Trip created by Rachael Gavan
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Region: Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Comfort: Classic
Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From £423.75
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.
44 People viewed this trip in the last week
| Trip Dates for 2020 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd May - 9th May 2020 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,695 | Book Now |
| 9th May - 16th May 2020 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,695 | Book Now |
| 16th May - 23rd May 2020 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,695 | Book Now |
| 30th May - 6th Jun 2020 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,695 | Book Now |
| 6th Jun - 13th Jun 2020 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £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
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 4.81 out of 5 based on 42 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.
Tim Hare
Reviewed on 14/06/2019
Age: 70 - 80
Country: United Kingdom
Trip Date: 01/06/2019
Trips Taken: 3
The Bottom Line
The Wilderness model works wonderfully well. The staff (guides. office etc.) are the jewels. My only advice would be: do not expand too much and get too big !!
Mike Holmes
Reviewed on 11/06/2019
Age: 70 - 80
Country: England
Trip Date: 01/06/2019
Trips Taken: 5
The Bottom Line
This was a wonderful holiday. Once again Wilderness Scotland got the formula spot on. Lewis & Harris are beautiful and really do feel like a Wilderness. The itinerary was varied, including big hills, a boat trip with the game-keeper and cultural sights, allowing for the vagaries of the Scottish weather which always adds to the experience. The Lodge was perfect, very comfortable but not too luxurious and the food was hearty and plentiful, just what was needed. The guide was outstanding and great fun. Finally, we had a great group of like-minded, interesting and fun fellow walkers - something which WS always seem to attract.
Janet Probyn
Reviewed on 11/06/2019
Age: 60 - 70
Country: United Kingdom
Trip Date: 01/06/2019
Trips Taken: 1
The Bottom Line
A wonderful trip to a beautiful part of Scotland, combining great walking and fascinating insights into the history and culture of the islands.
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