|
Highlights
This fantastic holiday takes in some of the many highlights of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Celebrated in poetry and song, Skye is deservedly Scotland's most famous island. Its dramatic mountains, wild coastlines and traditional crofting landscapes have been attracting tourists for over 300 years. Despite its popularity it remains a fabulous and surprisingly little known walking destination. Away from the tourist crowds in Portree we won't see many other people as we explore some of the island's finest low-level walks. The second half of your holiday will be spent in the Outer Hebrides. Atlantic Scotland's last outpost (the next stop west of here is Nova Scotia) Harris and Lewis feel like a world apart. Here we are in the heartland of Gaelic speaking Scotland - it is not uncommon to overhear the language being spoken in shops and on buses. The Outer Hebrides have won countless accolades over the past few years and are regularly voted one of the world's most beautiful travel destinations by the likes of National Geographic, TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet and others. Join us as we explore the best walks on Harris and Lewis and you will soon see why... Staying at carefully selected B&Bs for three nights each on Skye and Lewis, our Skye & the Outer Hebrides holiday is the ideal introduction for the first time visitor to the Hebridean islands. |
2025 Dates:
Sat 3rd - Fri 9th May 6 places left Sat 14th - Fri 20th June 8 places left How long: 6 nights, 6 days walking Grade: Easy / Moderate (see our Grading Information page for more details on how we grade our tours) Start: Inverness Price: £1,925 Single supplement £160. ***£50 discount for returning clients!*** |
Tour Details
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
Included meals are shown as follows: B - breakfast; D - dinner
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO SKYE (D)
After meeting at Inverness train station at 10.30am, we will have a spectacular drive to the Isle of Skye. On arrival at the island we will have lunch and then enjoy a stunning walk to the Point of Sleat, Skye's most southerly point.
Accommodation: Skye B&B
DAY 2 - BORERAIG & SUISNISH (B, D)
Today we will visit the deserted townships of Boreraig and Suisnish in south west Skye. Beautiful and atmospheric, this walk will take us through gentle woodland, across lonely moorland and along spectacular coastal scenery, and will offer dramatic views across Loch Slappin to the mighty peaks of Blaven and Clach Glas.
Accommodation: Skye B&B
DAY 3 - QUIRANG & NORTH SKYE (B, D)
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! In the afternoon we will walk out to the dramatic headland of Meall Tuath - one of the best places on Skye for spotting whales and dolphins.
Accommodation: Skye B&B
DAY 4 - THE BEACHES OF WEST HARRIS (B, D)
On Tuesday morning we will drive up to Uig at the north end of Skye and take a beautiful ferry journey over to Tarbert, Harris's tiny capital. We will then spend the afternoon exploring the world-famous coastline and beaches of West Harris. At the end of the day we will have dinner in Harris before driving north into Lewis and our next B&B in Stornoway.
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 5 - UIG (B, D)
We will spend today walking on the beautiful west coast of Lewis, home to the famous Lewis Chessmen and more sensational beaches! Considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the island, the remote Uig area is a wonderful combination of tiny crofting villages, rocky headlands, lonely off-shore islands and amazing beaches.
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 6 - CALLANISH, CARLOWAY & NESS (B, D)
In the morning we will 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 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 rasping call amongst the township's croft fields.
DAY 7 - DEPART (B)
We will spend the morning exploring Stornoway, with its excellent museum and the fine woodland trails around Lews Castle, before catching the afternoon ferry to Ullapool and arriving back in Inverness by 6pm.
(please note that this schedule may be subject to change depending on weather conditions during the trip).
Included meals are shown as follows: B - breakfast; D - dinner
DAY 1 - TRAVEL TO SKYE (D)
After meeting at Inverness train station at 10.30am, we will have a spectacular drive to the Isle of Skye. On arrival at the island we will have lunch and then enjoy a stunning walk to the Point of Sleat, Skye's most southerly point.
Accommodation: Skye B&B
DAY 2 - BORERAIG & SUISNISH (B, D)
Today we will visit the deserted townships of Boreraig and Suisnish in south west Skye. Beautiful and atmospheric, this walk will take us through gentle woodland, across lonely moorland and along spectacular coastal scenery, and will offer dramatic views across Loch Slappin to the mighty peaks of Blaven and Clach Glas.
Accommodation: Skye B&B
DAY 3 - QUIRANG & NORTH SKYE (B, D)
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! In the afternoon we will walk out to the dramatic headland of Meall Tuath - one of the best places on Skye for spotting whales and dolphins.
Accommodation: Skye B&B
DAY 4 - THE BEACHES OF WEST HARRIS (B, D)
On Tuesday morning we will drive up to Uig at the north end of Skye and take a beautiful ferry journey over to Tarbert, Harris's tiny capital. We will then spend the afternoon exploring the world-famous coastline and beaches of West Harris. At the end of the day we will have dinner in Harris before driving north into Lewis and our next B&B in Stornoway.
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 5 - UIG (B, D)
We will spend today walking on the beautiful west coast of Lewis, home to the famous Lewis Chessmen and more sensational beaches! Considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the island, the remote Uig area is a wonderful combination of tiny crofting villages, rocky headlands, lonely off-shore islands and amazing beaches.
Accommodation: Lewis B&B
DAY 6 - CALLANISH, CARLOWAY & NESS (B, D)
In the morning we will 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 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 rasping call amongst the township's croft fields.
DAY 7 - DEPART (B)
We will spend the morning exploring Stornoway, with its excellent museum and the fine woodland trails around Lews Castle, before catching the afternoon ferry to Ullapool and arriving back in Inverness by 6pm.
The holiday starts and ends in Inverness. Inverness is easily accessible by plane, train and bus.
Flights
The following airlines offer direct flights to Inverness:
www.loganair.co.uk - Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Exeter, Glasgow, Newquay, Southampton.
www.easyjet.com - London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Geneva.
www.britishairways.com - London Heathrow.
www.aerlingus.com - Dublin.
www.klm.com -Amsterdam
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
For secure parking in Inverness we recommend the Highland Council run Rose Street multi storey car park. This is staffed until 10pm each night and is fully covered by CCTV. The cost for a week's parking here is about £57.
Flights
The following airlines offer direct flights to Inverness:
www.loganair.co.uk - Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Exeter, Glasgow, Newquay, Southampton.
www.easyjet.com - London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Geneva.
www.britishairways.com - London Heathrow.
www.aerlingus.com - Dublin.
www.klm.com -Amsterdam
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
For secure parking in Inverness we recommend the Highland Council run Rose Street multi storey car park. This is staffed until 10pm each night and is fully covered by CCTV. The cost for a week's parking here is about £57.
What's Included: 6 nights accommodation (3 nights on Skye, 3 nights on Lewis), 6 days walking. Accommodation at local quality guest houses*, with full Scottish or continental breakfasts; packed lunches; evening meals at local restaurants (included meals are detailed in the itinerary).
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; 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 & drinks at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Alcoholic drinks. Restaurant tips. Travel insurance.
*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 £160. Where possible we try and accommodate the group in the same guest house. However, this is not always possible and 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; 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 & drinks at any cafes we may visit. Entrance to any visitor attractions. Alcoholic drinks. Restaurant tips. Travel insurance.
*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 £160. Where possible we try and accommodate the group in the same guest house. However, this is not always possible and 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 / 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 7 - 8 miles or so each day, and be confident walking away from paths - for example over rough, grassy hillsides. Some days we may do two shorter walks instead of one longer hike.
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.
See our Grading Information page for more information about how we grade our holidays.
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 7 - 8 miles or so each day, and be confident walking away from paths - for example over rough, grassy hillsides. Some days we may do two shorter walks instead of one longer hike.
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.
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 our other holidays click here.
A.P. (Sussex, England)
I enjoyed a lovely holiday with Hidden Hebrides to Skye and the Outer Hebrides in late May. Our friendly group of 7 were led by Mick who is a brilliant informative guide with a great personality and he made sure that we all had a lovely holiday. The walks were fantastic and the scenery beautiful. All transport, accommodation, food and guided walks were arranged from the time we were picked up in Inverness until we returned. Accommodation and restaurants were excellent. I will have no hesitation in booking another holiday with Hidden Hebrides and can thoroughly recommend them.
C.H. (Cornwall, England)
This was my 4th holiday with Hidden Hebrides, a company which I find pretty near perfect. There were 7 in the group and two had some mobility problems. Our guide (Mick) skilfully managed the walks to allow for these while still taking the rest of the group on the walks they expected. These had to be adjusted a bit because of bad weather, but that has to be expected in Scotland. What I particularly like about these holidays is that absolutely everything is accounted for in advance. The B&Bs are always of a good standard and the restaurants excellent. The pre-holiday information is comprehensive, Mick is very knowledgeable about all aspects of Island life and is an ideal group leader. I had thought this would be my last HH holiday, but now they've added Mull, who knows!
L.D. (Manchester, England)
A wonderful walking holiday in Skye, Harris & Lewis! We did great walks and our guide was very good at finding alternatives when the weather was bad! The highlight was the Quiraings and the Strathaird Peninsula in Skye. The accommodation, food and organisation was excellent and our guide was very informative - I found it really interesting to know more about local history (e.g. Highland Clearances) as well as finding out about the current life of crofters etc.
I went on this trip in early May which seems like a good time - I think the rain is always going to be a risk here! As well as everything going really well during the holiday, the company's office is always very helpful. Great all round. Thank you!
M.S. (Lancashire, England)
Just returned from a week in Skye, Harris and Lewis. Had a great exPerience! Everything organised for us included good accomodation (particularly excellent on Skye). The weather was mixed and our guide took account of this and selected walks and activities to suit. We saw some beautiful sights during our walks.
A well thought out and organised holiday. I hope to be back next ear for a holiday in another area.
A.P. (Sussex, England)
I enjoyed a lovely holiday with Hidden Hebrides to Skye and the Outer Hebrides in late May. Our friendly group of 7 were led by Mick who is a brilliant informative guide with a great personality and he made sure that we all had a lovely holiday. The walks were fantastic and the scenery beautiful. All transport, accommodation, food and guided walks were arranged from the time we were picked up in Inverness until we returned. Accommodation and restaurants were excellent. I will have no hesitation in booking another holiday with Hidden Hebrides and can thoroughly recommend them.
C.H. (Cornwall, England)
This was my 4th holiday with Hidden Hebrides, a company which I find pretty near perfect. There were 7 in the group and two had some mobility problems. Our guide (Mick) skilfully managed the walks to allow for these while still taking the rest of the group on the walks they expected. These had to be adjusted a bit because of bad weather, but that has to be expected in Scotland. What I particularly like about these holidays is that absolutely everything is accounted for in advance. The B&Bs are always of a good standard and the restaurants excellent. The pre-holiday information is comprehensive, Mick is very knowledgeable about all aspects of Island life and is an ideal group leader. I had thought this would be my last HH holiday, but now they've added Mull, who knows!
L.D. (Manchester, England)
A wonderful walking holiday in Skye, Harris & Lewis! We did great walks and our guide was very good at finding alternatives when the weather was bad! The highlight was the Quiraings and the Strathaird Peninsula in Skye. The accommodation, food and organisation was excellent and our guide was very informative - I found it really interesting to know more about local history (e.g. Highland Clearances) as well as finding out about the current life of crofters etc.
I went on this trip in early May which seems like a good time - I think the rain is always going to be a risk here! As well as everything going really well during the holiday, the company's office is always very helpful. Great all round. Thank you!
M.S. (Lancashire, England)
Just returned from a week in Skye, Harris and Lewis. Had a great exPerience! Everything organised for us included good accomodation (particularly excellent on Skye). The weather was mixed and our guide took account of this and selected walks and activities to suit. We saw some beautiful sights during our walks.
A well thought out and organised holiday. I hope to be back next ear for a holiday in another area.