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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 sea and across to
the many smaller isles which dot the horizon. Your knowledgeable guide will
provide a fascinating insight into the rich tapestry of island life, history
and geology. They can also help you spot wildlife, perhaps including
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 is special trip provides a memorable insight
into these wild and beautiful islands. Day 1:
Travel to the Outer Hebrides
We travel to the Isle of Lewis traversing the northern Highlands and taking
a ferry across The Minch to the Outer Hebrides. Our destination is the Butt
of Lewis, where a small crofting community clings to the edge of the
Atlantic Ocean. Throughout our walking holiday the islanders' tradition of
Gaelic hospitality will be evident, as will the beauty, peace and
tranquillity of the islands. An afternoon walk to the Butt of Lewis
introduces you to walking in the Outer Hebrides. (L,D)
Day 2: Walking in the Outer Hebrides: Carloway
and Callanish
Walking in the Outer Hebrides offers superb coastal scenery, a sense of
wilderness and the opportunity to visit fascinating historic sites. A
morning walk along the wild coastline precedes a visit to the well-preserved
Iron Age fortress at Carloway. We follow this with a spiritually moving
exploration of majestic stone circles at Callanish, set high on a moor with
a backdrop of sea and mountains. (8 km, 5 hrs) (B,L,D)
Day 3: Walking in the Outer Hebrides: Uig and
West Lewis
We explore wonderful Sands of Uig and the rugged hills immediately south of
them. If conditions are suitable, we may ascend Mealisval, the highest of
these peaks. Although this ascent would be a moderate graded walk, it gives
a tremendous vantage point with vast beaches, remote glens and rugged peaks
creating a real wilderness landscape. (11 km, 5 hrs) (B,L,D)
Day 4: Walking in the Outer Hebrides: North
Harris
North Harris is one of the most spectacular areas of the Outer Hebrides. We
will spend they 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! (12km, 5 hrs) (B,L,D)
Day 5: Walking in the Outer Hebrides: Beaches
and Machair
Today we walk on the "machair" of Harris, the Gaelic name for the coastal
hinterland which in summer is a carpet of wild flowers. We climb Toe Head
(365m), high above Traigh Scarasta, from where St. Kilda can be seen jutting
out of the Atlantic horizon. We then visit the famous sands of Luskintyre
where we relax and enjoy fine views to the island of Taransay, before taking
the ferry to Skye late afternoon and moving to our next accommodation. (6
km, 3 hrs) (B,L)
Day 6: Walking on Skye: The Quirang and 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. (8 km, 3 hrs) (B,L)
Day 7: Walking on Skye; Return to Inverness
Following breakfast, we travel south to spectacular Glen Sligachan, where
there is time for a short hike beneath the mighty peaks of the Black Cuillin
and the Red Cuillin, which flank either side of the glen. Then we cross the
bridge back to the mainland, and make our way back to Inverness via the Loch
Ness and the Great Glen, arriving in Inverness late afternoon. (B,L)
Rating: Easy
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are physically fit enough to
join our walking holidays. Please note, however, that you can have an
optional rest day at any time. If you have any questions regarding your
suitability for any of our walking holidays, please contact our office and
speak to one of our team who can offer advice.
Our "Easy" walking holidays involve straightforward hiking, following
generally good trails with no major ascents. You will, however, be out
walking for around 5 hours each day so you will need a reasonable level of
fitness.
The walks will be conducted at a leisurely pace in order to allow more
time for photography, nature study and looking historical features. The
underfoot terrain will usually be on paths or hill trails. However, these
trails may still be muddy, or a bit rough in places, so you will need good
hill-walking boots.
Accommodation
This itinerary is based in 3 different locations throughout the course of
the week, with 2 nights on Lewis, 2 on Harris and 2 on Skye. Our
accommodation on Lewis is the 4-star Galson Farm Guest House, an 18th
Century farmhouse. On Harris, we will stay in 4-star Beul na Mara
Guesthouse, which lies on the edge of a wonderful white sand beach
overlooking the island of Taransay. Our accommodation on the Isle of Skye is
the 3-star Stein Inn, the oldest Inn on Skye with spectacular views across
the water to Dunvegan Head.
Each of the accommodations offer double and twin rooms mainly with
ensuite facilities. Please note that single rooms are not available on this
itinerary. Throughout the journey, varied island produce will be served up
in hearty and imaginative meals. Seafood is a speciality with beef, lamb and
venison also popular and of course, any special dietary requirements can be
catered for. The Stein Inn prides itself on its range of malts and local
ales. |
