Wilderness Walking Outer Hebrides and Skye

007364 - R10

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.

Highlights
Details
Itinerary
Included
Not Included
Tour Notes
Map
Highlights
  • Explore the beautiful and historic Eilean Donan Castle on the shores of Loch Ness
  • Spot wildlife, which may include golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, basking sharks, whales and dolphins
  • Identify the rich flora of the islands found in the famous coastal Machair (flower meadows)‘machairs’ or flower meadows
  • Look for otters, red deer and golden eagles on the Isle of Harris
  • See the fascinating Callanish standing stones
Details

Min. 2 / Max. 8

 

Tour Code:
007364 - R10

Itinerary
Open All
Day 1: Inverness - Isle of Skye

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. Meals: (L,D)

Walk details: 8km/ 5 miles | approx. 3 hrs

 

Day 2: Quiraing - 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. Meals: (B,L,D)

Walk details: 8km/ 5 miles | approx. 4 hrs

 

 

Day 3: 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. Meals: (B,L,D)

Walk details: 6km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 hrs

 

Day 4: North Harris

North Harris is one of the most spectacular areas of the Outer Hebrides. We 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! Meals: (B, L, D)

Walk details: 12km, approx 5hrs

 

Day 5: Machair of Harris - 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 be 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. Meals: (B, L, D)

Walk details: 6 km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 hrs

 

Day 6: 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.  Meals: (B, L, D)

Walk details: 10 km/ 6 miles | approx. 5 hrs

Day 7: Callendish 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: (B, L)

Rating: Green 2

Rating: Green 2

It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described hikes in the expected times. Green coded trips are the least demanding, numbered from 1 (easiest) to 9 (hardest).  An explanation of the demands of this particular trip is outlined below. If you are unsure as to the suitability of this walking tour please ask us. We can discuss your fitness level and how it relates to the trip you are interested in taking and advise you appropriately.

Green graded wildlife holidays are suitable for for active travellers 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 will be provided in the trip itinerary.

The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable and at times can make activities more challenging. Please do bear this in mind when thinking about what trip to join.

While on tour, if your guide feels that you are not able to complete a scheduled hike, for your own safety and well-being, as well as the benefit of the group, they may ask you not to join in that day. In such cases the decision of the guide is considered final. Again, if you have any questions about the grading, then please do us a call to chat about your previous hiking experience, your level of fitness and overall suitability for this trip.

A complete packing list will be provided at the time of your reservation, giving you ample opportunity to gather up the necessary items.

Included
  • 6 nights of accommodation
  • Meals as indicated in the day by day itinerary: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
  • Transportation throughout the trip
  • Boat and ferry transfers
  • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable driver/guide
Not Included
  • Airfare, train or bus travel to/from Inverness
  • Accommodation pre or post tour in Inverness
  • Personal equipment
  • Optional Tours
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
Tour Notes

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

Map