- 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
Green graded walking holidays are suitable for for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes. We walk at a comfortable pace and you can expect to be out for 5-6 hours a day. The terrain will be mostly good paths and hill trails but these can still be muddy and rough in places. Some hikes may involve an ascent up to a max of approx 1,500 feet / 450m. Distances will be typically 8-10km but there may be the odd slightly longer day. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.
14th Jul - 20th Jul 2018
Susie Hill
A former Nurse turned Wilderness Adventurer - discover more about our Edinburgh born Wilderness Scotland guide Susie Hill.4th Aug - 10th Aug 2018
Craig McDonald
Craig's love of history and discovering the footsteps of his clan is what has drawn to his ancestral homelands.8th Sep - 14th Sep 2018
Chris Webster
Meet Wilderness Scotland guide Chris Webster who has been kayaking from an early age. Find out more about why he loves the Scottish coastline and travelling in the outdoors.15th Sep - 21st Sep 2018
Ken Keith
Ken saw the light and left the bright lights behind for a Highland existence. Read more here.6th Oct - 12th Oct 2018
Ken Keith
Ken saw the light and left the bright lights behind for a Highland existence. Read more here.27th Apr - 3rd May 2019
Craig Tweedie
Globe-trotting, pedal-pounding Craig knows a thing or two about whisky too. Learn more here.4th May - 10th May 2019
Gill McMillan
Walking through the woods with Gill may result in some on the side badger watching, but that's no problem - she'll make it up to you with her expert guidance, enthusiasm and knowledge of the area.29th Jun - 5th Jul 2019
Lorraine McCall
Not happy with just walking up all the Munros, Lorraine walked and kayaked to reach them.20th Jul - 26th Jul 2019
Ken Keith
Ken saw the light and left the bright lights behind for a Highland existence. Read more here.10th Aug - 16th Aug 2019
Gill McMillan
Walking through the woods with Gill may result in some on the side badger watching, but that's no problem - she'll make it up to you with her expert guidance, enthusiasm and knowledge of the area.21st Sep - 27th Sep 2019
Keith Miller
Hugely experienced and passionate naturalist. Keith has been guiding for many years.5th Oct - 11th Oct 2019
Mark Cox
Mark really likes nature on his doorstep, with 5000 rockhopper penguins he's cracked it...12th Oct - 18th Oct 2019
Dave Picken
Meet Dave Picken, expert guide and bee-keeper extraordinaire.ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
This itinerary is based in two different locations throughout the course of the week, with 2 nights on Skye and 4 nights on Harris. Each of the accommodations offer double and twin rooms, most with en-suite 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.
SINGLE ROOMS
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. Please note that on this itinerary we are not able to offer single rooms, even for an additional supplement.
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.
Trip Details
Join us on an 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)
Prices and Dates
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2018 Trip Dates
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Trip Reviews
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 Cheryl Gillespie 15/06/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Loved that the phone was answered by a live person and my calls were always quickly returned if I left a message. Customer service excellent.
Trip Comments
Way beyond my expectations. Everything was so smooth and well thought-out with flexibility for certain choices. Will Snow provided fun side-trips in addition to hiking such as a local museum, weaver, artist, and distillery tour plus time for shopping! Will was amazing in his knowledge of the area, it's history and geology. We took evening driving tours so he could show us areas we were not hiking. Could not have asked for a better Guide. Food was delicious and the best brown bag lunches I ever had- especially from Chris on Harris. All the meals were delicious and the two dinners by George and then Chris were the best. Hotels beautiful- loved that we were on the water in Skye.
Accommodation and Food
Would love if we could have single accommodations but after seeing the hotel sized perfectly understood the doubling up. Hotels themselves were both wonderful in their different ways and the food at both was excellent
Your Guide
I have also referred to the exceptional guide we had on this tour but just to add to my comments- Will's personality was perfect for 5 unattached women. He handled up expertly. During the hikes, there were various levels of hiking proficiency. He managed to give the mountain goats their space to lead as well as never let the slowest person (me) ever feel that I was holding up the group. I liked the fact that he did not feel he had to lead and often positioned himself with different people during the hikes to visit. At the same time, he managed to keep us all in sight and on course.
The Bottom Line
Again- way above my expectations. I couldn't imagine any better and how nice that the weather also cooperated. :)
by Patricia Warren 13/06/2018
Pre-Trip Service
I was a very nervous "traveling by myself" traveler. I asked many questions using "chat" and was well supported EVERY single time. I asked about ticks, the train station bus stop, suitcase size, etc., and folks were informative and encouraging.
Trip Comments
What an AMAZING trip! I didn't know quite what to expect. I imagined a wonderful time hiking, exploring and dining with like-minded new friends. It turned out to be so much better than I could even imagine. An absolute 10!
We were so fortunate in that the weather was good--my rain gear didn't make it out of my knapsack, except to leave behind! The small group size made for good comraderie and new friendships. The hikes were of varied terrain and magical. The accommodations were just fine and the breakfasts as substantial as you wanted. Snacks were endlessly available! Several of the dinners were unbelievably special. Meeting a local weaver, artist, historian and leather tanner made us feel the connection to community.
Our guide was "just right" -- friendly, informative, informal, supportive, fun and caring.
Accommodation and Food
The accommodations were good. Beds comfortable. Around bed space was very limited in the Hotel Hebrides for two women's stuff. The shower was great though! :-)
Breakfasts were good and ample as you wanted. Dinners were fine.
Location was good point to travel from.
Your Guide
Our tour guide, Will, was wonderfully calm and patient, always offering flexibility and a story to make a location special. Timelines for meeting etc were clear and generous. Never worried while he drove "on the wrong side" on those twisty narrow roads! He ensured the van was where it needed to be, traveling back or waiting in ferry lines, while we continued to walk or explore. His enthusiasm for the beaches (which were beyond amazing) and the local charm was contagious. Couldn't have asked for a better guide! Thanks Will!
The Bottom Line
This was a MARVELOUS, AWESOME trip! So wonderful! I wouldn't change a thing.
by Nancy Masterson 12/06/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Very detailed information provided. Helpful links for insurance. Helpful links for lodgings given too.
Trip Comments
LOVED IT! From start to finish, Will was a great guide. I loved meeting all the people on the island like Tony, Willie, and Donald John. The hikes were fun. The beaches were beautiful. The food was great. The group was a fun group of people, who got on well and had some great laughs!
Accommodation and Food
Hotel Hebrides was really lovely. The room was beautiful and the bathroom was really nice. The Stein Inn was rustic and authentic, loved that it was so rural and peaceful.
Your Guide
Will was a great guide. He is very knowledgeable about Scotland and the Hebrides. I liked that he wanted us to really see what makes the Hebrides such a unique place in the world. I learned a lot while enjoying myself hiking. This was my first real trip back to Scotland since I was a kid, bought back all the great memories I had of living there
The Bottom Line
Absolutely loved my trip! It has made me want to go back and visit the Islands again. I will definitely be taking another trip with Wilderness Scotland
by Alison Tetley 11/06/2018
Accommodation and Food
The only issue I experienced was a hotel room in Tarbet that was far too warm to sleep well in and although a twin room was small for 2 people with luggage (and we both travelled with relatively little).
Your Guide
Will was fabulous - an excellent your leader.
The Bottom Line
An excellent trip that provided an opportunity not just to explore a very beautiful part of the world but to meet its people too.
