Scotland: Outer Hebrides Island Hopscotch Driving and Hiking Tour

Outer Hebrides Island Hopscotch

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.6 Read 31 reviews

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

Discover the beautiful and far flung Outer Hedridean 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.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

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.

Tour 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

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands

Activity Level & 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 choosen popular walks in the regions so most routes will be easy to follow.

Navigation

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.

Accommodations

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.

Included

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

Excluded

Travel to Oban and back 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

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.

Weather and Climate

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.

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.

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.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Ferry from Oban to Barra Day 2 Explore Barra and Vatersay 4 miles / 6 km 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 (90 m ascent)

Accommodations

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 4-star inn was once a 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 and there is a cosy residents lounge, along with a lounge bar and public bar, both with open fires.

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 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.

Eagle Observatory walk: 5 km (55 m ascent)

Luskentyre Beach loop walk: 4.5 km (42 m ascent)

Overnight Tarbert

Accommodations

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 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.

Ardhasaig House | Hotel

The original dwelling dates back to 1904. Many of the house’s original features such as the purple-tiled fireplace in the lounge and the main staircase have been retained and contribute to its distinctive character. Guest accommodation in the main house comprises en-suite facilities with either a shower or a bath and shower. The rooms are tastefully appointed, 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 2.5 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.

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)

Overnight Stornoway

Accommodations

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

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.

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

Located in a quiet residental part of Stornoway, the largest town on the Outer Hebrides, this 4* B&B makes for the perfect retreat. With welcoming hosts and a beautifully decorated spacious rooms to relax in of an evening you're bound to have a great stay.

Day 7 Walking on Lewis 7 miles / 11 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 (27 m ascent)

Overnight Stornoway

Accommodations

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

Jannel B&B | 4 Star | Bed and breakfast

Day 8 Depart Lewis by ferry for Ullapool and onward travel