Hebrids and Skye

Introduction
Coast Scotland
Join us on this adventure to some of the wildest bounds of Scotland - the inspiring islands of Skye, Harris and Lewis. Stand atop rugged peaks looking down upon perfect white sand beaches skirting the coast and across to the many smaller isles which dot the horizon. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the rich tapestry of island life, history and geology. They can also help you spot wildlife, which may include golden eagles, white tailed sea eagles, basking sharks, whales and dolphins, as well helping you identify the rich flora of the islands found in the famous coastal ‘machairs’ or flower meadows. With charming accommodation and delicious food, this special trip provides a memorable insight into these wild and beautiful islands.

Highlights
• Visit one of the most spectacular regions of Europe, indulging in the wild scenery and rich history of the Hebrides
• Experience the rich ornithology of Lewis, spy red deer and golden eagles on Harris, and seek out otters on Skye
• Enjoy exceptional Highland hospitality at our carefully selected guest houses, set in magnificent coastal locations

Accomodation

Accommodations
This itinerary will have you spend 2 nights on Skye followed by 4 nights on the Isle of of Harris. Both location offer rooms with private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in Uig
Night 3, 4, 5 & 6: Hotel in Tarbert 

Uig Hotel - Uig
The Uig Hotel is an old coaching Inn dating back to 1831. The Hotel has 9 warm and comfortable bedrooms, many with sea views. The Uig Hotel prides itself on its quality homecooked food and they work hard to source as much local produce as they can. The restaurant and bar both overlook the bay and you can sit in our sun lounge and taste the local Isle of Skye ales, Misty Isle gin or one of a range of Talisker single malts.

Harris Hotel - Tarbert
The Harris Hotel is a well established hotel that has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years. The family who runs the hotel pride themselves on traditional hospitality, great food and a relaxing atmosphere.  Located in the village of Tarbert, the main ferry port on Harris, the village is small but a busy hub for visitors and locals alike travelling to and from the Isle of Skye and beyond.
Laundry service is available for an extra fee.

Single & Triple occupancy
Triple occupancy is not possible on this trip.
A maximum of 2 single rooms are available on this trip, the single supplement is subject to availability.
Due to their remote locations, there are not always any other options nearby. Single travelers are welcome to join these trips but must be prepared to share a twin room with another group member of the same sex.



Meals
All meals are included.

Lunches are usually eaten on the trail and dinners and breakfast are provided at the accommodations.
The meals usually consist of traditional Scottish/British food including fresh seafood and other local produce.

Special diets and dietary restrictions
Naturally, vegetarians and other dietary requirements are willingly catered for - simply let us know at the time of booking.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Travel to Skye, Afternoon Walk in Glen Sligachan
Meeting in Inverness, we travel past Loch Ness and the stunning Eilean Donan Castle in Kintail before arriving on the Isle of Skye. We spend our first afternoon enjoying a wonderful walk in Glen Sligachan beneath the mighty peaks of the Black Cuillin and the Red Cuillin, which flank either side of the glen. Returning to our vehicle we transfer to our accommodation overlooking Uig Bay.
Distance: approx.8km / approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Uig

Day 2: Quirang & the Old Man of Storr
After enjoying breakfast with views out across the sea, we set out to explore the stark and unusual landscapes of the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr on foot. We will also visit Kilt Rock and the charming village of Staffin on this relaxing day.
Distance: approx.8km / approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Uig

Day 3: Travel to the Isle of Harris
After breakfast, we enjoy a short coastal walk before taking the afternoon ferry from Skye to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, looking out for seabirds and dolphins on the 90 minute crossing. Arriving on Harris, we visit the wonderful beaches of Luskentyre and Seileboist before heading to our accommodation in time to freshen up before dinner.
Distance: approx.6km / approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Tarbert

Day 4: Glens & Beaches of North Harris
North Harris is one of the most spectacular areas of the Outer Hebrides. We will spend the day exploring the glens and beaches, perhaps visiting the white sands of Huisinis or hiking into the glens to see the massive cliffs of Sron Uladal. A wonderful day whichever route we choose!
Distance: approx.12km / approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Tarbert

Day 5: Walking Circuit of Scalpay
This tiny island is located off the east coast of Harris and is now connected to Harris by a bridge, which opened in 1997, with the first person to cross being 103-year-old Mrs Kirsty Morrison. We’ll enjoy a circumnavigation of the island, exploring its wonderful coastline and visiting the remote lighthouse at Rubh an Eorna. Back in Tarbert, we’ll visit the first legal distillery ever to be built on Harris.
Distance: approx.10 km / approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Tarbert

Day 6: Machair of Harris and the Golden Road
Today we walk on the ‘machair’ of Harris, the Gaelic name for the coastal hinterland which in summer is a carpet of wildflowers. We climb Toe Head (365m), high above the beach of Traigh Scarasta, from where St. Kilda can sometimes be seen jutting out of the Atlantic horizon. We then complete a circuit of southern Harris as we drive back north via the ’Golden Road’, stopping at 15th century Rodel Church and other places along the way.
Distance: approx.6 km / approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Tarbert

Day 7: Callanish Standing Stones; & Return to Inverness
After breakfast, we journey north to Lewis, where we visit the 5000 year old Callanish Standing Stones, which date back to 3000BC. Set high on a moor with a backdrop of sea and mountains, this is a moving experience for many and a wonderful place to end this island odyssey. Leaving the stones behind, we continue to Stornoway where we take the ferry back to the mainland and transfer back to Inverness.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

PLEASE NOTE - The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the guide having regard to weather conditions and other factors.

This walking holiday is suitable for active travelers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Rates and Dates for Hebrids and Skye

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Inverness
Airport: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness
Transfer: From Glasgow or Endinburgh to Inverness by train (not included).

Climate:
                                                Stornoway area