Detailed Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Ferry from Oban to Barra

You will arrive in Barra via the Calmac ferry at the port of Castlebay. You will make your way to your accommodation for 2 nights. At only 8 miles long by 4 miles wide the rugged beauty of the interior with the 383 metre peak of Heaval surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches is a site to behold. Indeed Barra recently came first place in a ‘Most Beautiful Island’ competition. Following your first night in your hand picked accommodation you will be ready to enjoy the delights of this most attractive little Island.

Overnight: Barra

DAY 2: Walking on Barra

While you are free to explore at your leisure we suggest the following walk:

Isle of Vatersay - Walk no.40 in guide

At only 3 miles in both length and width, the island is a mix of moorland machair squeezed together in the middle by glorious beaches. Even with ease of access by causeway the quiet and peaceful nature prevails. South Bay is a delight and the views across the Sound of Sandray are superb.

Overnight: Barra

DAY 3: Travel to South Uist

Following breakfast in Barra you are ready to travel Northward to the next Island in the chain, South Uist. From the ferry port of Ard Mhor a 40 minute journey takes you to the port of Eriskay actually a small island itself now connected to South Uist. You will make your way to your accommodation for 1 night and if time allows you are well placed to take in a lovely walk on your arrival day. Alternatively you can relax in your accommodation until the following morning when the many options to explore both South and North Uist and the interlinked islands of Eriskay and Benbecula are open to you. This region is a land of moors and lochs overlooked by peaks jutting from a mountainous spine. The beaches of the west are strands of silver sand washed by crystal clear water and rolling surf.

Walking on South Uist

Once again you may explore the area as you wish though we suggest the following walk:

Island of Eriskay - Walk no.36 in guide

Evidently not on South Uist proper it would be a shame to miss this beautiful walk as you will have a chance to savour stunning views of the Island from the slopes of Ben Scrien and Ben Stack . Further it was on Eriskay that the famous cargo of 20,000 cases of Whisky were liberated from the sunken ‘Politician’ in 1914 and immortalized in Compton Mackenzie’s ‘Whisky Galore’. On a natural note you may be lucky to spot a white tailed sea eagle and enjoy a vista of Skye and the small Isles. This 6 mile walk is a great way to enjoy the region.

Overnight: South Uist

DAY 4: Walking on North Uist

Driving North from South Uist you cross the causeway that takes you through the flat peat moors of the Island of Benbecula and out along a further causeway to your next stopping point, North Uist. While the east of the Island is indented with rocky bays the east is blessed with glorious beaches. We suggest the following walk:

Balranard RSPB Nature Reserve - Walk no.25 in guide

This area designated to preserve the natural environment is also an area given over to traditional crofting methods. The walk affords perfect opportunities to encounter wildlife from dramatic birds of prey to the inquisitive seals that breed on nearby islands.

Overnight: North Uist

DAY 5: Travel to Harris

After your second night on the Uists you will travel by ferry to the Isle of Harris via the Berneray to Leverburgh crossing. Following the 1 hour ferry journey you may now travel to your next nights accommodation or if time allows take in a walk.

Walking on Harris

The landscape is one of mountains with rugged terrain. In fact the name comes from the old Norse ‘Na Hearadh’ meaning ‘high land’. On the west coast are some of the most wonderful beaches in the British Isles which stretch out in harmonious tranquillity with the flora filled machair of the interior. With it’s wild ‘un-tamed’ north, rocky bay littered east coast of ancient geology and wide sandy strands the options seem endless. We suggest the following walks:

Isle of Scalpay - Walk no.20 in guide

Once again an island in it’s own right though connected to Harris by a causeway. Enjoy a 7 mile circular walk taking in the rocky coastline providing a sanctuary for sea birds and otters.

Hushinish - Walk no.16 in guide

On the far west of Harris this exhilarating walk provides the perfect opportunity to take in a variety of habitats. You will walk through the lower slopes of upland craggy hills to pass both a sea and freshwater loch skirting cliffs and crossing boulders to reach a sandy dune backed beach. This 5 mile walk offers a good chance to see upland birds including the golden eagle.

Overnight: Harris

DAYS 6 AND 7: Walking on Lewis

Following your one nights stay on Harris you will move north into Lewis where you will be accommodated for two nights. Lewis, the largest of the Western Isles is absolutely full of world famous archaeological sites sited in a landscape of wild moorland and magnificent coastal headlands and beaches. With so many walks to take in we suggest the following options:

Callanish Stones - Walk no.6 in guide

Perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of the incredible array of archaeological sites that abound are the Callanish stones and associated stone circles. A 2.5 mile walk in the area allows to travel back in time to a Neolithic age and is highly recommended.

Butt of Lewis - Walk no.1 in guide

The most northerly point of Lewis, this 6.5 mile walk allows you experience the dramatic seascapes and coastal geology as if you were on the edge of the World. At the Butt, a 19th Century lighthouse provides a focus point from which to admire the views and to listen to the cacophony of the seabirds.

Overnight: Lewis on both nights

DAY 8: Ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool

On this final day you will take the ferry from Stornoway on Lewis to Ullapool on the Scottish Mainland. Following the 2.5 hour ferry crossing the trip is complete and you may make your own way from here on.

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