Outer Hebrides
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About the 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 holiday aims to explore as much as is possible.
“time to relax, time to breathe in the wordless beauty of the isles”
A Recent C~N~Do'er on the Outer Hebrides
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 holiday, early booking (more than 8 weeks in advance) is strongly recommended.
Outer Hebrides - Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive by minibus north through Perth, Pitlochry and Inverness to Ullapool in time to catch the 17.15 sailing to Stornoway arriving about 20:00. Next 3 nights' accommodation is in a converted blackhouse at Gearrannan on the west side of Lewis.
Days 2: Walk on the west side of Lewis from Gearrannan. We'll include 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 today 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 in Leverburgh.
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 circumnavigation 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. Here we'll most likely walk in the Grenitote area at the north end of North Uist with time to visit some archaeological sites for those who are interested. Afterwards we complete the circuit of North Uist perhaps having time to visit Loch Maddy, the biggest settlement on this island. After an action packed day we travel to our next 2 nights hotel 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 and our last 2 night hotel accommodation.
Day 9: We can spend the day exploring the island, possibly popping up to its highest point and perhaps going over the causeway to claim our final island, Vatersay.
Day 10: Pack up for the last time. The ferry from Castlebay gets us back to Oban mid afternoon to allow a return to Stirling by about 17.30.
NB: There is always a slight possibility on trips involving ferries that severe weather conditions or other reasons will prevent a scheduled sailing. However unlikely this may be on this trip, it may not be possible to keep to the planned timings. Any additional expenses incurred through changes in the ferry schedule will not be met by C~N~Do Scotland.
Outer Hebrides - What's Included?
Your walking holiday includes:
- 8 guided walking days in the Outer Hebrides
- 5 nights hostel accommodation with continental breakfasts (alternative accommmodation may be available on 2 nights)
- 4 nights hotel accommodation with full Scottish breakfast
- Transport from and back to Stirling and daily as required and for baggage
- Qualified Leader
- 4 ferry journeys
Minimum and Maximum Numbers:
- Minimum Number:
- 6
- Maximum number per leader:
- 11
Group Bookings & Private Guiding
Additional dates or spaces are available for group booking and private guiding by arrangement. Please phone us on 01786 445 703 or complete the Special Enquiry form.
Early Bird Bonus
Book your holiday more than 12 weeks in advance to claim 5% off.
You must quote “Early Bird 08” promotional code on your booking form as the discount will not be automatically applied.
Book Your Outer Hebrides Walking Holiday
How would you like to pay for your CNDo Scotland activity?
If you would prefer to pay by:
- Cheque - download our postal booking form.
- Credit/Debit card securely online - use the form below
| Dates | SRS | Price | Spaces (?) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 - 30 June | n/a | £859 |  |
|
| 20 - 29 September | n/a | £859 |  |
Self Guided Extensions
Extend your holiday in Scotland for a few extra days planning your own explorations. We'll arrange the accommodation, neccessary transport and provide you with a dossier of tantalising information.
Check out the Self Guided Extensions available for this holiday
If you would like to do this holiday privately for your self and a small group - just get in touch!
Recommended Reading for your walking holiday
To get the most from your walking holiday you may wish to do some background reading prior to departure.
Books about the Outer Hebrides which you may find informative are:
- The Islands of Scotland Including Skye Derek John Fabian, Graham E. Little, D. Noel Williams
- Go Listen to the Crofters by Alex D Cameron
- From the Alleghenies to the Hebrides: An Autobiography by Margaret Fay Shaw
- Stories from South Uist by Angus MacLellan
- The Archaeology of Skye and the Western Isles by Ian Armit
- Hebridean Memories by Seton Gordon
Maps which you may find informative are:
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 8: Stornoway & North Lewis
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 13: West Lewis & North Harris
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 14: Tarbet & Loch Seaforth
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 18: Sound of Harris, North Uist, Taransay and St.Kilda
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 22: Benbecula and South Uist
- OS Landranger 1:50000 No. 22: Barra and South Uist, Vatersay and Eriskay
