6 Day Hebridean Explorer |
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Departs Tuesdays Check In: 08:15 / Return: 18:30 |
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If there's no availability showing for a particular date, e-mail or call to confirm!
This is one of the finest tours known to man (or woman!). Six days of pure adventure touring the Highlands, Skye and the remoter islands of Harris and Lewis; hiking, chilling, fishing and much much more!
Stays in unique accommodation including a blackhouse (traditional thatched cottage) set in its own bay and the last night spent in the village of Lewiston, where Loch Ness and pubs are within 5 mins walk and has an outdoor BBQ - perfect for last night celebrations! The tour includes a boat trip with seals and seafood.
The Highlights!
- The Majestic scenery of the Isle of Skye including the Black Cuillin Mountains, Old Man of Storr and the sweeping views from the Quiraing.
- Walk along dramatic cliff-tops and swim in turquoise waters from perfect white beaches (if you dare!).
- Experience Callanais Standing Stones (older than Stonehenge!), Dun Carloway Broch (a 2000 year old fortified dwelling), Bosta Iron Age House (Jun - Aug) and discover the unique carvings at St Clements Church!
- Entrance to Gearrannan Blackhouse Museum with it's Harris Tweed weaving demonstration, Bost Iron Age House (Jun - Aug) and a whisky distillery.
- Seafood boat trip with a local fisherman - native wildlife occasionally included!
- Return ferries with amazing views of the West Coast.
- All hostel accommodation including 2 nights in a traditional thatched blackhouse and a night at Loch Ness Backpackers within walking distance of Loch Ness and lively pubs!
- All evening meals are either cooked together as a group or provided by the hostel.
Day 1 - Leaving Edinburgh we enjoy a superb day meandering our way into the Highlands. Hear all about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy MacGregor with walks for fantastic views. After a picnic lunch, it's into magnificent Glencoe (the massacre of Clan MacDonald) where they'll be plenty of time to explore the dramatic beauty of arguably Scotland's most famous glen. We continue through the Great Glen with views of Ben Nevis towards Eilean Donan Castle (where Highlander was filmed) for a short stop before arriving at the picturesque village of Plockton for our first night. It's the perfect introduction to our superb country!
Day 2 - This morning we begin with a morning seafood & seal cruise with local fisherman Neil. The rest of today will be spent exploring the Isle of Skye, with lots of walks and time to take in the magic. You'll see the Cuillin Mountains, the Old Man of Storr (an incredible Jurassic pillar) and hear some of the tales and legends surrounding the MacDonalds and MacLeods, the two main Clans of the island. We'll visit the fascinating Kilt Rock, and take in absolutely awe-inspiring panoramas in the Quirang. Tonight we'll stay on the magical Isle of Skye.
Day 3 - The morning we will head for Uig to catch the ferry over the sea to the Isle of Harris where we will spend the afternoon checking out Rodel Church, home to the tomb of Alisdair Crotach MacLeod and going for great coastal walks along some of the best beaches (yes, we have beaches!) in the world! Then we make our way up into Lewis and over to the west coast where an amazing original Blackhouse (renovated for comfort!) is our home for the next 2 nights.
Day 4 - A great day on Lewis with time spent at a recently discovered Iron Age village at Bosta, the amazing 4,000 year old Callanish Standing Stones (second only to Stonehenge), exploring the ancient Broch (fortified dwelling house) of Dun Carloway and witnessing the traditional making of Harris tweed! Then if we have enough energy left late afternoon (of course we will!) there is a superb coastal walk to Dalmore bay, next to the Blackhouse.
Day 5 - This morning you will have time to spend in Stornoway, the capital of Lewis, and it's harbour before taking the ferry back to the mainland at Ullapool. Then, with a stop at Corrieschalloch Gorge to stretch the legs, it is off to Lewiston by the banks of Loch Ness the last night.
Day 6 - A full day, with time to explore Loch Ness, before heading to tragic Culloden Battlefield. Then its southwards through the Cairngorm Mountains for a walk in Perthshire at the Hermitage forest before making our way back to Edinburgh, tired and happy Scotland fans!
We're certain that this will be a really special trip, and one you'll remember for a long time to come. We look forward to seeing you.
Please note that this tour shares the first 5 days of the tour with the 9 Day Island Hopper passengers.
For the extra dates in August, please note that this tour will be running in reverse with one night in the Blackhouse and one night in Stornoway!
Tour itineraries and accommodation can vary due to acts of God etc, but we normally stick to this. Kitty includes hostels, evening meals, breakfasts, boat trip and ferries to and from Lewis and Harris.
Alternative tours
Like this itinerary but short of time? Try the 3 Day Skye & Highlands.
Prefer the Vikings to the Scots (how dare you!)? Try the 5 Day Orkney Experience.
Can't decide between Orkney and Lewis and Harris? Do both with our incredible 9 Day Island Hopper.
