- 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.
- 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.
1st Sep - 7th Sep 2018
Tim Francis
A passionate biker and hill-walker, Tim is a former business development manager who spent 4 years working in South America...27th Apr - 3rd May 2019
Paul McCaffrey
Paul has been flying high for as long as he can remember!11th May - 17th May 2019
Tim Willis
Chocolate-mad Tim is also a risk around Weetabix. Read his guide bio here.1st Jun - 7th Jun 2019
Susie Hill
A former Nurse turned Wilderness Adventurer - discover more about our Edinburgh born Wilderness Scotland guide Susie Hill.3rd Aug - 9th Aug 2019
Guide Required
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 […]31st Aug - 6th Sep 2019
Jeremy Martin
Splitting his time between Scotland and New Zealand, kiwi Jeremy brings boundless enthusiasm.21st Sep - 27th Sep 2019
Dave Picken
Meet Dave Picken, expert guide and bee-keeper extraordinaire.ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
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.
Most meals are included in the price of this holiday. 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.
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 require a single room please request this at the time of booking and we will check availability for you. Please note that we can offer a maximum of two single rooms on this itinerary. The single supplement is £300 and is strictly subject to availability.
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the centre of Inverness Railway Station at 9:30am on Day 1 of your trip.
Trip Details
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 Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel to Outer Hebrides, hike to the Hut of the Shadows
We journey through Kintail and Skye before taking a ferry across to North Uist, our first stop in the Outer Hebrides. Lunch is taken on the ferry which takes less than 2 hours. After arriving in the Hebrides there is time for a late afternoon walk before dinner at our hotel. (L, D)
Walk details: 5km, approx 1.5 hrs
Day 2 – Beaches and Birdlife of North Uist
A morning walk takes us to one of North Uist’s most beautiful beaches and to an elevated headland with wonderful views north to Harris. In the afternoon, we visit a nature reserve which is known for being a stronghold for the elusive Corncrake. (B, L)
Walk details: 10km, approx 3 hrs
Day 3 – Benbecula Vistas and Exploring South Uist
We hike to the highest point on the Isle of Benbecula, at 127m, for expansive views across North and South Uist. In the afternoon, we walk on the machair (flower meadows) of a South Uist beach and visit a Bronze Age roundhouse before arriving at our hotel. (B, L)
Walk details: 8km, approx 4 hrs
Day 4 – Whisky Galore on the Isle of Eriskay
The Isle of Eriskay is best known for the sinking of a cargo ship carrying whisky, which was the inspiration for the novel ‘Whisky Galore’. It’s also where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil. We’ll enjoy a beautiful coastal hike filled with history and intrigue. (B, L)
Walk details: 6km, approx 3 hrs
Day 5 – The Isles of Barra and Vatersay
We spend our final two nights on the Isle of Barra, one of the jewels of the Outer Hebrides. We’ll enjoy a hike on Barra today, exploring its little hills and big beaches. If people are keen to bag another island, we can cross the causeway onto the Isle of Vatersay, the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides, for a late afternoon or evening stroll. (B, L)
Walk details: 13km, approx 5 hrs
Day 6 – Echoes of the Past on Mingulay
A privately chartered boat takes us on a trip to the southernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides. We land on the now-deserted island of Mingulay and spend several hours ashore before motoring past Barra Head on Berneray on our way back to Barra. A wonderful day visiting truly wild and remote islands. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 6km, approx 3 hrs
Day 7 – Journey to Inverness
In the morning we board an early ferry from Barra to Oban on the mainland, having breakfast aboard the ferry. After lunch in Oban we then drive east across the Highlands with a final photo opportunity as we pass Loch Ness, arriving back in Inverness around 6pm. (B, L)
Prices and 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 Claire Craik 13/08/2018
Accommodation and Food
The second hotel where we stayed had very small rooms. However, the rooms were very clean and the staff was nice.
The Bottom Line
Fantastic trip. I enjoyed all the hikes and the boat trips. We had a really good group and an excellent guide.
by Lorie Turner 26/07/2018
Pre-Trip Service
Clerk I spoke to was very helpful in guiding me to a walk that I would be comfortable with in terms of distance walked each day, etc.
Trip Comments
My guide Alan Smith was very good - informative, friendly, easy-going, listened to the group.
Accommodation and Food
I can't quite get over the British preoccupation with single beds. (And they are much smaller than the single bed version in North America!) Not much you can do about this part of travel in Scotland. In the future I will likely choose the single supplement to avoid the single bed experience.
Your Guide
Alan Smith listened to the group, he is friendly and relaxed, and full of information.
The Bottom Line
I had a wonderful time walking the Outer Hebrides from July 14 to July 20. The weather was lovely, the group was a fun collection of people, and the guide was excellent.
