8 Days & 7 Nights

4.5

Skye & The Outer Hebrides

A car-free trip with classic linear walks on Skye and the Outer Hebrides
Skye’s brooding Cuillin Ridge and rocky Trotternish Peninsula
Luskentyre beach on the Isle of Harris - one of Scotland’s most beautiful
Traverse the 37 km long ‘Harris Walkway’ over remote moorland and machair
A warm island welcome at hand-picked B&B's and guesthouses

The Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis combine on this week of classic point-to-point walks, showcasing some of Scotland’s most dramatic and unforgettable scenery. On Skye, walk the highlights of the globally renowned Skye Trail, discover the magic of the Fairy Pools, and enjoy free time to explore the colourful harbour town of Portree. The adventure continues as you sail to the Outer Hebrides, basing yourself in historic Stornoway for two nights before spending your final night in Tarbert. Explore Harris and Lewis on foot, walk from the beautiful white sands and crystal-clear waters of Luskentyre through the rugged mountains of Harris, before venturing north to the northernmost point of the Hebrides at the Butt of Lewis. Along the way, experience and sample the very best of Scottish hospitality through eating at restaurants serving the freshest local produce and staying in hand-picked B&B's and guesthouses with welcoming hosts ready to share their abundance of local knowledge.

From $3,035.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive on the Isle of Skye

Make your way to the magical Isle of Skye to embark on an unforgettable journey from the Inner Hebrides to the Outer Hebrides. This spectacular walk takes you from the rugged Cuillin mountains in the south of Skye, through the heart of the island, to the otherworldly Trotternish Peninsula, before continuing across the sea to the remote islands of Harris and Lewis.

Settle into your cosy B&B for a two-night stay and enjoy sweeping views across Broadford Bay towards the beautiful islands of Pabay and Scalpay.

Overnight Broadford

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.

Broadford Hotel | Hotel

The Broadford is a 4* hotel that has been redecorated in contemporary style to offer a warm welcome and excellent service and food in beautiful settings. Each room is en-suite with free WIFI, flat screen TV, hairdryer and hospitality tray.

House of Juniper

You will be met with comfort, care and Highland hospitality when you stay in House of Juniper hotel & luxury cabins in Broadford, Isle of Skye. With views overlooking the sea, mountains and a few wee islands, this is the perfect place to be whilst exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye.

Broadford House | Guest House

Independently owned and run, the proprietors pride themselves on the quality of service, food, high standards of cleanliness and the warmth of welcome! Each guest receives an individually tailored experience and you are assured a most comfortable and indeed very enjoyable stay at this splendid accommodation. Broadford House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a selection of tastefully decorated rooms. The rooms all have television with tea and coffee making trays. The bed and breakfast cottage overlooks Broadford Bay with plenty of eating places nearby.

Day 2 Lost Villages walk to Broadford 11 miles / 17 km

Starting in the small village of Torrin, after a short transfer from Broadford, this walk follows a clear path that hugs the dramatic coastline. As the path rises to follow the clifftops the views to the right of the Cuillin Ridge, towering above the expanse of open sea, are imposing and impressive. You will then pass deserted crofters communities long since burnt out by landowners, dramatic sweeping cliffs, sheltered beaches and tumbling waterfalls. As the path heads north again towards Broadford, you will ascend to a moorland plateau, through a protected forest reservation, past an abandoned marble quarry and back into Broadford - a small town full of cosy pubs and homely guesthouses.

Ascent: 271m (889ft) / Descent: 297m (974ft)

Overnight Broadford

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.

Broadford Hotel | Hotel

House of Juniper

Broadford House | Guest House

Day 3 Fairy Pools to Sligachan 6 miles / 10 km

An early morning transfer will collect you and take you to the popular Fairy Pools, giving you the chance to explore them before the crowds arrive. Take some time to wander among the crystal-clear pools beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Cuillins, with plenty of opportunities to capture some memorable photos.

Continue along the route before leaving the main tourist trail to traverse the lower slopes of Bruach na Frith. From here, make your way back through the valley towards Sligachan, where you’ll find the historic Sligachan Hotel. Serving mountaineers, walkers and lovers of Highland scenery since 1830, the hotel is a much-loved landmark on Skye.

Settle in for some well-earned pub grub and, if you fancy it, enjoy a dram from the impressive selection of whiskies on offer. In the afternoon, your transfer will collect you and take you into Portree, where you’ll spend the rest of your time on Skye.

Ascent: 295m (967ft) / Descent: 389m (1276ft)

Overnight Portree

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.

Portree Hotel | Hotel

The Portree Hotel enjoys a fantastic location in the heart of Portree, right on the town’s main square and ideally placed for exploring the Island. The hotel offers 24 comfortable en-suite rooms, alongside the Antlers Bar and Grill and West Highland Bar, where guests can relax and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere with wood-burning stoves.

An-Airidh Bed & Breakfast

An-Airidh is a family-run B&B on Loch Portree's shore, offering stunning views and Highland hospitality for over 50 years. The Macleod family has lived here since the 1790s. Just a 10-minute walk from Portree, the property features large gardens leading to the seashore, home to seals and occasional otters. Wake up to views of Ben Tianavaig, where sea eagles often soar, and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast delivered to your room.

Creagory Skye | Bed and breakfast

Creagory Skye is a quality bed and breakfast located only 5 minutes from the centre of Portree, capital of the Isle of Skye. Ideally positioned to enjoy the local restaurants, the pretty harbour area, pubs and shops as well as a great set off point for visiting Skye’s famous landmarks like the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools. The house has recently been completely refurbished and all bedrooms have luxury ensuite shower rooms.

Day 4 Storr Dam to Portree / The Old Man of Storr 8 miles / 13 km

Start your day with a transfer to The Storr Loch Dam, before following the coastline all the way to the charming harbour town of Portree. Begin near the Bearreraig Bay viewpoint and make your way across moorland following coastal cliffs to the trig-point on the coastal ridge (Sithean Bhealaich Chumhaing). From here the path descends towards the entrance of Portree Bay. Cross farmland before joining a path through the trees near the shore to enter the town of Portree.

For those looking for a more leisurely day, or who don’t want to miss the chance to get up close to the iconic Old Man of Storr, you can ask your driver to drop you off further up the road at the main car park. From there, enjoy the linear return walk to the Old Man of Storr before catching a regular local bus back to Portree.

Storr Dam to Portree: 13km (8 miles) Ascent: 478m (1,568ft) / Descent: 607m (1,992ft)

The Old Man of Storr Linear Walk: 5 km (3 miles); Ascent: 338m (1,109ft) / Descent: 336m (1,102ft)

Overnight Portree

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.

Portree Hotel | Hotel

An-Airidh Bed & Breakfast

Creagory Skye | Bed and breakfast

Day 5 Transfer to Uig, ferry to Isle of Harris & Lewis 4 miles / 6 km

Transfer to Uig and hop aboard the CalMac ferry for the crossing to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris (1h40, departure time dependent on day and season). On arrival, you’ll be collected at the ferry terminal and transferred north through the dramatic landscapes of Harris and Lewis to Stornoway, the island’s lively capital, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Spend your first evening settling in and exploring Stornoway at your own pace. Wander through the town’s independent boutiques and local gift shops, or take a stroll along the harbour and soak up the atmosphere of this characterful island town.

If time allows, visit Lews Castle and its impressive grounds on an easy scenic loop walk. Built in the 1840s as the ancestral home of the MacLeods of Lewis, the estate is open to the public and offers beautiful views across the harbour and town.

Ascent: 77m (252ft) / Descent: 65m (213ft)

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.

Caberfeidh Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

Ideally situated just a short stroll from the centre of Stornoway and the historic Lews Castle. The Caberfeidh Hotel has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, bringing a fresh and stylish new look to this much-loved Hebridean retreat. The beautifully redesigned rooms and elegant interiors combine contemporary style with a welcoming sense of comfort, creating a chic four-star haven and one of the Outer Hebrides’ most stylish places to stay. Dining is a highlight at Cleaver Seafood & Grill, where locally sourced ingredients are skilfully crafted and beautifully served, offering guests a true taste of the Hebrides. For a more relaxed setting, the reception lounge, complete with a cosy open fire, provides the perfect spot for a well-earned drink in the evening. The Juniper bar offers an impressive range of Scotch malt whiskies.

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.

Day 6 Butt of Lewis Loop Walk 7 miles / 12 km

A morning transfer will take you to Port of Ness, on the northern tip of Lewis. From here, this superb coastal walk follows the island’s dramatic northern coastline, combining spectacular scenery with fascinating historical sites. Along the way, visit Dùn Èistean, the traditional stronghold of Clan Morrison; the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis (Rubha Robhanais in Gaelic); and St Moluag’s Church, a restored ancient church.

After spending time exploring the historic sites and stopping for a late lunch in Port of Ness, an afternoon transfer will bring you back to Stornoway for your final evening on Lewis.

Ascent: 65m (213ft) / Descent: 65m (213ft)

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.

Caberfeidh Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

Jannel B&B | 4 Star | Bed and breakfast

No.Three B&B | Bed and breakfast

Day 7 Luskentyre Beach & Harris Walkway to Tarbert 15 miles / 23.5 km

Head back south to the Isle of Harris on a morning transfer to Seilebost, where you’ll be greeted by remarkable views of the iconic Luskentyre Beach and the rugged hills of Harris.

From the trailhead just outside Luskentyre, head inland along part of the 37 km Harris Walkway, established in 2001 to link a network of historic paths. Follow in the footsteps of generations of islanders along an old coffin road and waymarked moorland trails before making your way back towards Tarbert. When you reach the minor road, you can shorten the walk by taking a local bus for part of the journey into Tarbert.

Ascent: 311m (1,020ft) / Descent: 299m (981ft)

Overnight West 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 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.

Hotel Hebrides | Hotel

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome at this boutique hotel in Tarbert. All their guest rooms have been decorated and furnished to a high standard and you will find all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay.

Day 8 Onward travel

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Other Information

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Is it for me? Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

7 Nights in B&B’s and guesthouses
7 Breakfasts
Transfers as described in the itinerary
Ferry from Uig to Tarbert
Baggage transfer
Information pack, map, and access to route notes, GPX tracks and maps via the Macs Adventure smartphone app
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Skye / From Isle of Harris
Local bus transportation mentioned in the itinerary (payable locally only)
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights along the route

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: The closest airport to the start of this tour is Inverness. An airport shuttle bus operates regularly to the city centre (approx. 30 mins) or a taxi to Inverness train station is approx. 15 mins. Further information will be detailed in your pre-departure information pack.

By Train: Inverness has good rail links and you can travel by direct train from Glasgow (3h15) or Edinburgh (3h20) to Inverness.

Scottish Citylink also operates a bus service from Glasgow via Fort William to Broadford, or from Inverness via Loch Ness to Broadford.

Getting from the End

By Air: Loganair operates from Stornoway to various airports in the UK and Europe.

By Ferry and Bus: Alternatively, you can take the Calmac ferry across The Minch to Ullapool (2h30), then connect to enjoy a scenic bus journey (1h20) back to Inverness.

The website www.travelinescotland.com is fantastic for researching train and bus timetables throughout Scotland. Your pre-departure information pack will also have handy hints and tips about journeys and transport services.

Luggage Transfer

On Day 3 (Broadford to Portree) and Day 7 (Stornoway to Tarbert) your luggage will be transferred between accommodations. When travelling with public transport, you take your luggage with you. Please limit your baggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Taxi Transfers

The Isle of Skye can get extremely busy over the peak summer months and there are only a few transfer companies available on the Island. At peak times, your taxi transfers as detailed in your itinerary may be shared with other Macs Adventure customers. This avoids long wait times in the morning and afternoons and ensures we are being as environmentally friendly as possible.

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, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which 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.

Local Transport

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.