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    Wildlife Adventures

    Outer Hebrides & St Kilda

    30 reviews

    Next Trip: 11th - 17th May 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £2,595 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Anna Brownlow
    View Anna's Profile

    Region: Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
    Trip Type: Wildlife
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £668

    Grading:

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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Join us on a trip exploring the wild beauty of the Outer Hebrides. Discover ancient sea-soaked shores and diverse landscapes rich in both flora and fauna.

    Accompanied by your expert Wilderness guide, enjoy traversing by foot – hiking along heathery cliff tops, meandering along ribbons of white sand and wandering through coastal machair sprinkled with wildflowers. As you walk, your guide will help you spot wildlife and provide a fascinating insight into the rich tapestry of island life. Weather permitting, take a boat trip to the incredible archipelago of St. Kilda – the remotest part of the British Isles. Surrounded by the tempestuous waters of the Atlantic, St Kilda is home to nearly 1 million seabirds and has a unique and haunting history. Relax each evening in hand-picked, bespoke accommodation, enjoying lovely food and good company, content in the knowledge that every detail of your island adventure has been carefully taken care of.

    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.

    Trip Highlights

    • Journey to the wild Atlantic island of St Kilda.
    • Look for otters, red deer and golden eagles on the Isle of Harris.
    • Explore the wildflower-rich coastal machair meadows that the Hebrides are famous for.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Travel to the Hebrides

    Meet your Wilderness guide in Inverness this morning and drive to Ullapool to catch the morning ferry 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 keep your eyes peeled for dorsal fins cutting through the white-capped water. After arriving in Stornoway, a short drive north takes you to Tolsta Head, the perfect place to stretch your legs with beautiful views across the sea and down to stacks and natural arches. Later, enjoy a scenic drive south to arrive at your welcoming accommodation this evening. (L, D)

    Walk details:  5 km/3 miles | approx. 2 hours

    Day 2 – Voyage to St Kilda*

    Located over 40 miles offshore, visiting the fantastic double World Heritage Site of St Kilda is an adventure that requires a 3-hour boat trip each way. The crossing provides an excellent opportunity to see marine wildlife, and as we approach the islands, we can hear, see and smell the vast seabird colonies. Home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain and globally important colonies of gannets, fulmars and puffins – it’s a truly incredible place. Once ashore, enjoy a few hours of exploring with your knowledgeable guide, taking the time to walk around the abandoned village and learning about the island’s haunting history. Wild, evocative and wind-swept, a visit to St. Kilda is sure to be an incredibly memorable experience. (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 the weather prevents this completely, a wonderful wildlife cruise will be arranged instead.

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    Day 3 – The Isle of Harris

    The Isle of Harris has a long and fascinating history. Today we’ll follow the Golden Road – so named because of the cost of building it through the rugged and rough terrain. We’ll also take the opportunity to visit St Clement’s Church – considered to be the grandest medieval building on the Western Isles. We’ll enjoy a walk across the vast expanses of moorland, which hold nationally important breeding populations of greenshank and dunlin, before exploring the white sands of Luskentyre – one of the most breathtaking beaches on Harris. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | approx. 4 hours

    Day 4 – In Search of Raptors

    Today, spend the morning exploring the hills of Harris, which has one of Europe’s highest densities of golden eagles. Visit a purpose-built eagle hide (located in a dramatic glen) with the hope of spotting the majestic birds that call this wild island home. Sea eagles, also known as white-tailed eagles, are also frequently spotted in this area as they come in to feed on salmon and other prey. Other daytime hunters include the hen harrier and the furious-looking short-eared owl. This afternoon, we’ll take a ferry across to the islands of the southern Outer Hebrides. North & South Uist, Berneray and Benbecula are places of remote and windswept beauty, strung with pristine sandy beaches, intricate rocky shores and beautiful sunsets. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 6 km/3.75 miles | approx. 3 hours

    Day 5 – South Uist Birds and Wildflowers

    Waking up on Europe’s northwestern seaboard, there’s a landscape rich with ancient culture and rare wildlife to discover. Like much of the archipelago, South Uist is made up of quiet, sandy beaches, wildflower-rich machair meadows, rocky inlets and heather-covered hills. We’ll explore on foot today, taking a packed lunch with us as we walk along the enticing coastline. With otters, divers, wildflowers and wildfowl to spot, there will be plenty for us to enjoy. At migration times, these islands offer an important stopover for exotic and lost migrating birds from America, the Arctic, the Mediterranean and even the Far East, which makes for exciting twitching. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | approx. 4 hours

    Day 6 – North Uist Corncrakes

    A key species in this region is the secretive corncrake, which skulks in the fertile machair meadows and ancient farmlands – a landscape once much more common on the mainland. The corncrake is often heard but rarely seen. The most common time to spot this elusive bird is in early summer. Enjoy visiting the RSPB reserve at Balranald, spotting rare species such as the great yellow bumblebee, corn bunting, golden ringed dragonfly and many scarce wildflowers. The heather moors of North Uist and Benbecula offer further good raptor-hunting habitats. We will spend time searching for these stunning birds of prey and returning summer migrants such as the wheatear and stonechat. (B, L, D)

    Walk details: 8 km/5 miles | approx. 4 hours

    Day 7 – Return to Inverness

    While we begin our journey back to Inverness today, there are still good opportunities for some wonderful scenery and excellent wildlife sightings. After breakfast, enjoy a lovely short walk to the spectacular chambered cairn of Barpa Langass and the only stone circle on North Uist. We depart across the Minch again, this time on the late morning ferry heading for the Isle of Skye. From here, we journey across Skye and over the bridge to the mainland before winding our way along the shores of Loch Ness to arrive in Inverness by 5.30pm. (B, L)

    Walk details: 3 km/2 miles | approx. 1 hours

    X
    Wildlife Adventures
    Outer Hebrides & St Kilda

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency GBP

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    11th May - 17th May 20241 place leftGuaranteed £2,595Book Now
    25th May - 31st May 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,595Book Now
    8th Jun - 14th Jun 20243 places leftGuaranteed £2,595Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    Our accommodation partners are carefully chosen according to a number of factors including charming locations, very good facilities and a reputation for providing excellent hospitality. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite 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 £565 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.

    Meals Read More

    On this trip all meals are included from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7. 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. Included dinners are two courses as standard and special dietary requirements can be catered for.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 7 days of professional guiding.
    • 6 nights accommodation in hotels and inns.
    • All meals from lunch on your day of arrival, to lunch on the final day (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
    • Vehicle transport throughout. Starting and finishing in Inverness.
    • All boat trips and ferry transfers.
    Trip Grading Read More

    Green Graded 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 a 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 boat trips?
    • Are you looking for a wildlife trip which involves more than simply sitting in a hide?
    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Inverness Railway Station at 7:30am on Day 1 of your trip. The trip will conclude at Inverness Railway Station at 5:30pm on the final day of the trip.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Chris Page

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Chris a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    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:

    1. Are you generally active and, for example, happy to hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascent, with rough ground in places?
    2. Are you up for a challenge and trying new activities such as sea kayaking or boat trips?
    3. Are you looking for a wildlife trip which involves more than simply sitting in a hide?

    Compare wildlife trip grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 30 reviews 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.

    AM

    Ann Maclean

    Reviewed on 06/06/2022

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 21/05/2022
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Absolutely wonderful trip. An excellent mix of activities.

    JM

    Jennifer Mead

    Reviewed on 01/06/2022

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United Kingdom
    Trip Date: 21/05/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Not to be missed, an absolute pleasure.

    KB

    Kathryn Bouey

    Reviewed on 31/05/2022

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 21/05/2022
    Trips Taken: 3

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    A most excellent trip as I have come to expect from Wilderness Scotland - this was my third trip with them!

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