Walking the Outer Hebrides and Skye

7 days from £2880 per person

The Hebrides is an archipelago of hundreds of islands off the rugged north west coast of Scotland and are thought to be some of the wildest and most beautiful islands in Europe. In fact, only 50 of these are inhabited. On this private walking holiday your knowledgeable guide will provide you with an absorbing insight of Hebridean history and local life. You will stay two nights on the magical Isle of Skye and spend the remaining four on the spectacular Harris. Explore the white sandy beaches framed by turquoise waters, fascinating rock formations, fishing villages and fairytale glens during your trip. Your guide will also help you spot a rich variety of flora and fauna which may include, with luck, golden eagles, white tailed sea eagles, basking sharks, dolphins and whales. If you are visiting from mid-June to mid-August you can witness the coastal flower meadows known as ‘machairs’.

Inverness – Skye – Harris – Inverness

Itinerary Highlights

Spend two nights on the magical island of Skye, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides. Highlights include the unusual landscapes of the Quiraing and the iconic Old Man of Storr.

Whilst in Harris, visit the white sands and turquoise seas of Luskentyre and Seileboist, and hike through fairytale glens to see the magnificent overhanging cliff of Sron Uladal.

Explore the tiny and remote islands Scalpay home to a beautiful coastline and important lighthouse. You can also buy the world-famous Harris Tweed which is hand woven on Scalpay.

Itinerary: Walking the Outer Hebrides and Skye

Day 1 Inverness to Skye – 106 miles

This morning meet your driver/guide in Inverness and travel past Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle before crossing over the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides. This afternoon enjoy a wonderful walk in Glen Sligachan which is flanked by the towering peaks of the Cuillin Hills. Take in the beautiful scenery on this gentle hike before transferring to your hotel overlooking Uig Bay for your two-night stay. (L/D)

Walk details: 5 miles / 8kms – approximately 3 hours

Accommodation in Skye: Local hotel

Day 2 Skye – visit Quirang and the Old Man of Storr

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea before setting out on foot to explore the unusual landscapes of the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Peninsula. Also visit the famous Kilt Rock, a sea cliff which is said to resemble a kilt, and the charming village of Staffin noted for its beach and wonderful sea views. Enjoy traditional fare this evening at dinner. (B/L/ D)

Walk details: 5 miles / 8kms – approximately 4 hours

Accommodation in Skye: Local hotel

Day 3 Skye to Harris – 65 miles

This morning embark on a short coastal walk before taking the afternoon ferry from Skye to Harris on the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides. During the 90-minute crossing keep a look out for seabirds and dolphins playing in the water. On arrival visit the wonderful beaches of Luskentyre and Seileboist, both home to crystal clear waters and white sand. Continue to your hotel which will be your base for the next four nights. Harris is noted for its rugged mountains, beautiful beaches and, of course, Harris Tweed. (B/ L/ D)

Walk details: 4 miles / 6kms – approximately 3 hours

Accommodation in Harris: Hebrides Hotel

Day 4 North Harris

Spend the day exploring North Harris with your guide which is one of the most spectacular areas of the Outer Hebrides. Discover the glens and beaches of this area, you may wish to visit the white sands of Huisinish or hike into the glens to see the magnificent overhanging cliff of Sron Uladal which is hidden in the Harris hills. A wonderful day awaits whichever route you choose. (B/L/D)

Walk details: 7 miles / 12kms – approximately 5 hours

Accommodation in Harris: Hebrides Hotel

Day 5 South Harris

After breakfast take a walk on the ‘machair’ of Harris, the Gaelic name for a coastal low-lying grassy fertile plain which in summer is a carpet of wildflowers. Climb Toe Head standing at 365m tall, high above the beach of Traigh Scarasta. On a clear day you may be able to see St. Kilda which juts out in the Atlantic Ocean. Drive back north via the scenic ’Golden Road’, stopping at 15th century Rodel Church built for Chiefs of the MacLeod’s of Harris and other places along the way. This evening you may wish to indulge in some whisky tasting at the hotel or a nearby pub. (B/L/D)

Walk details: 4 miles / 6kms – approximately 3 hours

Accommodation in Harris: Hebrides Hotel

Day 6 Harris – visit Scalpay

The tiny island of Scalpay, located off the east coast of Harris, covers just 2.5 square miles. A bridge between Scalpay and Harris was built in 1997, which opened many new commerce and community opportunities for the tiny island. Take a guided tour of Scalpay where you can explore its beautiful coastline and visit the remote lighthouse at Rubh an Eorna. You may also wish to purchase some of the island’s Harris Tweed, famous throughout the world. Return to Harris in the afternoon and enjoy traditional fare at dinner. (B/L/D)

Walk details: 6 miles / 10kms – approximately 5 hours

Accommodation in Harris: Hebrides Hotel

Day 7 Return to Inverness

After your final breakfast, continue north to Lewis to visit the Callanish Standing Stones, which date back to 3000BC. Set high on a moor against a backdrop of crashing sea and snow-peaked mountains, this is a wonderful place to end your Hebridean journey. After head to Stornoway to take the ferry back to the mainland and return by road to Inverness. (B/L)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Private car with English speaking driver-guide
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Any International flights
Any Domestic flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

This tour is suited to active travellers with reasonable fitness who enjoy moderate hikes. Walking pace will be comfortable, approximately last between 3 and 5 hours, are typically 8 to 12km in length with ascents. Most paths and trails are good but may be muddy and rough in places. Please note that the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times this can make activities more challenging so it is worth being prepared for all eventualities. Your guide may need to alter your itinerary on the day due to local conditions.

On this itinerary you will have your own private vehicle (Ford Custom or similar) and driver throughout. Your driver will also be your guide. Masks are required to be worn when in the vehicle and to maintain social distancing the vehicle has a maximum occupancy of five people (from the same household). The vehicle will be cleaned every day.

It is also possible, should you wish, to undertake this journey on a self-drive basis using your own vehicle or a hire car. We can also assist you with rail or air travel to and from Scotland as well as any additional hotel stays in Scotland or the rest of the UK. Please contact us for further details.

Continue to the southern Outer Hebrides and the uninhabited islands of Mingulay, Berneray and Pabby.

Walking the Outer Hebrides and Skye

7 days from £2880 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Walking the Outer Hebrides and Skye

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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Scotland Holiday Review