Outer Hebrides

Guided Walking: Outer Hebrides

Lewis, Harris, Uists, Eriskay, Berneray and Barra are some of the islands that make up the Outer Hebrides. The Outer Hebridean islands form a combination of sea, mountains and above all space, in a unique Gaelic setting.

The contrast, from the unexpectedly hilly Harris and eastern seaboard of South Uist, to the long sweeps of glistening white sand that form the western coast, is something to be seen to be believed.

Contrasting also, is the vibrant crofting community and a timeless history stretching back before the placing of the amazing Callanish Stones.

These are some of the aspects which make the Outer Hebrides unique. Our Outer Hebrides walking tour aims to explore as much as is possible.

Our journey through the Outer Hebrides aims to collect as many islands as we can but walking is mainly confined to Lewis, Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, Eriskay and Barra.

Due to the nature of accommodation used on this tour, early booking (more than 8 weeks in advance) is strongly recommended.

At a Glance

Grade: 2
Price: £1185
Duration: 10 days
Accommodation: 9 nights
Accom type: Hostels & continental breakfasts
Walking/Exploring: 8 days
Travel: 2 days
Group min: 5
Group max: 8
Meet: Stirling Railway Station
Finish: Stirling

Grading Information

Enquiry Form

Your walking tour includes:

Qualified walking guide
8 guided walking days
9 nights private hostel accommodation in small rooms; continental breakfasts
4 Ferry journeys
Transport from and back to Stirling
Transport daily as required and for baggage
VAT at the current rate

Outer Hebrides brief itinerary:

Day 1: Drive by minibus north through Perth, Pitlochry and Inverness to Ullapool in time to catch the evening sailing to Stornoway. Next 3 nights’ accommodation on the west side of Lewis.

Days 2: Walk on the west side of Lewis from Gearrannan, including a visit to the Standing Stones at Callanish and Dun Carloway Broch at some point during the day.

Day 3: From our accommodation, we may head up the coast from one spectacular beach to another, towards the Butt of Lewis.

Day 4: After packing up, we head down to Harris, but not before stopping off to enjoy one of Scotland’s classic island walks, the outstanding Maaruig / Urgha / Rheinigidale triangle just north of Tarbet. Carry on to spend the first of 2 nights on Harris.

Day 5: Today we’ll possibly head for Northton Machair and a leisurely ascent of Chaipaval, which gains its name from the 16th century chapel at its foot. From the top there is one of the most outstanding views in the UK. Afterwards we head up to the north of Harris and over to the east side, to complete the circum-navigation of the main island along the Golden Road. Hopefully, we’ll also have time to visit the Harris Tweed weaver at some point.

Day 6: After packing up again, we head for an early sailing to Otternish on Berneray then across the causeway to North Uist. Walking will be either on magical Berneray or on North Uist. There may be time to visit Loch Maddy, the biggest settlement on this island. After an action packed day, we travel to our next 2 nights’ accommodation on Benbecula.

Day 7: We will probably head to Rossinish on the east coast of Benbecula, from where Bonnie Prince Charlie headed off to pick up a boat to France in 1746. Benbecula’s miniature mountain Rueval is tantalisingly nearby our route and provides a great view around and sometimes out to St Kilda.

Day 8: Today we pack up and move south to explore the island of Eriskay for the day, reaching its highest point, paddling on Charlie’s Beach, spying out golden eagles, Eriskay ponies, etc. After all that we get our ferry over to the island of Barra for our last 2 nights’ accommodation.

Day 9: We’ll explore Vatersay, circum-navigate Barra and walk round and learn how to say Eolaigearraidh!

Day 10: Pack up for the last time. The early ferry from Castlebay gets us back to Oban mid afternoon to allow a return to Stirling by about 18:00.

Accommodation:

9 nights are in good quality independent hostel accommodation with small, shared, bunk-bed rooms. Bed linen is provided but you need to bring your own towel, soap, etc. Hot showers and self-catering facilities are available. We will endeavour to provide separate male / female rooms.

Meals:

Continental breakfasts are included throughout. Self catering facilities are available and, on all but two of the nights, you can eat out. No other meals are included. Packed lunches, snacks and evening meals are not included in the holiday price. Meals may be obtained on the ferry on days 1 and 10.