- 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.
12th May - 18th May 2018
Tim Francis
A passionate biker and hill-walker, Tim is a former business development manager who spent 4 years working in South America...2nd Jun - 8th Jun 2018
Howard Jeffs
Howard is a world leading paddle expert and not just a crab magnet. Learn all about him here!14th Jul - 20th Jul 2018
Alan Smith
Ask adventurer Alan about his stint as a stunt co-ordinator!4th Aug - 10th Aug 2018
Rosie Mckenzie
Meet our Wilderness Guide Rosie Mckenzie. She has a love for trekking in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Find out more ...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...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.
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 Gayle Schiavone 14/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
by Tandy Taylor 11/09/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
The walks were varied and the scenery was stunning - and the leader (Mark) was very accommodating as he would take those who wanted something more or a bit challenging for an extra session at the end of the day. This meant everyone in the group who were at different levels got something from the hikes. He also made time for us to nip into shops/cafes etc for those who wanted to buy a few souvenirs.
Accommodation and Food
The main advantage of the accommodation was the location. Not all the rooms had views over the sea, but it meant you could walk out of the door and immediately be in a fantastic setting. The food was locally sourced and the fresh fish some of the best I've ever had.
Your Guide
Mark was highly experienced and very knowledgeable about the areas regarding the history, wildlife and flora and fauna. He had great communication and people managing skills and made everyone feel included.
The Bottom Line
The thing I really like about Wilderness Scotland is they focus on small groups. For people like myself who hate being in a large group it's perfect. You go to places you'd normally never get to see. It was one of the best holidays I've ever had. Why would you ever want to go overseas when you have all this on your doorstep? Although I thought it was expensive at the time, after being on my first hiking trip I realise that actually they are very good value. I'll certainly go on another next year.
by Richard Lewis 21/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Jane was big help in advising us on getting to the Jacobite steam train and then again when the ending got changed.
Trip Comments
We were finally able to get to the Outer Hebrides while leaving the planning to Wilderness Scotland.
Accommodation and Food
Hamersay House was excellent. Polochar Inn had a very small room. Castlebay Hotel was better than anticipated. Where was that linoleum? The food was generally very good.
Your Guide
Dave did an excellent job. The group was basically half fast and half slow, but he managed to keep everyone happy and within sight of one another. I liked his detailed knowledge and explanations with the maps.
The Bottom Line
If you wish to get to walk in a remote island atmosphere I would highly recommend this particular trip. I am also impressed with Wilderness Scotland as the trip provider.
by Stephanie Jushinski 14/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Follow through and response
Trip Comments
All aspects of trip very well done
Accommodation and Food
A very good range of experience
Your Guide
Could not have had a better guide than Dave
The Bottom Line
Wonderful unique experience that allows one to stretch and appreciate the awesome beauty that the outer Hebrides offers
by Robert Cameron 15/06/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Reminder re balance payment should include updated copy of trip outline
Trip Comments
both first and last dinner should have given access to full menu subject to personal payment of any cost exceeding £30 allowance (this only happened on our first dinner).
Accommodation and Food
Polochar Inn food on Monday night was OK but not as good as others.
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
by William Polking 14/06/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
by Jennifer Mirdamadi 14/06/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Very helpful. I asked which of your trips had single rooms available still and was quickly given a list of choices!
Trip Comments
Very good indeed.
Accommodation and Food
Verging on excellent. Food and general standards especially good at Hamarsay House. One very minor thing: My room in Castle Bay had cold radiators, despite being turned on and despite heating blazing away in other parts of hotel. I like a cool bedroom and would not normally have wanted them on but needed to dry clothes after our rather exciting boat trip! (Had an electric heater which was fine for room temp but no good for drying.) Don't know why I mention it really. Not a big issue.
Your Guide
Brilliant guide, Lorraine. Efficient organiser, great driver, good communicator. Calm in the face of whatever arose!
The Bottom Line
Excellent.
by Hume Gravell 12/06/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Three unexpected highlights:
1. Mainly dry weather while the rest of the country suffered torrential rain and gales.
2. The bird life on the cliffs of Mingulay! The boat edged close to give us an excellent view.
3. Decision of our leader to take the Barra-Oban ferry home, rather than Loch Maddy-Uig. A wonderful end to the trip - calm sea, blue skies, one of the most scenic ferries in Scotland.
Accommodation and Food
Castlebay Hotel, Barra. Food good, but room satisfactory- a radiator which was only warm for a few hours, shower tepid, TV with dodgy aerial. Tolerable for two nights.
Your Guide
Our guide was superb - friendly, knowledgable, showed concern for our welfare,and whether we were enjoying out holiday.
The Bottom Line
by Drew Quinn 23/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
My questions were answered quickly.
Trip Comments
It was wonderful!
Accommodation and Food
The hotels were very nice, and the breakfasts had lots of options. I did sort of get tired of having sandwiches for lunch, although I know since were were out walking at noon there are limitations of what we can take with us.
Your Guide
John was fabulous! I had ancestors who had lived on North Uist, and John was very helpful in getting information and pointing thing out about the towns they were from.
The Bottom Line
The trip couldn't have been better!
by Sydney Bennion 23/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Rachael and Jane provided great information via email, responding promptly to my questions.
Trip Comments
The itinerary was a good length each day and for the trip as a whole. Organization was excellent, as were accommodations. John's knowledge, patience and attitude made the trip outstanding.
Accommodation and Food
Good locations, comfortable rooms. The food was good, with the best food at our second hotel.
Your Guide
Excellent knowledge, patience and unflappable demeanor, even when repairing the van door bent by the wind. John has lived many interesting places. He tells fascinating stories about the places we visited and his own experiences around the world (most of which, he says and I believe, are true).
The Bottom Line
Enriching and unforgettable!!!
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2018 Trip Dates
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)
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