Trip created by Stevie Christie
View Stevie's Profile
Location: Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Comfort: Classic
Difficulty:
All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryThis 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.
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, arriving in the tiny port of Lochmaddy on the Isle of North Uist mid-afternoon. After checking into the hotel, we take a short coastal walk from Lochmaddy, hiking out to the Hut of the Shadows, with its unique camera obscura. (L, D)
Walk details: 5km | approx. 1.5 hrs
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
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
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
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
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
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)
If you would like to instantly download a copy of our PDF Trip Itinerary which contains full details about this itinerary, please complete the form below:
ACCOMMODATION
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 £300 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.
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.
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.
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.
163 People viewed this trip in the last week
1 Booking(s) in the last 72 hours
| Trip Dates for 2019 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11th May - 17th May 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,625 | |
| 1st Jun - 7th Jun 2019 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,625 | |
| 3rd Aug - 9th Aug 2019 Female only date | 7 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,625 | Book Now |
| 31st Aug - 6th Sep 2019 | 3 place(s) left | CONFIRMED | £1,625 | Book Now |
| 21st Sep - 27th Sep 2019 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,625 | Book Now |
Sometimes it's nice to get family and friends together and travel privately for some quality time. This means you benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides and we'll take care of it all. Then you can make your choice of departures dates and we'll get back to you to finalise the details.
As an avid adventurer, Stevie has life-long experience in Scotland’s outdoors. He’s Co-Owner and Head of Adventure with Wilderness and been with us for over 15 years in a variety of roles, with innovative trip design being both a passion and a specialty. In his spare time, Stevie runs the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival, bringing the world’s most inspiring adventure film makers and athletes to an audience of over 1,500 each year. His experience of living in the Highlands for over 7 years has helped design this exciting walking trip.
- Stevie Christie
Call Stevie Ask Stevie a QuestionRated 4.94 out of 5 based on 48 review(s) 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.
Robert Parkinson
Reviewed on 10/09/2018
The Bottom Line
Although we go on a lot of walking holidays, we would never have got so much out of a week's holiday if we had to research and organise this trip ourselves. Well organised, well guided (by Tim), thoroughly enjoyable. Small group, who all got on well together. Would recommend Wilderness Scotland as a means of seeing these remote Scottish islands.
Mary McLennan
Reviewed on 23/08/2018
The Bottom Line
The entire experience from start to finish was smooth, professionally managed, met and exceeded my expectations, beautiful, awe inspiring and fun.
Ursula Bauer
Reviewed on 20/08/2018
The Bottom Line
Kathryn Bouey
Reviewed on 20/08/2018
The Bottom Line
I really enjoyed the Outer Hebrides trip - in fact I'm experiencing withdrawal symptoms now that it's over!
Caroline Bottoms
Reviewed on 14/08/2018
The Bottom Line
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.
Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter
