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    Wilderness Walking

    Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay

    113 reviews

    Next Trip: 27th - 3rd May 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £2,555 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Stevie Christie
    View Stevie's Profile

    Region: Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
    Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £663

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 173kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    This walking holiday in the southern Outer Hebrides visits at least seven islands, including the wild, beautiful and uninhabited island of Mingulay.

    These islands are often overlooked by those drawn to the larger islands of Lewis and Harris to the north. But the curious traveller who ventures a little further south in the Outer Hebrides will be rewarded by uncrowded islands, wonderfully scenic walks and welcoming accommodations, all the time accompanied by wild Atlantic vistas.

    Your knowledgeable guide will provide a fascinating insight into the complex tapestry of life, history and geology in the Outer Hebrides. They can also help you spot wildlife, which may include 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 special trip provides a memorable insight into these wild and beautiful islands.

    Trip Highlights

    • Visit seven islands on a spectacular journey through the southern Outer Hebrides, indulging in the wild scenery and rich history of the islands.
    • Journey to the abandoned island of Mingulay on a privately chartered boat, relishing its wild beauty and abundant wildlife while learning about the hardships of life there.
    • Enjoy exceptional Highland hospitality at our carefully selected guest houses, set in magnificent coastal locations.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Reaching North Uist

    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. (L, D)

    Walk details: 5km | approx. 1.5 hrs

    Day 2 – Beaches and Birdlife of North Uist

    We enjoy a morning walk, exploring one of North Uists most beautiful beaches. We hike a circular route through sand dunes to a raised headland called Aird a’ Mhorain. Although just 40m 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 as being a stronghold for the elusive Corncrake. (B, L)

    Walk details: 10km | approx. 3hrs – excluding the optional walk at Balranald Reserve

    Day 3 – Benbecula Vistas and Exploring South Uist

    Benbecula is the small island which links North and South Uist. Our morning hike takes us to the not-so-lofty summit of Rueval. Despite being just 127m above sea level, it 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 sees us enjoy 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 arriving at the inn which will be our base for the next two nights. (B, L)

    Walk details: 4km | approx. 2 hrs for Rueval;
    plus an extra 4km for the walk at Howmore Beach

    Day 4 – Whisky Galore on the Isle of Eriskay

    We cross the causeway onto the Isle of Eriskay, a tiny island but one packed full of history and intrigue. Our circular hike starts by crossing Prince’s Beach, where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil. This beach is also where the SS Politician ran aground in 1941. Much of its cargo of 264,000 bottles of whisky was ‘acquired’ by the locals – an event which inspired the classic Scottish novel, ‘Whisky Galore’. Leaving the beach, we hike across the moor to a small knoll with mountain and sea views. Before returning to the hotel, we will stop at the Am Politician bar and perhaps enjoy a dram of whisky – wherever it came from! (B, L)

    Walk details: 6km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 hrs

    Day 5 – The Isles of Barra and Vatersay

    Barra is a delightful island to explore and there are countless possible walks to explore its hills, machair and, of course, its beaches. Many of the walks are short, meaning we often enjoy a walk before lunch and another that afternoon. One possible option is a morning hike to the Iron Age fort of Dun Ban and Halaman beach. After lunch, we can enjoy a hike to the 105m summit of Beinn Eolaigearry which is a fantastic vantage point with 360 degree sea views – and a great spot for watching the small planes land on the beach runway at Traigh Mhor. Late afternoon or perhaps post-dinner, we can cross the causeway to Vatersay and enjoy a short walk on its beaches. (B, L)

    Walk details: Up to 13km/ 8 miles | approx. 5 hrs

    Day 6 – Echoes of the Past on Mingulay

    A privately chartered boat takes us south to the long-abandoned islands of Mingulay, Berneray and Pabbay, which boast some of the finest coastal landscapes in Scotland. The crossing to Mingulay takes just over an hour and provides wonderful opportunities for spotting marine life such as basking sharks or minke whales. We’ll aim to land on Mingulay and spend around 3 hours ashore, giving us time to explore the abandoned villages, stunning beaches and perhaps take a hike up MacPhee’s Hill. Back at our hotel that night, we’ll enjoy a final night dinner together overlooking Barra’s incredible beaches. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 6 km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 hrs

    Day 7 – Journey to Inverness

    After breakfast, we board the ferry bound for Oban. Once we’re back on the Mainland, we head north towards Port Appin where we’ll stop for lunch overlooking Loch Linnhe and Castle Stalker. We then drive east across the Highlands, arriving back in Inverness around 6pm. (B, L)

    X
    Wilderness Walking
    Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    27th Apr - 3rd May 2024 Women only departure5 places leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now
    11th May - 17th May 20241 place leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now
    25th May - 31st May 20246 places leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now
    15th Jun - 21st Jun 20246 places leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now
    6th Jul - 12th Jul 20248 places leftAvailable £2,555Book Now
    13th Jul - 19th Jul 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now
    3rd Aug - 9th Aug 20246 places leftGuaranteed £2,555Book Now
    10th Aug - 16th Aug 20248 places leftAvailable £2,555Book Now
    31st Aug - 6th Sep 20248 places leftAvailable £2,555Book Now
    7th Sep - 13th Sep 20246 places leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now
    28th Sep - 4th Oct 20243 places leftGuaranteed £2,575Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This itinerary is based in three different locations, with two nights each on North Uist, South Uist and Barra. Each of the accommodations offer double and twin rooms, most with en-suite facilities.

    Single Rooms

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £560 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast and lunch are included daily along with dinner on your first and last night. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

    Evening meals which are not included are taken in local pubs and restaurants which offer a wide choice of local dishes. 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.

    On this trip we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 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.
    Trip Grading Read More

    Green Graded 1-3

    Green graded walking holidays are suitable 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.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the centre of Inverness Railway Station at 8:45am on Day 1 of your trip.

    You will be dropped back to Inverness Railway Station by 6:00pm on the final day.

    If you would like to use your own vehicle on the trip please get in touch with our team to discuss.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Jane Gillies

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Jane a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Green Graded Walking Holidays

    Green graded walking holidays are suitable 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.

    Compare walking grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.91 out of 5 based on 113 reviews of Wilderness Walking – Outer Hebrides: Uists, Barra & Mingulay

     

    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.

    CC

    Cathy Caulfield

    Reviewed on 02/10/2023

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 16/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    This was a great trip. Even the weather was nice!

    JB

    Joanne Beauvais

    Reviewed on 01/10/2023

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 16/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    A great trip--only disappointment was that we did not get to do the trip to Mingulay, because of the bad weather--

    DP

    David Papadimos

    Reviewed on 27/09/2023

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: Australia
    Trip Date: 16/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Excellent trip .I would certainly recommend it to others.

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