Trip created by Rachael Gavan
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Region: Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Comfort: Classic
Difficulty:
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryOn this adventure to Scotland’s wildest islands, you will enjoy superb hiking to the peaks of Lewis and Harris, the most rugged of all the Outer Hebridean islands.
You will have the chance to experience the unique island environment, culture and wildlife that makes the Outer Hebrides so enchanting. Accompanied by an expert guide you will be lead on thrilling hikes up the local summits and along wild coastlines.
The hills of the Outer Hebrides punch well above the weight that their diminutive height would otherwise suggest. These remote and heather-clad hills are full of character. They offer the keen hill enthusiast wild and rocky vistas and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as golden eagles and red deer roaming free.
Note on terrain:
Please note that on this trip you will spend the majority of time in rough terrain and not on paths when hiking on the hills.
After meeting in Inverness at 8am we drive west through the Highlands to the port of Ullapool. Here we board the ferry and transfer across the Minch to the Hebrides, keeping our eyes peeled for whales and other marine wildlife. After landing we cross the Isle of Lewis to the beautiful island of Great Bernera, linked by a small causeway, and enjoy a warm-up hike. We then head to our wilderness lodge and settle in. (L, D)
Walk details: 4km / 2.5 miles | 100m / 330ft ascent | approx. 1-2 hours
Today we set out to enjoy a dramatic ridge walk, taking in up to four Hebridean summits. We set off following a good track up one of the wildest glens to be found anywhere in Scotland before branching off and ascending to the summit of Muladal. We then traverse the next 3 peaks on the ridge, enjoying superb views of the wild and alien landscapes that make up Lewis and Harris. On a clear day, your view will be peppered with hills and islands, you might even be able to see all the way to St Kilda in the West. We’ll celebrate our first day out in the hills tonight with a hearty meal in our waterside lodge. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 15km/ 9 miles | 900m/ 2950 ft ascent | approx. 6.5 hours
This morning offers us an easier day as we embark on the estate’s private boat to explore the nearby coast by both boat and foot. We split into two groups – one to walk first with the guide and the other to board the boat and look out for wildlife with the local ghillie. We meet again and enjoy lunch with everybody on a small wild island before swapping over. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 6km / 3.7 miles | 100m/ 330 ft ascent | approx. 2-3 hours
Today we set out for the highest point on the Isle of Lewis. The peak of Mealaisbhal may be low at 576m but it is a hill of great beauty, offering lots of bare rock and a tremendous viewpoint from which to view the island. We first ascend to the shoulder of Mula Mac Sgiathain which gives us great views across the Uig Sands before gaining the rocky upper slopes of the hill. We boulder hop a little to the summit and drink in the views before descending to the West. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 11.5km/ 7 miles | 580m/ 1900 ft ascent | approx. 5 hours
Our hike today starts from the Gearrannan Blackhouse village on Lewis. The village will provide an insight into the traditional dwellings of the islands and how island life used to be. From here we set out west onto the rugged headland to make a circuit enjoying the wild terrain of sea cliffs and rocky outcrops. After hiking out to the small lighthouse at the end of the peninsula we then return along the other side of the headland. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 8.5km/ 5 miles | approx. 3.5 hours
Today we hike on the Isle of Harris again, taking on the ascent of Clisham, the highest point in the Outer Hebrides. From the summit, we enjoy unrivalled views across the wildest islands in Scotland. It will be a challenging yet rewarding day, offering superb hiking amongst varied and wild terrain. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 8km / 5km | 800m / 2,600 ft ascent | approx. 6 hours
On our final day of hiking, we enjoy one last peak and then take a relaxing stroll on the finest beach in Scotland. Beinn Dubh offers us a final adventure onto the rough slopes of the hills. The walking is steep initially but this soon eases and we enjoy the amazing views across the beach all the way to the summit. Here we drink in our final Hebridean High Point before descending to the incredible Luskentyre sands to walk barefoot along the Atlantic shore.
(B, L, D)
Walk details: 11.5km/ 7 miles | approx. 5 hours
This morning we take the ferry from Tarbert and depart the Outer Hebrides. We travel back to Inverness via the Isle of Skye, returning in the evening for 6:00pm. (B, L)
Walk details: 2-4 km/ 1-2 miles, approx. 1-2 hours
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation is an all-inclusive private wilderness lodge set on a hillside, with spectacular views across the water and of the hills on its own 500-acre farm above Loch Erisort. It is a wonderful base for our adventure. It comfortably sleeps 15 people across 7 rooms but we have exclusive use, so with our smaller group, there will be plenty of space. The lodge is equipped with its own drying room.
SINGLE ROOMS
There is no single person supplement charged to solo travellers but, depending on the group configuration, you may need to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you prefer a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you. As we usually have some couples on our trips, it should be possible for solo travellers to have their own room (7 rooms for a group of 8), but this cannot be guaranteed.
The lodge team will keep us well fed with freshly prepared cooked breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals using local produce. Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 8:00am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Inverness station for 6:00pm on the final day of the trip.
67 People viewed this trip in the last week
| Trip Dates for 2019 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th May - 11th May 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,695 | |
| 11th May - 18th May 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,695 | |
| 18th May - 25th May 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,695 | |
| 1st Jun - 8th Jun 2019 | 2 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,695 | Book Now |
| 8th Jun - 15th Jun 2019 | 5 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,695 | Book Now |
Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.
“s1”>Rachael is a true gem and we regularly receive feedback thanking her for designing inspiring itineraries and for being such a pleasure to chat to. This itinerary is designed to draw on the very best of accommodation, food and drink, Hebridean views and the rich culture. The expertise is in knowing how to weave this all into a tour that has a natural flow and story.
- Rachael Gavan
Call Rachael Ask Rachael a QuestionBlue Graded Walking Holidays
Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.
Rated 4.78 out of 5 based on 27 review(s) of Wilderness Walking – High Points of the Outer Hebrides
Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.
That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.
Ruth Urben
Reviewed on 24/07/2018
The Bottom Line
Re last score of 4/5. It could be 5/5 but a number of my friends have to watch their finances and others would prefer less comfort.
Julia Gerber
Reviewed on 23/07/2018
The Bottom Line
Enjoyed it very much. However already mentioned to Kirsty at end of trip that according to trip description/grade info, I thought that hikes would be partly on hiking paths. If I would have known that all hikes were on rough terrain - which I'm not used to - I might have chosen a different trip
Richard Stowe
Reviewed on 17/07/2018
The Bottom Line
Very professional with excellent guides with good accommodation.
Brian Condon
Reviewed on 17/07/2018
The Bottom Line
Jane Gordon
Reviewed on 17/07/2018
The Bottom Line
As a repeat customer never disappointed. Highest of standards once again
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