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Holiday Highlights
This superb two week holiday showcases the very best of the Inner and Outer Hebrides! From the dramatic peaks of the Cuillin mountains to the deserted beaches of Lewis and Harris and the wild beauty of the Uists and Barra, this is undoubtedly one of northern Europe's most spectacular walking destinations. It is a holiday of contrasts - jagged mountain tops, deserted beaches, picturesque crofting villages, dramatic archaeology, abundant wildlife and some of the most beautiful ferry crossings in Europe! We include a recommend itinerary for the fortnight (see below) but we also supply a comprehensive information pack which includes detailed information on lots of other great hikes on the islands, as well as the many other things to see and do in the area. Using the information pack you can adjust the itinerary each day to include alternative walks or particular sites or visitor attractions that you would like to see. All ferry fares are included in the price of the holiday, along with all accommodation and a wealth of ideas and suggestions for helping you make the most of your trip. We do all the planning and research so you don't have to! All you need to do is make your own way to the start point on Skye, then you can concentrate on enjoying the best walks, the nicest restaurants and the most rewarding visitor attractions on these amazing islands. |
Dates: This self guided holiday can run at any time during the year.
How long: 14 days / 13 nights (longer or shorter trips are also available). Base: 3 nights on Skye, 3 nights on Lewis, 3 nights on Harris, 2 nights on the Uists and 2 nights on Barra, staying at comfortable guest houses / B&Bs. Price: From £1,089 per person, based on two people sharing a twin / double room. Includes all ferry tickets (based on car + 2 passengers). Additional days: £50 per person. |
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Itinerary
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Below we have added a suggested itinerary for this holiday. This would make for a fantastic 14 day tour of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. However, as part of your self guided package you will also receive comprehensive information on other walks on 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 the Isle of Skye and your first B&B.
Day 2. Loch Coruisk. This will be a day to remember - a boat trip from the small crofting township of Elgol will take you across the head of Loch Scavaig to the remote and beautiful Loch Coruisk, nestling in the heart of the Skye Cuilllin mountains. This is wild, spectacular and uninhabited country. Spend the day beneath the rocky peaks, walking around this beautiful freshwater loch, before catching the boat back to Elgol - looking out for basking sharks en route.
Day 3. Quirang. There really is nowhere in Britain quite like the Quirang. These remarkable rock formations in the north of Skye provide spectacular walking, and are almost better on a misty day, where the huge cliffs and stone pillars loom out of the cloud like fossilised giants!
Day 4. Fairy Glen & Travel to Lewis. An easy day today! Pack your bags, explore Portree - Skye's attractive little capital - then drive to Uig at the north end of Skye. Stop enroute to visit Fairy Glen - a mini Quirang of strange landslides and rock formations a few miles outside the village. Return to Uig and catch the ferry to Tarbert in Harris, then drive north for 50 minutes or so to your next B&B on the Isle of Lewis.
Day 5. 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 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 6. 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.
Day 7. 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 exquisite Glen Cravadale, with a good chance of spotting golden or sea eagles along the way. After the walk drive to your next B & B in Harris.
Day 8. The Reinigeadail Circuit. A tremendous hike on good paths and tracks through the rocky hills and glens on the 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 9. 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, return to your B & B along the Golden Road, which winds its ways around the picturesque bays and villages of east Harris.
Day 10. Berneray. In the morning pack your bags and drive to Leverburgh, at the south end of Harris, and take Britain's most scenic ferry route across the island-studded Sound of Harris. Spend the afternoon exploring the little island of Berneray (a favourite of Prince Charles), with its magnificent flower filled machair meadows and huge silver beaches, before driving to your next B & B in the Uists.
Day 11. Udal. Udal is a narrow, fertile peninsula which extends northwards from the coast of North Uist. A circuit provides magnificent and ever changing views of the Sound of Harris and its many off-shore islands. It also incorporates a remarkable number of beaches and some more fine fields of flower rich machair, as well as spectacular archaeological remains and one of the most atmospheric graveyards you will ever see…
Day 12. Eriskay and Barra. Time to pack your bags again before driving south down the entire length of the Uists. Stop along the way to climb Ruabhal, a small hill but the highest point on the otherwise very flat Benbecula, which gives tremendous views of the watery Uist landscape. Continue south to Eriskay where you can spend an hour or two exploring this attractive little island - perhaps walking along Coilleag a' Phrionnsa, Prince's Beach, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745 to start his famous rebellion against the English crown. Then it is time to catch another short ferry over to Barra and a short drive to your final B & B.
Day 13. Vatersay & Eoligarry. A wonderful final day! Spend the morning exploring the remote island of Vatersay (connected to Barra by road causeway), visiting pristine beaches and an evocative deserted settlement, with amazing views to a whole series of once inhabited but now empty off-shore islands. In the afternoon head to the airport at the north of the island to watch the only scheduled flights anywhere in the world that take off and land from a beach! After some refreshments at the excellent airport cafe enjoy some marvellous and easy walking on the beaches and machair of Eoligarry - Barra's most northerly village.
Day 14. Depart on the ferry to Oban.
Day 1. Travel to the Isle of Skye and your first B&B.
Day 2. Loch Coruisk. This will be a day to remember - a boat trip from the small crofting township of Elgol will take you across the head of Loch Scavaig to the remote and beautiful Loch Coruisk, nestling in the heart of the Skye Cuilllin mountains. This is wild, spectacular and uninhabited country. Spend the day beneath the rocky peaks, walking around this beautiful freshwater loch, before catching the boat back to Elgol - looking out for basking sharks en route.
Day 3. Quirang. There really is nowhere in Britain quite like the Quirang. These remarkable rock formations in the north of Skye provide spectacular walking, and are almost better on a misty day, where the huge cliffs and stone pillars loom out of the cloud like fossilised giants!
Day 4. Fairy Glen & Travel to Lewis. An easy day today! Pack your bags, explore Portree - Skye's attractive little capital - then drive to Uig at the north end of Skye. Stop enroute to visit Fairy Glen - a mini Quirang of strange landslides and rock formations a few miles outside the village. Return to Uig and catch the ferry to Tarbert in Harris, then drive north for 50 minutes or so to your next B&B on the Isle of Lewis.
Day 5. 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 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 6. 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.
Day 7. 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 exquisite Glen Cravadale, with a good chance of spotting golden or sea eagles along the way. After the walk drive to your next B & B in Harris.
Day 8. The Reinigeadail Circuit. A tremendous hike on good paths and tracks through the rocky hills and glens on the 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 9. 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, return to your B & B along the Golden Road, which winds its ways around the picturesque bays and villages of east Harris.
Day 10. Berneray. In the morning pack your bags and drive to Leverburgh, at the south end of Harris, and take Britain's most scenic ferry route across the island-studded Sound of Harris. Spend the afternoon exploring the little island of Berneray (a favourite of Prince Charles), with its magnificent flower filled machair meadows and huge silver beaches, before driving to your next B & B in the Uists.
Day 11. Udal. Udal is a narrow, fertile peninsula which extends northwards from the coast of North Uist. A circuit provides magnificent and ever changing views of the Sound of Harris and its many off-shore islands. It also incorporates a remarkable number of beaches and some more fine fields of flower rich machair, as well as spectacular archaeological remains and one of the most atmospheric graveyards you will ever see…
Day 12. Eriskay and Barra. Time to pack your bags again before driving south down the entire length of the Uists. Stop along the way to climb Ruabhal, a small hill but the highest point on the otherwise very flat Benbecula, which gives tremendous views of the watery Uist landscape. Continue south to Eriskay where you can spend an hour or two exploring this attractive little island - perhaps walking along Coilleag a' Phrionnsa, Prince's Beach, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745 to start his famous rebellion against the English crown. Then it is time to catch another short ferry over to Barra and a short drive to your final B & B.
Day 13. Vatersay & Eoligarry. A wonderful final day! Spend the morning exploring the remote island of Vatersay (connected to Barra by road causeway), visiting pristine beaches and an evocative deserted settlement, with amazing views to a whole series of once inhabited but now empty off-shore islands. In the afternoon head to the airport at the north of the island to watch the only scheduled flights anywhere in the world that take off and land from a beach! After some refreshments at the excellent airport cafe enjoy some marvellous and easy walking on the beaches and machair of Eoligarry - Barra's most northerly village.
Day 14. Depart on the ferry to Oban.
Standard accommodation is in good quality island B&Bs and guest houses. All rooms have either ensuite or private bathrooms.
Skye and the Outer Hebrides 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 hotels (some are more expensive than others).
Skye and the Outer Hebrides 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 hotels (some are more expensive than others).
The grade of this holiday is Easy / Moderate. Most walks are relatively short (5 - 7 miles) and most should not take more than half day. A few longer days are included in the suggested itinerary - the walks to Reinigeadal on Harris, for example, is an all day hike.
The walking over the course of this holiday is very varied. At various times you will be walking along the tops of spectacular sea cliffs, on deserted sandy beaches, along remote moorland tracks, in dramatic mountain glens and through flower-filled grassy meadows. Some of the walks can be a bit wet and boggy in places and the walking around Loch Coruisk is very rocky (this walk, however, can be shortened or lengthened as you see fit). The hikes to the Quirang on Skye and to Huisinis and Cravadale in Harris include short but steep and rocky paths that traverse steep hillsides. 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.
The walking over the course of this holiday is very varied. At various times you will be walking along the tops of spectacular sea cliffs, on deserted sandy beaches, along remote moorland tracks, in dramatic mountain glens and through flower-filled grassy meadows. Some of the walks can be a bit wet and boggy in places and the walking around Loch Coruisk is very rocky (this walk, however, can be shortened or lengthened as you see fit). The hikes to the Quirang on Skye and to Huisinis and Cravadale in Harris include short but steep and rocky paths that traverse steep hillsides. 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: 13 nights accommodation (3 nights on Skye, 3 nights on Lewis, 3 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 maps for Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Walking guide books to the islands. A comprehensive holiday pack including all the information you need for a memorable and relaxed holiday. The pack includes a detailed itinerary, suggestions for alternative walking routes you might enjoy, advice about the most interesting places to visit, the best cafes and restaurants - and lots of tips and advice to help you get the most from your holiday. The following ferry crossings are included:
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.
- Uig (Skye) - Tarbert (Harris)
- 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.
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 £50 per person.
What equipment do I need? Your equipment needs to be capable of coping with the very variable weather we get in the 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 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. Sheltered parts of Skye can be troubled by midges on warm overcast days in summer - if this happens just choose a coastal walk where sea breezes will usually prevent them from flying and bothering you.
What equipment do I need? Your equipment needs to be capable of coping with the very variable weather we get in the 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 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. Sheltered parts of Skye can be troubled by midges on warm overcast days in summer - if this happens just choose a coastal walk where sea breezes will usually prevent them from flying and bothering you.