- Visit one of the most diverse and spectacular regions of Europe, indulging in the wild scenery and rich history of the islands
- Experience the rich ornithology of Lewis, spy red deer and golden eagles on Harris, and seek out otters on Skye
- Enjoy exceptional Highland hospitality at our carefully selected guest houses, set in magnificent locations on the coast
- 6 nights accommodation in carefully selected guest houses and hotels
- Most meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide / driver throughout
- All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Inverness
- All private boat and ferry transfers
Green Graded Walking Holidays
Our Green grade walking trips involve straight forward hiking, following generally good trails with no major ascents.
These walks are pretty leisurely and will last for around 5 hours each day. The terrain underfoot will usually be on paths or hill trails, which may still be muddy or rough in places. The daily walks are mainly glen and coastal hikes, with some ascents of low level hills, up to around 1,500 feet / 450m high. So to help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:
Can you comfortably hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascent, with rough ground in places? Have you done this recently?
Accommodation
This itinerary spends two nights on Skye followed by 4 nights on the Isle of of Harris. Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors – charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing Highland hospitality. Wherever they are available, we will reserve ensuite rooms for you.
Single Room Supplement
There is no single person supplement charged to solo travellers however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. While on most of our tours a single room is often available for a supplement, on this trip we cannot offer single room accommodation due to the small size of the hotels and limited number of rooms available.
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the centre of Inverness Railway Station at 10:30 on Day 1 of your trip. Most people choose to stay in Inverness before the trip. For full details on how to get to Inverness, please see our website: Recommended Travel.
Customer Kudos
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.
by Mary LaGrandeur 31/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Highlights of the trip: 1) Leader Ken Keith-- fabulous! 2) itinerary of hikes, sightseeing and meals were truly excellent 3) Stein Inn and Harris Hotel were tops-loved them.
Accommodation and Food
Loved the charm and setting of Stein Inn: my favorite. All food was excellent.
Really liked the meal we had with "Flavour" in their home. Great idea!!
Your Guide
Thank you, Ken Keith for a wonderful experience. I felt completely relaxed with you in charge of our group experience. Your expertise in the outdoors, your knowledge of the area and ability to be flexible with regard to the weather and adapting our activities when needed, and your skill in leadership skills were consistently phenomenal. You thought of everything, and I felt very well taken care of throughout the entire trip. Thank you for great hikes and outdoor experiences, wonderful food, and enjoyable companionship and group cohesion. I can't wait to do it all over again!
The Bottom Line
Our Wilderness Scotland experience was:
well organized from beginning to end
an excellent value
guided by a strong and confident tour leader who set a friendly/fun tone
based on plentiful daily walking/hiking experiences in a variety of beautiful settings
a great balance of comfort and adventure
superb!
by Beth Begault 28/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
The pre-trip communication was consistently friendly, clear, and prompt.
Trip Comments
We had a fantastic guide (Ken) and an unofficial co-guide (Sonja) who---every day--- brought their enthusiasm, boundless energy, deep knowledge of Scotland, and dry humor along for the most beautiful hikes I've ever experienced. And did I mention patience? We asked a LOT of questions, sometimes two, three, seven times.
Accommodation and Food
The Stein Inn and the Harris Hotel were both perfect. The food was plentiful and delicious, and each hotel is in a unique and beautiful setting.
Your Guide
We lucked out. I'm sure the other guides are spectacular, but come on, they can't be as awesome as Ken, can they??
The Bottom Line
The trip far exceeded our hopes, and we're already planning for next summer. Thank you.
by Rose Amalfitano 21/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Prompt responses and help navigating application.
Trip Comments
I had a wonderful time. The trip was well planned by Wilderness Scotland to give a great experience and taste of the country and culture. Advice about equipment was helpful and accurate. Suggestions about preparation for the weather were appreciated.
Accommodation and Food
Hotels and staffs were great and comfortable. Any problems promptly attended to.
Your Guide
Tour guide Rosie McKenzie was excellent----knowledgeable and sensitive to our needs and capacities. She exceeded my expectations and made the trip something that I will always remember----including singing the Scottish Natl Anthem while driving the van. She seemed to know the answer to every question or had the answer in short order. Would definitely travel with her again.
The Bottom Line
It was a great trip and I would travel with Wilderness Scotland again.
by Michael Harvey 21/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Everything was fine and liked the meeting time.
Trip Comments
Trip was excellent I pariculary liked the experience of our tour leader Ken.. he did justice to the trip and picked excellent hiking and walking daily. The lodging was also great.
Accommodation and Food
No improvement necessary.
Your Guide
Ken was excellent+ I had a fantastic time along with the others on the trip including my wife Mary
The Bottom Line
Fantastic time hiking, walking and being treated with great food especially in Scalpay ad with Chris and his wife at Flavour
by Marilyn Yeates 15/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Quick response to all our questions, dietary needs were met.
Trip Comments
The Isle of Skye is other worldly in its beauty.
Accommodation and Food
Lunches are the weak link here, I noticed that on other reviews also. A sandwich with one slim slice of ham is not quite enough for a full day of hiking.
Your Guide
Rosie Mackenzie was stellar in every respect. Complete knowledge of her terrain and the country as a whole. She was attentive and responsive to each person's needs and we were a group of quite varied ability. Any change to the schedule was discussed in advance along with the reasons for the change, a trait which really highlights her expertise as a guide. Her ability to get us on trails while the sun was shinning and schedule indoor activities while it was raining was particularly helpful. She even sang the national anthem for us upon request. We would love to hike with her again.
The Bottom Line
This trip deserves the high ranking it currently enjoys.
by Leif Fagelstedt 14/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Nothing to add - everything from info on your homepage, from calls and e-mail contacts was excellent. You even took the time to give advices on hotels and transportation before and after the hike.
Trip Comments
Rosie McKenzie is an amazing guide. She took the hike to a new level based on her knowledge, experience and fantastic personality.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation and included dinners all OK but lunches, with just sandwiches and some fruit, got boring after a couple of days so to combine them with salads would have been better.
Your Guide
Rosie McKenzie is an amazing guide. She took the hike to a new level based on her knowledge, experience and fantastic personality.
The Bottom Line
A great memory and an excellent way to learn to know more about Scotland, its people and history.
by Gary McGowan 01/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
I was astounded by the way Gill went about her job. Lots of little touches, from reading her favorite poems to researching a question one of us may have had. Also, it isn't easy managing the different abilities and tastes of a group, but Gill's sensitivity, flexibility, and fairness helped keep everyone happy.
The Bottom Line
by Barbara Olson 31/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I always got a response, even if the person I sent the email to was out of the office.
Trip Comments
Gill was flexible in planning our daily outings, being sensitive to the needs of the group on any particular day. She was very knowledgeable about botany, history, geology, etc. She also shared a little about herself, so I felt like I knew her to some degree.
Accommodation and Food
two meals were particularly special, one was at a pop-up restaurant on Harris and the other a restaurant on Scalpay-the North Harbor Bistro. The Harris Hotel was fine, but I enjoyed the smaller slightly more rustic Stein Inn a little more.
Your Guide
see previous comments about our leader. I loved all the varied scenery of the trip. No two hikes were the same. And I loved the remoteness of the Hebrides.
The Bottom Line
Truly being in Nature without tourists was one of the great features of the trip. I felt the experience of being on the land. I would love to do it again.
by Christine Olson 31/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
friendly and prompt email responses. friendly and clear conversation in phone calls.
Trip Comments
Jill our guide was one reason for this high rating. She was organized, very knowledgeable about many pertinent things, was actively working to gather more info to share as we went along, could read the needs and interests of the group and shape things accordingly, had good leadership skills (would make a decision and communicate it with authority). Very professional as well as personal.
I didn't expect the gourmet food along the way and that was fab.
One highlight for me was learning about the Harris Tweed industry because it joined the land, animals, and local culture and history into a whole. Feeling the origins of the wool cloth, its colors and textures, in the land and people was very special.
A personal wish for me was for more reflective time. I found the pace a little too quick both physically and psychically. But I also did appreciate that we saw so many different things every day.
Accommodation and Food
gourmet dinners amazing and breakfasts were over the top. Lunches from the Harris Hotel under par. Lunches at Stein on Skye were great.
having snacks on board was a good touch. JIll even organized an impromptu whiskey tasting one night.
Your Guide
see my earlier comments. Jill was over the top excellent.
The Bottom Line
I would Recommend to others with an explanation that they are signing up for a group experience that is not self-paced, and the pros and cons of that.
by Lisa May 28/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Prompt response to any/all questions...couldn't think of a way to improve the process
Trip Comments
Hiking awesome and challenging; loved the small group adventure!
Accommodation and Food
just perfect! Loved the meal in the couple's home - just exquisite and a wonderful way to understand the folks that make a home in these remote locations....
Your Guide
Very knowledgeable. A few times we lost sight of guide on the trail or some of our group lagged far behind...difficult to manage the varied comfort/skill levels.
The Bottom Line
It was stellar and I will join you again and have already told other hiking friends to look you up!
Prices and Departures
75 people viewed this trip in the last week
1 Booking in the last 72 hours
Book with confidence - we guaranteee our trips to run as soon as 2 people book.
2018 Trip Dates
Trip Details
Join us on this adventure to the wild Hebrides – 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.
The Hebrides are among the wildest and most beautiful islands anywhere in Europe. On this walking holiday 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 award winning trip provides a memorable insight into the wild and beautiful Hebrides.
Please note on this tour there are no single supplements available – see Accommodation tab for details.
Trip Itinerary – Outer Hebrides and Skye Walking Tour
Day 1 – Travel to Skye, afternoon walk in Glen Sligachan
Meeting in Inverness, we travel south west 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 waterside inn on the Waternish Peninsula of Skye. (L, D)
Walk details: 8km, approx 3hrs.
Day 2 – Quirang and the Old Man of Storr
After enjoying breakfast with sea views, 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. (B, L)
Walk details: 8km, approx 4hrs.
Day 3 – Travel to the Isle of Harris
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. On arrival on Harris, we visit the wonderful beaches of Luskentyre and Sheileboist before arriving at our guest house in time to freshen up before dinner. (B, L)
Walk details: 6km, approx 3hrs.
Day 4 – Glens and Beaches of 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! (B, L)
Walk details: 12km, approx 5hrs.
Day 5 – The Machair of Harris and the Golden Road
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 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. (B, L)
Walk details: 6km, approx 3hrs.
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 fine circumnavigation of the island, exploring its wonderful coastline and visiting the remote lighthouse at Rubh an Eorna (B, L, D).
Walk details: 10km, approx 5hrs.
Day 7 – Callanish Standing 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 fine 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. (B, L)
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PhonePrices and Departures
75 people viewed this trip in the last week1 Booking in the last 72 hours
Book with confidence - we guaranteee our trips to run as soon as 2 people book.
