Departing early from Inverness, we travel to the coastal village of Ullapool to board the ferry for a 2¾ hour crossing of the Minch. Arriving in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis (my home island), we spend the afternoon stepping back through millennia of Hebridean history. We explore the magnificent Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones, the formidable 2,000-year-old Dun Carloway Broch, and the traditional thatched blackhouses that once sheltered island families for generations. We conclude our first day at the secluded Atlantic beach of Dalbeg before returning to Stornoway for our overnight stay.
Heading south from Stornoway, we cross into the Isle of Harris. The drive along the Atlantic coastline reveals the breath-taking white sands and turquoise waters of Seilebost and Nisabost. At the southern tip of the island, we visit Rodel to explore the medieval St Clement’s Church – home to one of Scotland’s most remarkable 16th-century tomb carvings. After a late afternoon pause in the ferry port of Tarbert, we journey back through the rugged North Harris hills to Stornoway for our overnight stay.
After some morning free time to enjoy the island capital of Stornoway, we venture west into the remote parish of Uig. This is a landscape of dramatic coastal scenery, where we explore the stunning Atlantic beaches of Ardroil, Valtos, and Reef. After an afternoon immersed in the wild panoramas and history of the west coast, we return to Stornoway for our final overnight stop.
We spend our final morning at the Butt of Lewis – the most northerly point of the Hebrides – where a lonely lighthouse stands guard over towering cliffs and the crashing Atlantic waves. Returning to Stornoway, we visit Museum nan Eilean within the gothic splendor of Lews Castle to see the world-famous Lewis Chessmen. The early afternoon ferry carries us back across the Minch to Ullapool, followed by a scenic drive through the mountainous scenery of the Northwest Highlands as we return to Inverness.
Depart Inverness (7:30am)
Return Inverness
(4 Days)
This tour is available on Monday and Tuesday start days from Inverness.
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. I only offer private tours and do not combine individuals or separate groups – if your group size is less than 3 the advertised tour price still applies. Prices include ferry tickets, all taxes and an experienced driver/guide and historian (John Alasdair Macdonald).
Your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
I recommend that you book accommodation in Stornoway (Day 1, 2 and 3) to make the most of your trip. Whilst I do not book accommodation for you I am happy to help with advice on where to stay and eat. The tour quote will include a list of accommodation recommendations and suggestions for overnight locations.
Enjoy the ease of a private pickup – I will meet you at your Inverness accommodation on Day 1 to begin our tour.
For those with ancestral links to Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist or Eriskay – or just wishing to extend their journey to include these islands – I can offer a 6 Day Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness with two nights in Stornoway, two nights in Lochmaddy (North Uist) followed by a final night in Stornoway. The private tour price is £4650. This tour option is only available on Monday start days from Inverness. Please request any further information through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, I have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let me know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
To explore more of the Scottish Highlands, any of the daily itineraries (East, North and West Highlands) of the 3 Day Highland Heritage Tour can be added as a tour extension. The total tour price would be increased by £630 for each additional day. If you are interested in an extended multi-day trip, this tour can be combined with other tours listed on the website. Please request any tour extensions through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form for the standard tour.
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays and cancellations can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for additional accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, we will make every effort to adapt the tour to minimise disruption. Please note that no refunds will be given for tour and itinerary changes due to ferry changes and cancellations.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. As such we always recommend a light waterproof jacket for all tours and decent footwear that you do not mind getting a little bit muddy or wet.
