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TOUR 1 Outer Hebrides & St Kilda

TOUR 1 Outer Hebrides & St Kilda

The Outer Hebrides is an astonishing 130 mile long archipelago lying 30 miles northwest of the west coast of Scotland. It is a land steeped in ancient history with mysterious standing stones and neolithic remains left by past inhabitants of these islands.

Each of the 200 plus islands offers pristine white sand beaches, a mix of breathtaking scenery and rugged landscapes with amazing wildlife along with a rich, vibrant and unique Gaelic heritage. It is truly one of Europe’s last remaining wildernesses.

With its gorgeous white beaches, wild moors, jagged peaks and unique Gaelic culture, the Outer Hebrides is a place of striking contrasts.

These islands have been inhabited for more than 6,000 years and many of the ancient symbols of a bygone life are still clear for the visitor to see. There are 55 sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as two National Nature Reserves. The islands boast golden eagles, corncrakes, basking sharks and bottlenose dolphins as well as 370 different bird species. The islands are renowned as a natural larder, with talented local producers delivering premium Hebridean fare, including smoked salmon, fresh shellfish, succulent beef and lamb.

Also included in our Outer Hebrides adventure is a full day trip to St Kilda, the islands on the edge of the world, some 50 miles out in the mid Atlantic.

Outer Hebrides & St Kilda - Tour Overview

The Outer Hebrides is unlike either of our other two tours, in that due to the remoteness of the islands, we fly both in and out of the Hebrides, thereby foregoing a very long road and ferry transfer and enabling us to spend more time seeing the islands.

We will meet in Glasgow and make our way from the airport there to Barra on the south end of the archipelago, where we will begin our journey from south to north using ferry and causeway to snake our way north through the islands of Vatersay, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis, before finally returning to the mainland from Stornoway. As well as the gorgeous white sand beaches that they are known for the stunning scenery of the Outer Hebrides inspires all manner of creative people who run small art galleries and craft studios and we will have a rare opportunity to marvel at the ancient archaelogical treasures that make this archipelago such an important part of ancient Celtic history.

Finally, in summer the low lying coastal plains up the western seaboard, known as the machair, are carpeted in vibrant colourful wildflowers, an awe inspiring site to take home with you and locations we will have the chance to see throughout out Tour.

Also included in our Outer Hebrides adventure is a full day trip to St Kilda, the islands on the edge of the world, some 50 miles out in the mid Atlantic.

These amazing islands are home to Europe’s greatest collection of seabirds, including puffins, gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes, great skuas and migrating whales, dolphins and porpoises. These spectacular islands are as stunning and atmospheric as anywhere in the world and will provide memories that will stay with you forever.

Trip Length

This tour is six nights and seven days long running Saturday to Friday.

Tour starts and finishes in Glasgow (however, we do have an optional extension to 9 nights and 10 days; see itinerary below; please contact us for details and costings)

Meeting point and time; Saturday 9am, The Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport.

Departure point and time; Friday/Monday 4pm (approximately), Glasgow Airport.

Included in Tour

All meals while on tour, including wine or beer with evening meals.

All accommodation while on tour with en-suite facilities (own bath).

Expert guides with you for the duration of the tour.

Private transportation throughout the tour, including domestic return flights to the islands.

Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary

Trip Grading / Activity Level

This beautiful journey through the Outer Hebrides will appeal to walkers of all abilities and inclinations.

The walks will vary in length from 3 to 7 miles per day (5 to 11.5kms) or approximately 2 to 5 hours of walking with longer or shorter options available on most days.

Most walks involve some elevation and gain loss, although there are also many flat sections.

The walks are typically along white sand beaches and across open moorland, where you are never far from the ocean. Most of the trails are good underfoot, although some sections may become muddy after rainfall.

Good quality waterproof hiking boots are essential.

Outer Hebrides & St Kilda - Tour Dates 2024

Saturday 1st June – Friday 7th June 2024
(7 days)

Saturday 3rd August – Monday 12 August 2024
(10 days)

Please note that it is possible to make a three day extension on this tour, becoming 9 nights and 10 days. If you wish to discuss this option please contact us for more details and costs.

Price

£3295 / $3995 per person

Single supplement; £295 / $395

Accommodation

“Stuart's hikes showed us not only the beauty of this island, but also the history and stories behind it. He is a most fascinating guide/teacher, who really brought Scotland alive for us.”
Debbie Post and Janella Newman
New Jersey and Delaware, USA
“Stuart's hikes showed us not only the beauty of this island, but also the history and stories behind it. He is a most fascinating guide/teacher, who really brought Scotland alive for us.”
Debbie Post and Janella Newman
New Jersey and Delaware, USA
“We journeyed across the Outer Hebrides, taking in the vistas, shores, bodies of water and history. It was just the right mix of hiking and history.”
Kevin Hymel
Arlington, Virginia, USA
“From stunningly wide and sandy beaches to rain dampened peat bogs to craggy hills and ocean bluffs, the islands are wonderfully beautiful.”
Gary and Karen Holm
Sebastopol, California, USA
“I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who enjoys a healthy outing in beautiful locations, with a good helping of great stories to accompany the adventure!”
Kevin Hymel
Arlington, Virginia, USA
“We will never forget this trip - truly a trip of a lifetime!”
Eve Benesh and John Crowley
Minnesota, USA
“We journeyed across the Outer Hebrides, taking in the vistas, shores, bodies of water and history. It was just the right mix of hiking and history.”
Kevin Hymel
Arlington, Virginia, USA
“From stunningly wide and sandy beaches to rain dampened peat bogs to craggy hills and ocean bluffs, the islands are wonderfully beautiful.”
Gary and Karen Holm
Sebastopol, California, USA
“I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who enjoys a healthy outing in beautiful locations, with a good helping of great stories to accompany the adventure!”
Kevin Hymel
Arlington, Virginia, USA
“We will never forget this trip - truly a trip of a lifetime!”
Eve Benesh and John Crowley
Minnesota, USA