- Explore by boat and on foot, some of the most pristine, wild and spectacular seabird locations in Europe (including, weather permitting, St Kilda – a double UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Look for otters, red deer and golden eagles on the Isle of Harris
- Discover the Uists, stronghold of the rare Corncrake and world famous for their wildflowers and windswept beauty
- 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 boat trips and ferry transfers
Green 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:
- Are you generally active and, for example, happy to hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascent, with rough ground in places?
- Are you up for a challenge and trying new activities such as sea kayaking or boat trips?
- Are you looking for a wildlife trip which involves more than simply sitting in a hide?
26th May - 1st Jun 2018
Lorraine McCall
Not happy with just walking up all the Munros, Lorraine walked and kayaked to reach them.14th Jul - 20th Jul 2018
Cory Jones
Wildlife fanatic and first-aid expert makes Cory a good guy to have around in the hills!ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
This itinerary is based in two different locations throughout the course of the week, with 3 nights on Harris and 3 nights on North Uist. Each of the accommodations offer double and twin rooms, most with en-suite facilities. 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. A single room supplement of £300 is charged if a single room is available.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide in the centre of Inverness Railway Station at 8:00am on Day 1 of your trip. You will be returned to Inverness station by 5:30pm 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/
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 Kathleen Leonard 01/08/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Very good at sending out important info upon booking and prior to trip. Thank you!
Trip Comments
The ferry rides to different areas were nice. The beaches we visited were beautiful. The food we ate at various hotels was wonderful.
Accommodation and Food
The hotels on this trip were very comfortable and served wonderful food. The Langass hotel is a great location with a nice walk right from the hotel. The food was superior.
Your Guide
Our guide Malcolm O'Reilly is genuinely interested in providing a special adventure for the group. Very nice and responsible.
The Bottom Line
Wilderness Scotland is great about providing a special trip through beautiful country. They are mindful of all details which allows for participants to fully enjoy themselves.
by Sarah Leonard 29/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Office staff most efficient and helpful to me as planning my trip.
Trip Comments
Really interesting trip seeking different birds,animals and sea life. Walking was
delightful. Trip to Shianti island was special (sorry we couldn't go to St Kilda)
good weather but rough seas. Standing by cairns on No. Uist, viewing the many
lochs and lochans from a hilltop was a special treat.The hike over the runrigs and out
to the point on Harris(opposite the ancient church) was interesting and pretty.
Accommodation and Food
Breakfasts were wonderful. Langass Lodge had tasty and beautifully appointed
dinners, a treat to look at.
Your Guide
Malcom was a super guide. His knowledge and enthusiasm created enthusiasm in
all of us to look harder and to see the many flora and fauna which he pointed out to us. He went out of his way to make sure we had many opportunities to discover the
abundance of natural beauty in Scotland. I learned a lot and enjoyed the walks as
we sought otters, sea life, birds, plants, insects. He really gave us a lot of information, set a nice pace as we walked, and set up the telescope so we novices
could see lots that was far away (like red deer, seals, perhaps even an otter once.
The Bottom Line
overall experience was wonderful. This was my second trip in 2 weeks and hope to do more
by Sue Carlyle 27/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Slightly over-bombarded with instructions before the trip so inclined to ignore them!
Trip Comments
Malcolm was such a good guide for wildlife, and so knowledgeable. Highlight was trip by boat to Shiant Islands.
Accommodation and Food
Hotels very comfortable and food good.
Your Guide
Malcolm was very knowledgeable and patient and ensured everyone was having a good time.
The Bottom Line
Very good. Hope to do another trip with Wilderness Scotland next year, although I know they get booked up far ahead. Our daughter is doing one ih 2018 to Knoydart.
by Kimberly Miller 25/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Timely responses to email inquiries always appreciated.
Trip Comments
It is at all the fault of WS or the guide, but we did not see as much wildlife as I had hoped on this trip. Would have been excellent to see more wildlife.
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
Malcolm was very knowledgeable, not only about wildlife and the environment, but also about history. I learned a lot!
The Bottom Line
This was my second trip with Wilderness Scotland, and I would definitely recommend them -- trips are well organized and high quality.
by Liz Glenn 24/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
I requested a single room and the staff were very helpful despite sharing being normal. Staff gave a prompt , friendly and understanding response.
Trip Comments
Beautiful hotels in wonderful locations with friendly staff. Malcolm our guide was amazing at spotting wildlife; a highlight for me was seeing a short eared owl at close quarters. He was also very knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited and about the wildlife we saw - I loved learning about moth caterpillars. He also knew all the best locations and good beaches.
Accommodation and Food
Both hotels were wonderful with great friendly staff, lovely, comfortable rooms.and good locations. I particularly enjoyed Langlass Lodge; such a great location and surroundings and the staff were great.
Your Guide
Malcolm is a great guide and good company. He is knowledgeable, ( I loved learning about moth caterpillars and dragon flies), great at spotting wildlife, a highlight for me was seeing a short eared owl at close quarters. He is good humoured and friendly and sorted out the day's programme to ensure everyone got the best experience and accommodated our different wishes with patience and good humour. He worked very hard to ensure we had a good time and I would like to thank him for this. He is an asset to Wilderness Scotland.
The Bottom Line
A wonderful trip which I will recommend without reservation to friends. All aspects of the trip were great. Obviously a lot of care and thought had been put into every aspect of the planning and during the trip our guide worked very hard to ensure we had a great time.
by Dave Owen 24/07/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Your Guide
The Bottom Line
by Margaret Morris 04/06/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Accommodation and Food
Comfortable accommodation and quality food throughout the trip.
Your Guide
Exceptional. Personable, knowledgeable and thoughtful. This particular trip has two built in elements of uncertainty (wildlife sightings and St Kilda visit) so much rests on the guide's ability to manage expectations and when necessary, disappointment. Fortunately Malcolm's expertise and the experience ensured an abundance of wildlife viewings. Upon first meeting the group, he advised us that the weather conditions for St Kilda were not looking favourable and continued to keep us updated so when the trip had to be cancelled it was not a surprise. His clear messaging prepared the group for the decision.
The Bottom Line
Having Malcolm lead my group was a gift. He is fully fluent in all things Outer Hebredian(?) - the wildlife, culture and history. He is a guide's guide. Thank you Wilderness Scotland.
by Yvonne Dawe 30/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Trip Comments
Our guide, Malcolm O'Reilly, was excellent. Loads of patience and great at multi tasking. He really does have eagle eyes too.
Accommodation and Food
Both hotels were very nice and comfortable. The food was good.
Your Guide
Our guide Malcolm was very knowledgeable. He did a great job.
The Bottom Line
Very happy with the experience and will certainly take trips with Wilderness Scotland again.
by Malcolm Dawe 29/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
some of the guidance was very general. We still had to ask some questions on the specifics of our trip.
Trip Comments
Guide was excellent, accommodation good. The major disappointment was not getting to St Kilda. We hadn't been made aware what a risk that was, something you could maybe help with by being more explicit about.
Accommodation and Food
Meal at Scalpay was the highlight. At most other places was good.
Your Guide
Malcolm was excellent and never let up with his searching for wildlife
The Bottom Line
It was an excellent experience
by Andrea Stewart 22/05/2017
Pre-Trip Service
Friendly and helpful
Trip Comments
Well designed itinerary, seamlessly executed
Accommodation and Food
Hotel on Harris, being in town ( small, but still some action) was a little loud. Hotel in N Uist was wonderful
Your Guide
Malcolm, the Wildlife Whisperer, was an incredible source of information. He was constantly spotting and identifying birds for the group. Malcolm was always quick to set up the spotting scope, so all had a good view.
He's is a real gem when it comes to looking after the group. He worked hard to ensure we all saw what we came to see and learned what we wanted about the local culture and history.
Malcolm was fun to be with and really contributed to the group dynamics. What a treat it was to have the guide in house with us, rather than off site.
The Bottom Line
This is trip #4 for me with Wilderness Scotland. The organization is great and all guides have been outstanding. I can't imagine there are many organizations with clients as happy and satisfied as I am. Looking forward to trip #5!
Prices and Departures
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2018 Trip Dates
Trip Details
Explore the pristine Outer Hebrides island chain on Scotland’s far west coast, discovering its abundant wildlife, including some of the rarest wildlife to be found in Scotland.
On this wildlife holiday in the Outer Hebrides, we’ll enjoy coastal and glen hikes and, weather permitting, a boat trip to the incredible archipelago of St Kilda. 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 provide a fascinating insight into the rich tapestry of island life, history and geology of the Outer Hebrides. Of course, they will also help you spot wildlife, which may include golden eagles, white tailed sea eagles, puffins, 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 the wildlife of these wild and beautiful islands.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel to the Outer Hebrides
After meeting in Inverness, we catch the morning ferry across to the Isle of Lewis, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides archipelago. The ferry journey across the ‘Minch’ takes us through well-known seabird and cetacean feeding areas – so we should have some good sightings before we even arrive on the islands! Our first stop is a visit to the mysterious standing stone circle at Callanish before retiring to our hotel on Harris. (D)
Day 2 – St Kilda World Heritage Site
The plan for today is to take a boat trip to the famous archipelago of St Kilda. Over 40 miles offshore, visiting this amazing double World Heritage Site requires a boat crossing of about 3 hours each way. It is a challenging but vastly rewarding day. The crossing to St Kilda provides a great opportunity for marine life sightings, with mid to late summer being especially good for basking sharks. 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.
Please note that the visit to St Kilda is strongly contingent on good weather and sea conditions. Since this will be a highlight of the trip then if it is not possible to visit St Kilda on this day then your guide will try to schedule it for a different day during the trip. If the weather prevents us reaching St Kilda altogether then we’ll enjoy a wonderful boat trip in the Loch Roag area instead, exploring the remote west coast of Lewis and its plentiful wildlife. (B,L)
Day 3 – The Wildlife of Harris
We will spend the day exploring Harris hiking along some excellent glen or coastal routes. Home to vast expanses of moorland, this beautiful island holds nationally important breeding populations of greenshank and dunlin. Otters and eagles are known to regularly hunt in this terrain, and you may also see herds of red deer, which can often be seen grazing on the hillsides. (B,L)
Walk details: 8km, approx. 4 hrs
Day 4 – Across the Sea to North Uist
After exploring one of Harris’s vast beaches we take an early afternoon ferry across the Sound of Harris to North Uist. This remote and windswept beauty is home to Scotland’s most well known dramas, played out in a landscape populated by birds of prey and strung with pristine sandy beaches. With intricate rocky shores and beautiful sunsets, we are in good otter and diver territory, with plenty of places to stretch our legs before enjoying a warm welcome at our hotel. (B, L)
Walk details: 6 km, approx. 3 hrs
Day 5 – South Uist and Benbecula: Raptors & Wildflowers
Like much of the archipelago, the west coast of South Uist holds empty sandy beaches and wildflower rich machair meadow, whilst the east coast offers rocky inlets and heather covered hills. We aim to explore on foot during the day, taking a packed lunch with us as we walk along the enticing coastline. We will take the opportunity to scan the hills for some of the local golden and sea eagles – soaring with a wingspan well over two metres. 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 Uists. With otters, wildflowers, beachcombing and wildfowl all possible, there will be plenty for us to enjoy. We should also experience the endemic Hebridean song thrush! At migration times, these islands also tend to offer a stopover for exotic and lost migrating birds from America, the Arctic, Mediterranean – even the Far East! As long as we keep our eyes open, you never know what surprises we might find on this wildlife holiday… (B, L)
Walk details: 8km, approx. 4 hrs
Day 6 – North Uist and Benbecula: Corncrakes & Great Skuas
A key species in this region is the secretive corncrake, which skulks and calls in the fertile machair meadows and ancient farmlands. The corncrake is most commonly spotted in May and June. At places such as the RSPB reserve at Balranald, these rare habitats also provide vital homes for many rare species, such as the great yellow bumblebee, corn bunting, golden ringed dragonfly and many scarce wildflowers (not to mention photogenic highland cows!). The heather moors of North Uist and Benbecula offer more good raptor hunting habitats and we will spend time in the search of more birds of prey, returning summer migrants such as wheatear and stonechat and perhaps red deer. On the May departure, we may have the opportunity to witness one of the most thrilling wildlife spectacles in the UK – the northward passage of hundreds of skuas to their summer breeding grounds. (B, L, D)
Walk details: 8km, approx. 4 hrs
Day 7 – Return to Inverness
We begin our journey back to Inverness today, but the opportunities to stop and take in some wonderful scenery and perhaps get more excellent wildlife sightings are still on offer! We depart by ferry across the Minch again, this time on the late morning ferry, heading for the Isle of Skye. From here, we head back to Inverness via Loch Ness, arriving by around 5.30pm. (B, L)
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