Outer Hebrides Adventure Tour

Tour Itinerary

Get away from it all on this 5 day tour to the tranquil Outer Hebridean Islands of Lewis and Harris. These undiscovered isles are home to pre-historic stone circles, untouched white sandy beaches, and ruggedly bautiful landscapes. Your tour will also include magical Ullapool and the Isle of Skye.

Day 1 - Loch Ness, Inverness and the Highlands

Departing Edinburgh we head north into the Highlands making at historic village Dunkeld where you can take a short walk through the forest to the picturesue waterfalls. Continuing north our route passes through the Grampian Mountain range and the Spey Valley where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the world famous Loch Ness then make a short stop in Inverness itself. Passing in to the Wilderness of the northern Highlands there will be time for a visit to the stunning Corrieshalloch Gorge before arriving in the West Coast fishing port of Ullapool.

Overnight Ullapool.

Day 2 - Loch Broom, Sotrnoway and the Butt of Lewis

We take the morning ferry from Ullapool crossing Loch Broom, past the Summer Isles then out to Stornoway the main town on Lewis and capital of the Outer Hebrides . On route we can watch for dolphins, whales and seabirds which are common in these waters. In the afternoon we explore the North West coast from Arnol with its historic "blackhouse", through traditional crofting townships to Port of Ness and the very north tip of the island the Butt of Lewis. From the lighthouse here there is nothing between you and the Americas!

Overnight in Stornoway.

Day 3 - Ancient Stone Circles and Crofting Villages

We spend day three exploring some of the magnificent prehistoric remains on the island such as the fascinating circular stone fort, or Broch, at Carloway and the mysterious and ancient stone circle at Callanish. Then we enjoy more traditional crofting communities such as Gearrannan and Shawbost before exploring some of the island's untouched white sandy beaches. In the afternoon you will head for the remote district of Uig with its fine, sandy beaches at Bhaltos, dramatic sea cliffs and rugged hills. This is the wilderness of the Western Isles at its finest.

Overnight in Stornoway.

Day 4 - Isle of Harris, Tarbet and Portree

Today we pass south from the wild moorlands of Lewis to the more mountainous Harris almost but not quite an island on its own. Famous for the locally produced cloth, Harris Tweed, it is also home to the highest mountains in the Outer Hebrides and the stunning white sands of Luskentyre. After a morning of exploring South Harris you will stop for lunch in the small port of Tarbet from where we will catch the late afternoon ferry to Skye . Our journey then takes us through Skye's own unique landscapes as we head to Portree, the island's main town.

Overnight Portree.

Day 5 - Portree, Eilean Donan Castle, Fort William, Killin

Departing from Portree we head south passing Skye's spectacular Cuillin Mountain range and making a visit to the iconic and spectacular Eilean Donan Castle. Back on the Scottish mainland we pass Fort William and the dramatic scenery and dark history of Glencoe - a site renowned for the tragic clan massacre of the Macdonalds in the 1600s. Travelling back south through the Central Highland the last stop of the day will be in Killin beside the Falls of Dochart before returning to Edinburgh .

Returns Edinburgh 7pm approx.

Optional Extras

• Pre or post tour accommodation in Edinburgh
• Take your tour as part of an extended Edinburgh city break.

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs Edinburgh on selected Tuesdays through the 2010 season.

• Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a double/ twin room.
• Single supplements apply.
• Please ask for other currencies.

What's Included

• 4 nights small hotel accommodation.
• All transport (by minicoach) and fuel costs.
• Services of your driver/guide-companion.
• Cooked Scottish breakfast daily.
• All ferry and bridge crossings.
• Discount card for money off in shops, restaurants and attractions.

Attraction entry costs are NOT included but are all optional.
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Images

Map