C.E. (Reading, UK) A quick note to say thank you for organising a great trip for us, we thoroughly enjoyed it and all your attention to detail made it so easier for us. Weather was pretty good too, managed to get plenty of good walks in, though not quite all the long ones (we'll blame the weather for that!) Really appreciate all your help. B.C. (Cheltenham, UK) I just wanted to let you know that we had a great time on our Outer Hebrides trip. The arrangements you made for us were excellent. Favourite hotel was Langass Lodge, closely followed by the Harris Hotel, especially when we moved to our 2nd room (room 2), which had its own small lounge! And the itineraries you suggested were also excellent, despite the weather at times. Only disappointments were not seeing either eagles or otters; but bonxies for the first time, a short eared owl hunting for food, and many flowers, including orchids. J.B. (Nottingham, UK) This was the first time we had used an agency like Hidden Hebrides to arrange our holidays and we were a little apprehensive. We should not have worried because everything went very smoothly. All our ferry crossings and B&B accommodation arranged for us, not to mention all the walks and visits. All walks were carefully explained with the help of a guide book and ordnance survey maps provided. These were carefully marked with the walks, places of interest, restaurants and all our accommodation. Our accommodation was of the highest quality and all our hosts were helpful and informative Suggested restaurants were also to a high standard. Two of them we liked so much we visited twice. Our walking was set for our ability as experienced hill walkers and we would strongly recommend good boots. We were vey lucky with the weather and did not use waterproofs until the last afternoon. Nevertheless make sure your waterproofs are of good quality, if only to protect you from strong winds ,which we did experience. The Outer Hebrides have to be seen to be believed and when you are shown the very best as we were, you need a good camera for all those memories. We can't wait to go again! |
Dates: This self guided holiday can run at any time during the year.
How long: 9 days / 8 nights (longer or shorter trips are also available). Base: 2 nights on Lewis, 2 nights on Harris, 2 nights on North or South Uist or Benbecula, 2 nights on Barra, staying at comfortable guest houses / B&Bs. Price: From £1075 per person, based on two people sharing a twin / double room. Includes all ferry fares (based on car + 2 passengers). Additional days: £65 per person. |
Below we have added a suggested itinerary for this holiday which would make for a fantastic 9 day tour of the Outer Hebrides. We have described a tour starting in Lewis and heading south to Harris, the Uists & Barra. 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. This memorable and varied low level hike 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.
Day 5. South Harris & Berneray. Start your day with a visit to the exquisite medieval St. Clement's Church at Rodel. Standing on a small knoll looking out over the Little Minch to Skye, this striking, square-turreted chapel contains some of the best preserved mediaeval carvings in Scotland. Afterwards, if you have time to spare, take a short walk on the small path linking Rodel and Srond, admiring the stupendous seaviews that unfold as you gain height, then make your way to the ferry terminal at Leverburgh to catch the late morning ferry across the Sound of Harris to Berneray. Spend the afternoon walking around Prince Charles's favourite island, admiring the traditional thatched croft houses, its machair meadows (which in spring and summer are rich in flowers and breeding birds) and some of the finest beaches in the Hebrides on the island's west coast. At the end of the day drive to your next B&B on the Uists.
Day 6. The Udal Peninsula. This is one of our favourite walks in the whole of the Hebrides - a beautiful excursion around a North Uist peninsula visiting beach after deserted beach, with ever changing views over turquoise seas to nearby islands. In summer the machair grassland here is a carpet of wildflowers and home to countless wading birds. There is some fascinating archaeology along the way too.
Day 7. Ruabhal & Howmore. In the morning climb the small hill of Ruabhal in the centre of Benbecula. Although a mere 416ft / 127m high, this little peak provides astonishing views over the unique island of Benbecula - rarely can such a short climb provide such spectacular views!
In the afternoon take the short drive to Howmore in South Uist which, with its thatched cottages, ruined medieval chapels and ancient graveyard, is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric of all the Hebridean villages. Your walk will take you to the picturesque estuary of the Howmore river, along part of the magnificent sandy beach that makes up the entire west coast of South Uist, then back through flower rich machair meadows which are alive with thousands of ground nesting wading birds in the spring and summer. At the end of your walk, take a leisurely drive down to Eriskay at the southern tip of the Uists and catch the evening ferry to Barra and your next B&B.
Day 8. Vatersay & Eoligarry. Barra is tiny but great! It's intimate scale and relaxed way of life makes it many visitors' favourite Hebridean island. Today we suggest a trip up to Eoligarry at the north end of the island to walk the beautiful beaches and machair meadows...and watch the only scheduled air service in the world where the plane lands on a beach! This is (obviously) dependent on the tide, so flight times change each day. It is, however, an amazing sight and one we highly recommend. If you have time, a walk around the stunning island of Vatersay - connected to Barra by road causeway - is also highly recommended.
Day 9 . Depart on the ferry from Barra to Oban.
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. This memorable and varied low level hike 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.
Day 5. South Harris & Berneray. Start your day with a visit to the exquisite medieval St. Clement's Church at Rodel. Standing on a small knoll looking out over the Little Minch to Skye, this striking, square-turreted chapel contains some of the best preserved mediaeval carvings in Scotland. Afterwards, if you have time to spare, take a short walk on the small path linking Rodel and Srond, admiring the stupendous seaviews that unfold as you gain height, then make your way to the ferry terminal at Leverburgh to catch the late morning ferry across the Sound of Harris to Berneray. Spend the afternoon walking around Prince Charles's favourite island, admiring the traditional thatched croft houses, its machair meadows (which in spring and summer are rich in flowers and breeding birds) and some of the finest beaches in the Hebrides on the island's west coast. At the end of the day drive to your next B&B on the Uists.
Day 6. The Udal Peninsula. This is one of our favourite walks in the whole of the Hebrides - a beautiful excursion around a North Uist peninsula visiting beach after deserted beach, with ever changing views over turquoise seas to nearby islands. In summer the machair grassland here is a carpet of wildflowers and home to countless wading birds. There is some fascinating archaeology along the way too.
Day 7. Ruabhal & Howmore. In the morning climb the small hill of Ruabhal in the centre of Benbecula. Although a mere 416ft / 127m high, this little peak provides astonishing views over the unique island of Benbecula - rarely can such a short climb provide such spectacular views!
In the afternoon take the short drive to Howmore in South Uist which, with its thatched cottages, ruined medieval chapels and ancient graveyard, is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric of all the Hebridean villages. Your walk will take you to the picturesque estuary of the Howmore river, along part of the magnificent sandy beach that makes up the entire west coast of South Uist, then back through flower rich machair meadows which are alive with thousands of ground nesting wading birds in the spring and summer. At the end of your walk, take a leisurely drive down to Eriskay at the southern tip of the Uists and catch the evening ferry to Barra and your next B&B.
Day 8. Vatersay & Eoligarry. Barra is tiny but great! It's intimate scale and relaxed way of life makes it many visitors' favourite Hebridean island. Today we suggest a trip up to Eoligarry at the north end of the island to walk the beautiful beaches and machair meadows...and watch the only scheduled air service in the world where the plane lands on a beach! This is (obviously) dependent on the tide, so flight times change each day. It is, however, an amazing sight and one we highly recommend. If you have time, a walk around the stunning island of Vatersay - connected to Barra by road causeway - is also highly recommended.
Day 9 . Depart on the ferry from Barra to Oban.
Standard accommodation is in good quality island B&Bs and guest houses. All rooms have either ensuite or private bathrooms.
If preferred, we can arrange accommodation at island hotels. The Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway is a good (if pricey) option, whilst the Harris Hotel in Tarbert offers good, refurbished rooms and good food at reasonable rates. Langass Lodge and Hamersay House in North Uist are excellent, with comfortable rooms and wonderful food. Lochboisdale Hotel and the Pollachar Inn provide good accommodation at the south end of South Uist, whilst the Castlebay Hotel is an attractive base for exploring Barra.
Accommodation can be arranged at any of these hotels for an additional cost (the exact surcharge will vary - some are more expensive than others).
If preferred, we can arrange accommodation at island hotels. The Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway is a good (if pricey) option, whilst the Harris Hotel in Tarbert offers good, refurbished rooms and good food at reasonable rates. Langass Lodge and Hamersay House in North Uist are excellent, with comfortable rooms and wonderful food. Lochboisdale Hotel and the Pollachar Inn provide good accommodation at the south end of South Uist, whilst the Castlebay Hotel is an attractive base for exploring Barra.
Accommodation can be arranged at any of these hotels for an additional cost (the exact surcharge will vary - some are more expensive than others).
The grade of this holiday is Easy / Moderate. Most walks are relatively short (5 - 7 miles) and none should take more than half day.
Most walking is close to the shore, either on beaches or the grassy machair fields. 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. There are a couple of very small hills (Ruabhal in Benbecula, for example, is less than 400ft (125m) above sea level!) but these are well worth the effort for the wonderful views they provide. The walks at Tolsta Head and on Vatersay crosses some rough moorland in places.
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. 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. There are a couple of very small hills (Ruabhal in Benbecula, for example, is less than 400ft (125m) above sea level!) but these are well worth the effort for the wonderful views they provide. The walks at Tolsta Head and on Vatersay crosses some rough moorland in places.
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: 8 nights accommodation (2 nights on Lewis, 2 nights on Harris, 2 nights on the Uists and 2 nights on Barra) with full Scottish breakfast. A full set of Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger maps. An emailed folder containing .gpx files for every walk we recommend. A walking guidebook to the Outer Hebrides. Detailed route information, along with recommendations for a variety of walks, places to visit and things to do. The following ferry crossings:
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 often available at the B & B's; travel insurance.
- Ullapool - Stornoway
- Leverburgh - Berneray
- Eriskay - Barra
- Barra - Oban
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 often available at the B & B's; 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.
What equipment do I need? Your equipment needs to be capable of coping with the very variable weather we get in 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.
What equipment do I need? Your equipment needs to be capable of coping with the very variable weather we get in 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.