8 Days & 7 Nights

4.6

Outer Hebrides Island Hopscotch: Drive & Hike

Sample renowned local gin & feast on delicious Hebridean seafood
Hike to the high point of Barra for unrivaled views of Kisimul Castle in the bay below
Discover the "sea of land & land of lochs" that are the Uists
Admire the long stretches of white sand beach & rugged hills of Harris
Walk among the mysterious Neolithic standing stones of Callanish on Lewis

Discover the beautiful and far flung Outer Hebridean archipelago on this self-guided drive & hike walking holiday. This remote island chain off Scotland's north west coast is brimming with great walks, wildlife watching opportunities, and fascinating historical sites dating back to Neolithic times all connected by scenic stretches of road. With ferry travel included undertake an island-hopping adventure from the mainland to Barra, in the southern reaches of the archipelago, onto the Uists, and north to Harris and Lewis before returning to the mainland. Explore the Hebridean landscape on short optional hikes; from stretches of white sand beaches washed by crystal clear surf and bordered by flower-strewn machair, to rugged moorland, dramatic cliffs, and rocky coves. End each day with a warm welcome at your accommodation and delicious local cuisine.

From £939.00

Select Date Enquire Tour Brochure

Gallery

All Photos (10)

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1 Ferry from Oban to Barra

Leave the bustling harbour town of Oban behind for the tranquil shores of Castlebay village on Barra and make your way to your accommodation for 2 nights.

Castlebay is so called because of 15th century Kisimul Castle, seat of the Macneil Clan Chief, that stands proudly in the middle of the bay, get your camera at the ready as the ferry passes close by on arrival. Barra's small airport is also home to a unique runway - planes land on the long strip of white sand on the island's north coast.

Overnight Ardmhor

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Sealladh Na Mara | Bed and breakfast

A modern family-run B&B with wonderful views over the turquoise waters and white sands of Traigh Mhor. Close to the ferry terminal, you will be conveniently located for your onward journey to South Uist. Enjoy bright, airy bedrooms and breakfast with a view.

Heathbank Hotel | Hotel

Heathbank Hotel on Barra was originally built as a mission house/church in the mid-1800s. In 1948 during the making of the classic film "Whisky Galore", the building was offering accommodation as a guest house. It is the ideal place to sit with a coffee or dram and watch fishing boats arriving across the bay at Ardveenish pier with their day's catch.

Castlebay Hotel | Hotel

You will receive a very warm welcome at the Castlebay Hotel. The hotel sits in a prime position overlooking Kismul Castle, the harbour, and the beautiful island of Vatersay. Opened in 1880, the modernised hotel offers warm comfortable rooms.

Day 2 Explore Barra and Vatersay 4 miles / 6 km

At only 8 miles long by 4 miles wide the rugged beauty of Barra’s interior surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches is a site to behold. Today we suggest walking to the island’s highpoint – Heaval summit (383m) – to take in the view, and then perhaps a visit to Kisimul Castle via a short boat trip. Vatersay island's white sand beaches of Traigh Bhaigh and Traigh Shiar, just a short drive away over the causeway are also well-worth a visit.

Heaval Summit Walk from Castlebay: 6 km (4 miles); Ascent: 377m (1,237ft) / Descent: 383m (1,257ft)

Overnight Ardmhor

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Sealladh Na Mara | Bed and breakfast

Heathbank Hotel | Hotel

Castlebay Hotel | Hotel

Day 3 Depart Barra by ferry for South Uist 3 miles / 5 km

Today you’ll travel north to the next large island in the chain, South Uist. From the ferry port of Ardmhor it’s a 40 minute hop across to the port of Eriskay, actually a small island itself, connected to South Uist via a causeway. Enjoy a short walk on Eriskay along the beach where the famous cargo of 20,000 cases of whisky were liberated from the sunken ‘Politician’ ship in 1914 and immortalized in Compton Mackenzie’s ‘Whisky Galore’. From Eriskay make your way to your accommodation on South Uist.

The Uists are a land of moors and lochs overlooked by peaks jutting from a hilly spine. The beaches of the west are strands of silver sand washed by crystal clear water and rolling surf.

Eriskay Loop Walk: 5 km (3 miles); Ascent: 90m (295ft) / Descent: 92m (302ft)

Overnight Lochboisdale

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Kilvale B&B | 4 Star | Bed and breakfast

Kilvale B&B is a modern, and homely accommodation with great views along the Lochmaddy- Lochboisdale road. All bedrooms are ensuite, and have a hairdryer and toiletries, modern televisions/dvds/docking stations. There are also tea and coffee making facilities in each room. You can feel free to make use of the lounge to sit and read, socialise, or watch Sky Television programmes. Free wifi throughout.

Polochar Inn | 4 Star | Country Inn

This inn was once a so called 'change house'; a place where one could wait for the ferry when travelling between South Uist and Eoligarry on Barra. The original building is now privately owned by local sisters Morag MacKinnon and Margaret Campbell whose aim is to ensure you sample true island hospitality and comfort. All rooms offer sea views, there is a cosy lounge along with a bar with open fire.

Orasay Inn | Country Inn

Orasay Inn is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the north end of the Isle of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. All their bedrooms are tastefully appointed with en-suite facilities, TV, hair-dryer and hospitality tray. Their rooms all have generous sized beds, with space around them and the usual furnishings to allow you a comfortable overnight stay.

The restaurant offers a superb selection of fish and seafood comes fresh from boat to hotel kitchen, supplied by local fishermen and much of their beef is from their own fold of Highland Cattle, raised on their croft.

Day 4 Walking on the Uists and overnight North Uist 4 miles / 6 km

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

Take time to explore the islands and their wildlife at the Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve, which preserves not only the island’s unique flora and fauna but the ancient crofting way of life. Make sure to keep an eye out for feral ponies roaming the landscape too.

RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve Loop Walk: 6 km (4 miles); Ascent: 14m (46ft) / Descent: 14m (46ft)

Overnight Lochmaddy

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hamersay House | 4 Star | Hotel

A small family-run hotel in the village of Lochmaddy. This small hotel is attached to a cosy, nautical themed brasserie serving plenty of delicious fresh seafood offerings. All cosy bedrooms are en suite.

Langass Lodge | Lodge

One of the finest and most popular small hotels on North Uist, Langass Lodge possesses all the character and charm you would expect from a renovated shooting lodge. Enjoy the fantastic outlook over Loch Eport and Ben Eaval. Each of the 11 rooms has everything you'll need for a great stay. In the evening why not dine in the restaurant with a menu that changes daily?

Ben View B&B | Bed and breakfast

Ben View B&B in North Uist sits on the Hebridean Way. A few minutes from St Kilda viewpoint and Balranald nature reserve. Ben View is a family business run by Paul and Lisa Prichard. They offer double rooms and a wide range of services to make your stay more comfortable.

Day 5 Depart North Uist by ferry for Harris 3 miles / 5 km

Continue your journey north over this stunning island archipelago to Harris via the Berneray to Leverburgh ferry crossing (1 hour).

Visit the Eagle Observatory and take a short walk to the hide on the island’s south. With more than 20 pairs of golden eagles making their home in the mountains of Harris you're bound to spot one with a little patience. En route from Leverburgh to Tarbert make sure not to miss a stroll along the stunning white sands of Luskentyre, an iconic and much photographed beach, with a spectacular views of the island's hilly interior. Look out for the white horses that graze freely on the dunes here. The Harris Distillery is also a recommended stop for any gin-lovers, why not take a tour or simply buy one of their beautiful bottles as a souvenir?

The rugged and hilly landscape of Harris gave rise to it's name from the old Norse ‘Na Hearadh’ meaning ‘high land’. On the west coast are some of the most wonderful beaches in the British Isles that stretch out in harmonious tranquillity with the flora-filled machair of the interior.

Harris Eagle Observatory: 5 km (2 miles); Ascent: 55m (180ft) / Descent: 54 m (177ft)

Luskentyre Beach Loop Walk: 5 km (3 miles); Ascent: 42m (138ft) / Descent: 34m (112ft)

Overnight Tarbert

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Harris Hotel | Hotel

The Harris Hotel has been family-owned and run for over 100 years. The rooms have undergone refurbishment, some in a more modern style and others retaining the more traditional feel of the hotel. Enjoy only the best and freshest of local ingredients in the restaurant, including fresh fish, shellfish, lamb, beef and venison.

Ardhasaig House | Hotel

Dating back to 1904 many of the building's features, such as the purple-tiled fireplace in the lounge and the main staircase, have been retained and contribute to its distinctive character. The ensuite rooms are tastefully decorated with quality furnishings, some of which are genuine antiques. Your sense of seclusion from the stresses of the outside world is enhanced by the absence of television reception in the locality and all rooms are TV-free!

Avalon B&B | Guest House

The Isle of Harris is probably the most scenic of all the Western Isles and perfectly situated to take in all the island has to offer. The house is situated on the family croft, with a southerly aspect over West Loch Tarbert. Some of our rooms have extensive views of the loch. All the rooms have flat screen TV, iPod docking, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, and tea & coffee making facilities.

Day 6 Walking on Harris and Lewis and overnight on Lewis 2 miles / 4 km

As you drive north on the landmass that makes up Lewis and Harris we suggest a detour to Great Bernera island for a loop walk taking in Bosta Beach and it's Iron Age House. A visit to the Callanish Standing Stones, and short optional walk, en route to Stornoway is highly recommended! The two stone circles at this mysterious 5000 year-old Neolithic site are one of the most popular places to visit in the Outer Hebrides and shouldn't be missed. Alternatively, tucked away off the south east corner of Harris lies Scalplay island. Take an easy-going loop walk with fantastic views of Eilean Glas lighthouse and it's outlook onto Skye and the Scottish mainland.

Explore the Callanish Standing Stones: 4 km (2 miles); Ascent: 18m (59ft) / Descent: 21m (69ft)

Scalpay Island loop walk: 5 km (3.5 miles); Ascent: 105m (345ft) / Descent: 97m (318ft)

Bosta Beach Loop Walk: 7 km (4.5 miles); Ascent: 130m (427ft) / Descent: 137m (450ft)

Overnight Stornoway

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Jannel B&B | 4 Star | Bed and breakfast

Located in a quiet residential part of Stornoway, this 4* Bed & Breakfast makes for the perfect retreat. With welcoming hosts and beautifully decorated spacious rooms to relax in, you are bound to have a great stay.

No.Three B&B | Bed and breakfast

You are assured the warmest of welcomes at the No. Three B&B in Stornoway. This lovely accommodation has all one would require for a most comfortable stay. Close to the town centre and within easy driving distance of the natural wonders of Lewis you are in the perfect location to enjoy all the island has to offer.

Borve House Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Situated on the north west coast of Lewis, just a 25 minute drive from Stornoway, this comfortable hotel is a perfect base to explore the both the Callanish standing stones and the northern most tip of the Butt of Lewis. The cosy rooms have everything you'll need to relax after a day's walking. Alongside a comprehensive selection of wining and dining options, the bar stocks a wide range of local beers and malts whiskies - perfect for toasting your stay on the Outer Hebrides.

Day 7 Walking on Lewis 4 miles / 6 km

Lewis, the largest of the Western Isles, is scattered with world-famous archaeological sites within a landscape of wild moorland and magnificent coastline. With so many walks to take in we suggest taking time to visit the iconic Callanish Stones if you weren't able to yesterday. Another interesting cultural highlight are the Lewis Black Houses at Gearrannan - stone cottages with thatched roofs, the museum here has set-up some with interiors imitating the traditional "black house". Some of these cottages were inhabited until as late as the 1970s! Nearby you'll also find the well-preserved ruins of the 1st century Dun Carloway Broch, once a large communal and defensive structure that helped protect residents of the surrounding area from raids.

On the northern tip of island, the so called Butt of Lewis, take a walk around the clifftops and lighthouse with it's dramatic outlook over hidden sandy coves and dark cliffs dropping steeply into the wild Atlantic Ocean. Spend time watching seabirds soar and dive on the wind before heading to the island’s capital, Stornoway, for your overnight and the chance to sample some locally-caught seafood.

Butt of Lewis Loop Walk: 6 km (4 miles); Ascent: 27m (89ft) / Descent: 26m (85ft)

Overnight Stornoway

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Borve House Hotel | 4 Star | Hotel

Loch Roag Guest House | Guest House

A relaxed and welcoming family-run guesthouse that's been welcoming guests for over 20 years. Just a 30 minute drive from Stornoway and is a few minutes from the iconic Callanish standing stones. Unwind in cosy rooms, some with stunning views across to the mountains Harris. Enjoy displays of local art and photography, examples of work on exhibit at the nearby Morven and Oisveal galleries.

Jannel B&B | 4 Star | Bed and breakfast

Day 8 Depart Lewis by ferry for Ullapool and onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

Expand all

Other Information

Expand all

Is it for me?

This relaxed drive & hike trip taking in the far flung Outer Hebridean archipelago is perfect for the first-time walker and experienced hiker looking for a more easy-going experience. Stay in cosy, welcoming accommodations with or nearby great dining options - expect to see a lot of fresh seafood on the menu! Spend your days as you wish, discovering this wonderful island chain on largely short optional walks, that allow plenty of time for taking in the many cultural highlights along the way. Enjoy scenic ferry journeys along the way as you island hop your way north between Barra and Lewis.

Trip Type:

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Activity:

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

Grade & Terrain

This trip is graded easy to moderate. The routes follow a mixture of footpaths, tracks, coastal trails, open fields and some minor roads. Some walks involve relatively steep ascent and descents, for example Heaval on Barra, but at only 383m high you can take your time and still have plenty of time to enjoy the views from the top. Most recommended walks are from 4-7 km in length, meaning you can take in a walk and see the sights or walk multiple routes in a day depending on your preference.

Paths in the Outer Hebrides are often not well-signposted so some navigation skills are needed. We have chosen popular walks in the regions so most routes will be easy to follow.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guest houses & small hotels
7 Breakfasts
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
Ferry crossings as per itinerary (1 car per booking included as standard)
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Oban and from Ullapool
Fuel costs
Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
Car hire - we can arrange this for you if required
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights at each location on the itinerary
Car hire - we can arrange this for you if required
Pre-tour accommodation in Oban
Post-tour accommodation in Ullapool

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

The Outer Hebrides are located off Scotland's northwest coast. Your trip includes ferry crossings from Oban (on the mainland) to Barra the first larger island in the archipelago. As this is a drive & hike trip it's easiest to access Oban by road from Glasgow drive north on the A92 to Tyndrum then turn west on the A85 (2 hr 20 mins), alternatively from Edinburgh follow the M9 west, to join the A84, and onto the A85 (3 hr). If travelling from Inverness drive southwest on the A82, A828, and A85 to reach Oban (2 hr 45 mins).

If arranging car hire with us your pick-up point can be tailored to suit your needs. Oban has a train station and is well-served by bus links to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Check the Scotrail and Citylink Bus websites for more details.

The following Calmac ferry journeys are included in your trip; Oban to Bara, and crossings to South Uist, Harris, and finally from Stornoway on Lewis to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland.

If you have a preferred sailing time for your ferry journeys, please let us know at the time of booking. Once the ferry journeys are confirmed, we can't guarantee new amendments or changes to the sailing times.

Getting from the End

The Calmac ferry from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis to Ullapool on the mainland (2.5 hrs) is included in your trip. If you have time we recommend spending some time in the unique mountain landscape of Torridon and Sutherland.

Ullapool is a small town on the northwest coast of Scotland, a 1hr15min drive from Inverness making this a great add-on to your trip. Otherwise, it's a 4hr15min drive south to Glasgow or 4hr10min to Edinburgh. There are plenty of fuel stations along the way, and some good places to stop to split the journey are Inverness, Aviemore, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and Perth.

Baggage Transfer

This trip does not include luggage transport, as you carry your luggage with you in the car.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list that includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Ferries

Phone Reception

Mobile phone signal varies depending on the network provider and you'll frequently be without internet signal. However, if making an emergency call your phone will connect through any available network provider.

Equipment

We provide a full recommended kit list in your information pack on booking. However, you will need waterproofs (jacket and trousers), warm layers, gloves, hat, cap or sunglasses, sunscreen, casual clothes and shoes for the evenings along with good walking socks and walking boots or shoes depending on your preference. A daypack of 20-30 litres (with dry bags or waterproof cover) should be more than ample for carrying your food and water along with spare layers for the day. Walking poles can also be a helpful addition to any kit list. You might also wish bring binoculars for wildife encounters, and a camera to document your trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.