Off–Season Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Tours

Off-Season Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Tours

(April and early October)

Private tours to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland are generally advertised for travel between May and September when ferry sailings are less likely to be disrupted by weather. That is not to say they shouldn't be visited in April and early October (April only for Hebrides tours). However, a number of challenges require a little more planning and flexibility to make the most out of an off-season visit to the Hebridean and Northern Isles.

Challenges:

  • Inclement Weather – wind and rain is more common in April and early October. The islands, in particular, can be windy and wet so having appropriate clothing including a water and wind proof jacket is recommended (especially as most of the attractions we visit are outdoors). On windier days, the ferry crossings can be choppy, and occasionally poor weather conditions can lead to ferry delays or cancellations.
  • Ferry Disruption – we normally have some advance notice of any impending ferry delays or cancellations as the ferry companies try to issue alerts at least 12 hours before, giving us the opportunity to consider alternative options in advance. Below are the latest ferry sailing performances for 2023 and 2024 for April and October on the three main routes used for tours to the Outer Hebrides (April only), Orkney and Shetland:

2023 and 2024 Ferry Performance (Completed / Scheduled Sailings)

Ullapool–Stornoway
(Outer Hebrides) **

164 of 172 (April 2024)

154 of 170 (April 2023)
Scrabster–Stromness
(Orkney)

128 of 128 (April 2024)
130 of 132 (October 2024)
130 of 130 (April 2023)
108 of 134 (October 2023)
Lerwick–Kirkwall–Aberdeen
(Shetland)

60 of 60 (April 2024)
62 of 62 (October) 2024
60 of 60 (April 2023)
51 of 62 (October 2023)
** Off-season tours to the Hebrides are April only as ferry cancellations become common from early October.

Rewards:

  • Quieter – visitor numbers to the islands are far lower in April and early October than the peak summer months and so it is much easier to enjoy a stunning beach all to yourself!
  • Nature – while you are walking along that beautiful Hebridean or Northern Isles beach, you can feel the full (wild and windy) force of nature!

Planning and Flexibility:
The itineraries for April tours to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland are more flexible to reflect the weather conditions. Whilst we visit the vast majority of sites advertised in the standard tours, we may amend the daily routes to make the most of our time on the islands.

Tour quotes will include a number of options in case of ferry delays and cancellations. Ferry changes will add no additional charges to the tour price paid to The Hebridean Explorer. The additional costs you may encounter are any lost deposits for your pre-booked accommodation in the event of delays or cancellations (and any additional accommodations bookings).

For April and early October tours, I automatically block off the day after an island tour and do not sell it – as a precaution, just in case there are delays and to make sure we have some extra options available to us. I recommend that clients have a flexible day available to them after the tour.

Whilst I cannot be responsible for any extra accommodation, food or other costs that clients may incur due to ferry delays and cancellations, I 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.

It might read as if I’m trying to scare you off a trip to the Outer Hebrides or the Northern Isles in April and early October – I’m really not. However, travel to them during this period requires a little more planning and flexibility and I would not be doing my job if I did not inform clients of this. Visiting the Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland during April and early October will not disappoint anyone who travels with an adventurous spirit!

I'm interested in an off-season tour – what next?
Great! Please find the standard advertised tour on our website that interests you the most and send a tour enquiry form with your travel dates. I will then forward a tour quote based on your travel dates (and include extra information about travelling in April and options available in the event of ferry delays). Please note that April and early October ferry timetables may alter the available start days for tours. With regards to tour prices there is a discount of 5% of standard advertised prices.

FAQ:
Do you offer tours from mid-October to March? –– The weather can be a significant issue during these months, though if you have a flexible itinerary that can adapt to ferry delays and cancellations then please feel free to drop me an email for a chat about any tour. For tours around the Highlands and the Isle of Skye (not requiring any ferries) winter touring options may be available.