Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days 583
Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days 583
Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days 583
5 Days Starting in Mallaig, UK and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Benbecula, Barra, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Ullapool
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BGTO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day journey through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Begin your adventure in Mallaig, traveling through iconic landscapes like Glen Coe and Fort William before crossing to the enchanting islands. Discover the unique Cockleshell Beach airport on Barra, explore the ancient standing stones of Callanish, and visit the tranquil Norse Mill at Shawbost. Experience the charm of the Black Houses of Gearrannan and the stunning beaches of Harris, including Luskentyre, renowned as one of the world's top beaches. With four scenic ferry crossings, comfortable accommodations, and the expertise of a professional tour manager, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Scotland's rugged and mystical isles. Meals and visits as per the itinerary are included, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Benbecula
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dark Island Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our designated pick-up points, stopping en-route for refreshments (not included) and travel via Glen Coe, Fort William and Glenfinnan to Mallaig. From here we take the early evening ferry to Lochboisdale in South Uist, with dinner served on board. Look out for the Small Isles of Rum and Canna to port and the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye to starboard. On arrival we continue over causeways (keeping a careful eye out for otters) to Benbecula, the ‘stepping stone’ between the Uists, where we arrive in the late evening at our base for the next two nights.
Day 2
Location: Barra
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dark Island Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After our full Scottish breakfast we will depart for Barra, travelling via the little island of Eriskay, just three miles long and two miles wide, with a great sandy beach known as Prince Charlie’s Bay – Bonnie Prince Charlie having landed here in July 1745. From Eriskay we make the short ferry crossing to Barra and have a tour of the island.
Please note that Kisimul Castle is currently still closed but we will be able to view it from the shore.
We will also visit Cockleshell Beach, the unique runway whose use is governed by the tides. On approaching the airport keep an eye out to the left for the much loved former home of Sir Compton Mackenzie, the author of ‘Whisky Galore’, which is forever associated with the island. In fact, it was on the neighbouring island of Vatersay, which we will visit by means of the causeway linking the two islands, that the classic film adaptation was made. In the course of our tour today we also hope to see some of the hundreds of species of wild flowers that grow on the island, particularly on the machair, the fertile, grassy pastures that lie between the moorland and the sea.
Day 3
Location: Stornoway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cabarfeidh Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and take the ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh at the southern end of the Isle of Harris and visit St Clement’s Church at Rodel, built on top of an earlier structure in the 16th century by Alasdair Crotach, 8th chief of the Macleods of Harris and Dun Bheagan. The church tombs are among the most spectacular in Scotland. There are outstanding views as we travel along the coast, including the island of Taransay of ‘Castaway’ fame, and the wonderful beaches at Scarasta, Horgabost, Borve and of course Luskentyre, which was voted among the world’s 25 Top Beaches in 2020. We will pause for refreshments (not included) in Tarbert, before continuing through the mountainous countryside of Harris which eventually gives way to the rolling moorland of Lewis. We continue to the island capital of Stornoway and our comfortable accommodation at the Cabarfeidh Hotel.
Day 4
Location: Isle of Lewis
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cabarfeidh Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we will travel to the west coast of Lewis for a visit to the 5,000 year old Standing Stones of Callanish. Undoubtedly the most remarkable antiquity in the Western Isles, this collection of almost 50 stones forms a well-marked megalithic avenue, comprising 19 monoliths, ending in a circle of 13 stones, with a great cairn at the centre.
Please note that in 2024 the Visitor Centre will be closed for major refurbishment. From 1 April to 31 August 2024 limited facilities in the form of a toilet block and a food wagon serving drinks and snacks will be provided along with a small indoor area for seating and shelter. From 1 September 2024 until re-opening in 2025 (date to be confirmed) the site will be closed completely and an alternative visit will be provided.
From here we move on to the Black Houses of Gearrannan, typical of the crofting settlements which until relatively recently were found throughout the Western Isles.
The final visit on our circular tour is the Norse Mill at Shawbost, a reconstruction of the type of grain mill used originally by Viking settlers and by islanders up until the 1930s. A short walk past a small lochan leads to two beautifully restored little thatched buildings with a fine view to the ocean beyond.
Day 5
Location: Ullapool
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we check out of the hotel and take the early morning Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool (breakfast will be served on board). From here, we return to our original pick-up points.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included for the duration of the tour.
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Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included throughout the tour.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits outlined in the itinerary are included.
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Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings are included in the tour.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the tour starting point is not included.
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Refreshments en-route
Refreshments en-route are not included in the tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach travel and enjoy scenic ferry crossings, including the early evening ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale and the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool.
Accommodation
Stay at the Dark Island Hotel in Benbecula for the first two nights, followed by the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway for the remainder of the tour, offering comfortable accommodations amidst the scenic beauty of the Outer Hebrides.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique feature does Cockleshell Beach have?
Cockleshell Beach features a unique runway that is governed by the tides, making it a distinctive airport location.
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What historical site will we visit on the Isle of Harris?
On the Isle of Harris, we will visit St Clement’s Church at Rodel, which was built in the 16th century and is known for its spectacular tombs.
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What can we expect to see at the Standing Stones of Callanish?
The Standing Stones of Callanish are a remarkable collection of almost 50 stones forming a megalithic avenue, with 19 monoliths ending in a circle of 13 stones and a great cairn at the center.
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What is the significance of Eriskay Island in the tour?
Eriskay Island is known for Prince Charlie’s Bay, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in July 1745, and it is part of the route to Barra.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at the Dark Island Hotel for the first two nights and at the Cabarfeidh Hotel for the subsequent nights.
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What is the historical significance of the Norse Mill at Shawbost?
The Norse Mill at Shawbost is a reconstruction of a grain mill used by Viking settlers and islanders up until the 1930s, showcasing traditional milling techniques.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.