Outer Hebrides Island Hopscotch
- Hike to the high point of Barra for unrivaled views of Kisimul Castle in the bay below
- Discover the "sea of land and land of lochs" that are the Uists
- Admire the long stretches of white sand beach and rugged hills of Harris
- Walk among the mysterious Neolithic standing stones of Callanish on Lewis
- Sample renowned local gin and feast on delicious Hebridean seafood
Gallery
![The thatched roofed "Blackhouses" on Lewis](https://d1hirb55zrpywb.cloudfront.net/macs-adventure-tours/routes/WSSOH/routeimagegallery/1500BlackhousesonLewis-rsz-01102019161307122.jpg "The thatched roofed "Blackhouses" on Lewis")
Itinerary
Day 1 Ferry from Oban to BarraLeave 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.
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 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.
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.
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: 5.5 km (359 m ascent)
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 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.
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.
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 (90 m ascent)
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.
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 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.
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.
Balranald Nature Reserve loop walk: 6 km (14 m ascent)
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.
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 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.
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.
Eagle Observatory walk: 5 km (55 m ascent)
Luskentyre Beach loop walk: 4.5 km (42 m ascent)
The Harris Hotel has been family-owned and run for over 100 years. The hotel has 23 en-suite bedrooms, most of which are quite different, in keeping with the character of the building, but all have undergone extensive refurbishment, some in a more modern style and others retaining the more traditional feel of the hotel. In the restaurant, their menus offer an extensive choice of only the best and freshest of local ingredients, including fresh fish, shellfish, lamb, beef and venison. Their food is traditional but with modern and contemporary flair.
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!
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.
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.
Scalpay Island loop walk: 5.5 km (105 m ascent)
Bosta Beach loop walk: 7 km (130 m ascent)
Callanish Standing Stones walk: 4 km (18 m ascent)
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.
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.
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.
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 (27 m ascent)
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast take the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland (2.5 hours) where your trip comes to an end.
If you can we recommend spending time in Torridon, the region around Ullapool, to explore this wonderfully remote and unique mountain landscape. Speak to one of our Destination Specialists to add extra nights in Ullapool if you wish.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest 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.
Other Information
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.
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!
Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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.
Be assured that we have found the best, most suitable accommodations in each location along the way. As options are limited in the Western Isles this means you'll be staying in a variety of accommodations en route; from clean and comfortable B&B's, to country inns, and 3* hotels. Please be prepared for these different scenarios. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and a tasty breakfast.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This self-guided drive and hike holiday is available to solo walkers. If you require single rooms in your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request, subject to availability and at a supplement.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning, although please note that most, but not all, accommodations provide a full cooked breakfast as standard. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your info pack and route notes include details of local shops and convenient lunch stops along the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.
The Outer Hebrides are still a remote place to travel to and some towns, in particular, observe the Christian Sabbath - this means that many shops and restaurants can be closed on a Sunday. We recommend buying picnic lunches/snacks and checking your dinner options ahead of time to avoid disappointment. On Sundays booking dinner is usually essential, and is recommended on other nights whenever possible.
On this Drive & Hike tour you can navigate the walks on our Macs Adventure Smartphone App. Just follow the blue line and you cannot get lost. Download the walks to your phone offline before your departure and turn your phone on flight mode to save power and off you go. We also have brief walking directions should you wish to follow the routes this way.
- 7 Nights in hand-picked B&B's, guest houses & small hotels
- 7 Breakfasts
- Information Pack and access to Macs Adventure Smartphone App
- Ferry crossings as per itinerary (1 car per booking included as standard)
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- 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)
- 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
We offer this trip between the end of March and October. In our opinion there is no bad time within these dates for walking on the Outer Hebrides, but we specially recommend the spring and autumn when the roads are slightly quieter.
A note on departure dates in March and from mid-October: Limited ferry timetables for the Oban to Castlebay route means that it is not possible to begin the trip on Thursdays or Saturdays during these times.
The weather in Scotland is generally very variable from day to day. The Outer Hebrides lie off the north west coast of the mainland exposed to the weather coming off the Atlantic Ocean meaning the weather here can vary hugely even in one day. We recommend checking the local forecast the evening before, and morning of, the day you are heading out so you can be prepared for the day ahead. In a day with variable weather you can expect a bit of everything from showers, high winds, low cloud, to clear skies and rainbows. However, on a more settle day you can expect beautiful blue skies that transform the white sand beaches and turquoise seas into a Bahamas-esque landscape (although a little chillier!).
In general you can expect average temperatures of 10-16 degrees Celsius over the summer season with July and August being the warmest at 16 degrees Celsius on average. The driest months of the year are from April to August with May and June tending to be the driest on average with 11-12 mm of precipitation per month.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mobile phone signal reception varies depending on network provider throughout the route, however if making an emergency call your phone will connect through any available network provider.
As you are will be walking on varied terrain and for up to 5 miles per day a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Although the walks generally are not very well way-marked you will be able to navigate with the Macs Adventure Smartphone App. Simply download the walks to your phone wish you can then use off-line.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Outer Hebrides can become popular over the summer months. We will always try and accommodate your plans.
You will need good walking boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better and the midges have not yet appeared. Although having walked the Islands in the summer we believe any time between March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Midges are small biting insects (much like north American gnats or blackfly) which are prevalent in the summer months. They are particularly bad on still, overcast days but do not bother you if you are moving, the wind is blowing, sun is shining, it’s raining, or you are inside so as long as you carry repellent for the odd occasion you may need it they shouldn’t have any impact on your experience.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets and several sections of the islands are closed to dogs due to breeding birds.
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