Trip created by David Russell
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Region: Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
Trip Type: Wildlife
Comfort: Classic
Confirmed: When 2 Traveller(s) Book
Deposit From £250.00
£448.75
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All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.
Download ItineraryOn this trip we will explore the Outer Hebrides far off Scotland’s west coast, discovering its abundant wildlife, including some of the rarest wildlife to be found in Scotland.
Along the way, we’ll enjoy coastal and glen hikes and, weather permitting, a boat trip to the incredible archipelago of St Kilda. And on our May departure, we hope to see the spring migration of skuas to their summer breeding grounds – one of Scotland’s great nature events.
Your knowledgeable guide will help you spot wildlife, and provide a fascinating insight into the rich tapestry of island life. You’ll look out for eagles, basking sharks, whales and dolphins, as well the rich flora of the islands found in the famous coastal ‘machairs.’ Staying in a charming lodge accommodation with delicious food, this special trip provides a memorable insight into the wildlife of these wild and beautiful islands.
PLEASE NOTE – The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors.
We meet in Inverness and drive to Ullapool, where we catch the morning ferry across to the Isle of Lewis, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides. The ferry journey takes us through well-known seabird and cetacean feeding areas – so we will hope for some sightings before we even arrive on the islands! As we drive south to our lodge, we’ll stop at the awe-inspiring standing stone circle at Callanish. (D)
Over 40 miles offshore, visiting the amazing double World Heritage Site of St Kilda requires a boat crossing of 3 hours each way. It is a challenging but rewarding day. The crossing provides a great opportunity to see marine life. As we approach the islands we see, hear and smell the vast seabird colonies! We’ll have a few hours on land to explore. With some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain, and globally important colonies of gannets, fulmars and puffins, this is a spectacular place to see. Together with the thought-provoking story of the islanders who lived here, this is one of the most amazing places you can ever visit. (B, L, D)
*Please note that the journey to St Kilda strongly depends on decent sea conditions. If it is not possible to visit on Day 2 your guide will try to reschedule for a different day during the trip. If weather prevents this altogether then a wildlife cruise in Loch Roag will be arranged instead.
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The Isle of Harris gives an immense sense of history, and vast expanses of moorland hold nationally important breeding populations of greenshank and dunlin, while otters, golden eagles and sea eagles hunt here regularly. They are also home to herds of red deer, which can be seen grazing on the hillsides. We’ll spend the day exploring this beautiful island, enjoying some short coastal or glen hikes along the way. (B, L, D)
We will take the opportunity to explore some of the beautiful white beaches on foot today and take in the vibrant colours of the wildflowers found in the Machair plains. This rare habitat is only found on the exposed western coastline of Scotland and Ireland and is always busy with different birds and insects. (B, L, D)
Embark on a voyage on the east coast of the Hebrides as you sail into a stretch of water known as the Minch. Keep your eyes peeled for the inquisitive marine life which may include dolphins, seals and minke whales and look to the sky in hope of witnessing the plethora of birdlife that circle above. Enjoy some time this afternoon to explore the coastal town of Stornoway which is the largest settlement in the Western Isles. There is much to discover here and the land is rich in history and traditional island culture. (B, L, D)
Today we head into the hills of Harris, which has one of the highest density of golden eagles in Europe. Here we will visit a purpose built eagle hide which is located in a dramatic glen which one pair of eagles have decided to call home. Sea eagles, also known as white-tailed eagles, are also frequently spotted in this area as they come in to feed on the salmon and other prey. Other daytime hunters include the ghostly hen harrier and furious looking short eared owl, either of which could turn up almost anywhere during our time on the islands. (B, L, D)
Today we’ll head to what is reputedly the windiest spot in Britain, a lighthouse perched on top of the impressive cliffs at the Butt of Lewis. These cliffs are home to home to many species of seabird including kittiwakes, shags, black guillemots and fulmar petrels. This can be one of the best wildlife watching areas in the Western Isles as, in addition to the birdlife, whales, dolphins and porpoises can be spotted here too. (B, L, D)
We begin our journey back to Inverness today, but there are still opportunities for some wonderful scenery and excellent wildlife sightings. We’ll travel to Stornoway and we’ll visit the museum in Lews Castle and enjoy a walk in the grounds. We’ll then return to the mainland and journey back to Inverness, arriving by around 6.30pm. (B, L)
To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:
ACCOMMODATION
This itinerary is based in a single location for the week, which is a welcoming lodge on Lewis in a gorgeous location. The accommodation offers double and twin rooms 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. Due to the nature of the lodge accommodation we use here, single rooms are not available on this trip.
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.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the centre of Inverness Railway Station at 7:30am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Inverness station by 6:30pm on the final day.
For advice on getting to and from Scotland please our travel advice page on our website: www.wildernessscotland.com/faq/travel-to-scotland/
50 People viewed this trip in the last week
| Trip Dates for 2020 | Availability | Status | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th May - 16th May 2020 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,795 | |
| 23rd May - 30th May 2020 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,795 | |
| 13th Jun - 20th Jun 2020 | Trip Full | FULLY BOOKED | £1,795 | |
| 27th Jun - 4th Jul 2020 | 8 place(s) left | UNCONFIRMED | £1,795 | 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.
David loves the lure of wild places. He’s regularly seen heading off with his canoe, camera and tent for a night under the stars. David spent 5 years as an outdoor guide and instructor with qualifications from the Mountain Training Association and British Canoe Association. He designed the Outer Hebrides & St Kilda wildlife trip out of his passion for exploring the wild place of Scotland and capturing them with his camera.
- David Russell
Ask David a QuestionGreen Graded Wildlife Holidays 1-3
All of our wildlife trips are graded Green and involve straightforward hiking with no major ascents, as well as other activities which are pitched at novice level. You can expect to be active for around 5 hours each day so you will need a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that there may be some early starts and late nights as we seek to maximise our chances of finding wildlife, although you can always opt out of activities if you prefer an early night or long lie in the morning!
So to help you decide if you are fit enough for this kind of trip, ask yourself:
Rated 4.94 out of 5 based on 16 review(s) of Wildlife Adventures – Outer Hebrides & St Kilda
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.
Sarah Bowman
Reviewed on 24/06/2019
Age: 70 - 80
Country: England
Trip Date: 15/06/2019
Trips Taken: 2
The Bottom Line
Ann Laughlin
Reviewed on 15/06/2019
Age: 70 - 80
Country: United States
Trip Date: 25/05/2019
Trips Taken: 1
The Bottom Line
I loved the trip. I hated the weather. The van was a little claustrophobic. People should be told to keep their spot for the day and then rotate so there's not so much yapping about who is going to sit where. :) I think WS did a great job.
Maureen McCallum
Reviewed on 07/06/2019
Age: 70 - 80
Trip Date: 25/05/2019
Trips Taken: 1
The Bottom Line
The experience was great. I'd book another trip with Wilderness Scotland.
