Hebrides and Legends: An 8 Day Walking Holiday

The Hebridean Isles of Harris, Lewis and Skye are abound with history and legend. Our tour covers remote parts of the islands on foot as well as the Cairngorm mountains en route. Our guide will lead us on easy to medium walks while relaying local history and legends of the areas. We will also meet some local characters along the way as well as tasting food from the land and sea with the help of a local fisherman and wild food gatherer. You’ll also witness local craftspeople handweaving Harris tweed.

• Journey to the edge of the British isles to discover remote Scottish wilderness on the isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis
• Enjoy exhilarating walks and impressive views
• Discover food from the land and sea with the help of local wild food gatherers and fishermen
• Witness local craftspeople as they weave traditional Harris tweed
• Spot salmon leaping in Logie Falls.

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Itinerary:

Day one (Sunday)

We leave Edinburgh and head for the Highlands and Islands. We’ll stop in Balquhidder and walk to the Clan MacLaren rallying point which is about 1.5 miles and an ascent of 125m. We’ll then wind our way through the Highlands to the dramatic west coast.  We arrive at the fishing village of Stromeferry on the banks of Loch Carron in the late afternoon, our home for the next three nights. You may choose to enjoy a circuit walk with great views over Loch Carron and the mountains beyond before or after dinner.

Day two

Take in the stunning landscape of Loch Duich and romantic Eilean Donan Castle on the way to Glenelg village, one of the most remote spots in Britain accessible by road. Enjoy a varied circuit walk taking in wild moorland, forest tracks and a beautiful walk along the shores of the Loch. After lunch in the village pub visit the fascinating iron age brochs (early castles) of Glen Beag. Cross to the Isle of Skye on the last of the traditional Scottish hand operated turntable ferries. Explore the village of Kyleakin and the ruined Castle Moil.  

Day three

Take the easy-going circuit from Achmore village that leads down to the beautiful shores of Loch Carron. The outward leg crosses wet pastures below the steep crags of Creag Mhaol to reach the hamlet of Portchullin with its fine views across the water before returning to Achmore along a beech-lined lane. Buy cheese, oatcakes and ice cream for lunch from the dairy. Enjoy a seal and dolphin spotting cruise with a local crab and prawn fisherman and taste fresh local seafood.  

Day four

We spend the morning on the magical Isle of Skye. First stop is Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, translating as ‘port of the king' in the local language of Gaelic. Walk down to the harbour famous for its colourful houses and craft shops. Enjoy a short walk along the Trotternish Ridge with extraordinary views of the Quirang and the Old man of Storr. Take the 1400 boat from Uig to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. Enjoy a short walk over a pass to the quiet and attractive harbour village of Renigdale on NE Harris. Overnight in Stornoway for the next 3 nights. 

Day five

Walk in Hushinish along glorious sands and wild flower Machair on North Harris. In the afternoon explore the wonderful beaches and enjoy a short walk to St Clement's church on South Harris. 

Day six

Visit Dun Carloway Broch, ancient Callanish Standing Stone circle and enjoy an exhilarating circular walk at the Butt of Lewis along dramatic cliffs, sea views, a restored ancient chapel and delightful sandy bays.

Day seven

Take the early morning ferry from Lewis to the mainland port of Ullapool. Try to spot salmon leaping in Rogie Falls. Head for Cairngorm mountain to bag a Munroe, a mountain over 3000ft. You may choose to return by funicular railway. Overnight in the Cairngorm mountains.  

Day eight

We return to Edinburgh for lunchtime.

Dates:

Departures 2010:

30 May / 11 July / 8 August / 19 September

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Season:

May - September