The Highlands & Islands

Day 1 - Tuesday 2^nd September - Travel to the Outer Hebrides

Meeting in Inverness, we travel west through the mountainous region of Kintail before crossing the Skye Bridge. We then travel across Skye before arriving at the port of Uig on Skye’s west coast. The ferry crossing takes less than two hours, reaching the tiny port of Lochmaddy on the Isle of North Uist mid-afternoon. Once we arrive, we will go on a short walk before heading to our accommodation to settle in for the evening.

Overnight: Temple View Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Wednesday 3^rd September - Beaches & Birdlife of North Uist

Enjoy a morning coastal walk, exploring one of North Uist’s most beautiful beaches. We hike a circular route through sand dunes to a raised headland called Aird a’ Mhorain. Although just 40 m/130 ft above sea level, it provides a fantastic vantage point with views north to the Isle of Harris. In the afternoon, we visit the nearby RSPB Reserve at Balranald. A trail takes us through the reserve, which is known for being a stronghold for the elusive Corncrake.

Overnight: Temple View Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 4^th September - Benbecula Vistas & Exploring South Uist

Benbecula is a small island linking the islands North and South Uist. Our morning walk takes us to the not-so-lofty summit of Rueval. At only 127 m/417 ft above sea level, it still offers fabulous views across the southern Hebrides. Indeed, it is said that you can see over 100 freshwater lochs from its summit! Continuing onto South Uist, the afternoon offers a relaxing stroll on the machair at Howmore Beach, passing some traditional thatched cottages on the way. If time permits, we may visit the Bronze Age roundhouses at Cladh Hallan before returning to our accommodation for the evening.

Overnight: Temple View Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 5^th September - Travel to Harris, Wildlfowers & The Golden Road

After breakfast, we’ll head north and catch the ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh. Once on Harris, head out to explore its famous machair – a rare coastal hinterland remarkable in the summer months for its colourful diversity of wildflowers and abundant birdlife. Accompanied by your guide, walk out to Toe Head Penisula (the most westerly point of South Harris) and to the stone ruins of a beautiful tiny chapel. On your return, drive north along the Golden Road, stopping to visit the 15th century St Clement’s Church. Settle in to your accommodation late this afternoon.

Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 6^th September - Exploring North Harris

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy an exciting day exploring the impressive, rugged beauty of North Harris. Wander through peaceful glens and stroll along stretches of powdery white sand that extend towards the horizon. Depending on the weather, the day may include a visit to the turquoise waters of Huisinis Beach or a walk out to see the towering cliffs of Sron Uladal. Regardless of the chosen route, it promises to be a wonderful day.

Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 7^th September - Circuit of Scalpay

As the morning sunshine spills across the sea, set out to the tiny Isle of Scalpay to circumnavigate its pretty coastline. Located off the east coast of Harris, it’s connected to the island by a bridge which opened in 1997 and was first crossed by 103 year old Mrs Kirsty Morrison. Enjoy hiking around the island and visiting the remote red-and-white striped lighthouse at Rubh an Eorna. Return to Tarbert this afternoon and enjoy a tour and tasting at the historic Harris Distillery.

Overnight: Tarbert | Hotel Hebrides
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Monday 8^th September - Callanish Standing Stones & Travel to Skye

After breakfast, set out north to the Isle of Lewis to visit the 5000 year old Callanish Standing Stones. Dating back to 3000 BCE and set high on a heathery moor with a backdrop of white-capped waves and shattered mountain peaks, this is a magical and captivating place. Enjoy exploring among the megaliths of one of Scotland’s most magnificent and best-preserved Neolithic monuments before leaving the stones behind and heading to Stornoway. From here, catch the ferry back to Skye – your enchanting home for the next few nights.