5 Day Outer Hebrides Private Tour
Discover the 'Islands on the Edge' with a five day Outer Hebrides tour from Inverness exploring the stunning landscapes, dramatic coastlines and the breath-taking scenery of the Isle of Lewis, Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay.
Day 1 – An early start from Inverness to the coastal village of Ullapool where we board the ferry for a 2¾ hour journey across the Minch to the Isle of Lewis (my native island) and its main town of Stornoway. From there we spend the afternoon exploring the magnificent Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones, the 2000 year old Dun Carloway Broch and a traditional Hebridean blackhouse. We finish the day at the beautiful beach at Dalbeg before our return to Stornoway for our overnight stay.
Day 2 – Departing from Stornoway we head south through the Isle of Harris towards Rodel to explore the beautiful medieval St Clement’s church before the early afternoon takes us from Leverburgh on a 1 hour ferry journey to the Isle of Berneray. It is then just a short drive to our overnight stay in Lochmaddy, Isle of North Uist.
Day 3 – A full day to explore the southern islands, begins with a scenic drive around North Uist, including visits to Trinity Temple ruins. We then tour through Benbecula to South Uist, with stops at Howmore and Kildonan. We end the day in the Isle of Eriskay with its stunning views across to Barra, before returning back to Lochmaddy for our overnight stay.
Day 4 – After time to explore the beautiful scenery of the Isle of Berneray we take the mid-morning sailing back to the Isle of Harris. Our return north along the Atlantic coastline of Harris includes an afternoon visit to the stunning beach at Nisabost along with a visit to Tarbert before our arrival in Stornoway for our overnight stop.
Day 5 – We spend our last morning in the Outer Hebrides at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly point in the Hebrides) for the dramatic views of the cliffs and Atlantic sea. We return to Stornoway where we explore Museum nan Eilean in Lews Castle and visit their collection of Lewis Chessmen. The early afternoon ferry takes us back to Ullapool and then it is a final drive through wonderful Highland scenery to Inverness.
Tour Information
Depart Inverness 7.30am
Return Inverness
(5 Days)
This tour is available on Monday start days from Inverness.
Tours are exclusively for your private group only (up to 3 persons) and prices are per tour. We 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 all ferry tickets, all taxes and a driver/guide (John Alasdair Macdonald) but exclude your accommodation costs, entrance fees and meals.
Accommodation Options
We recommend that you book accommodation in Stornoway (Day 1 and 4), and Lochmaddy (Day 3 and 4) to make the most of your trip. Whilst we do not book accommodation for you we are 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.
Tour Itinerary
The tour itinerary is based on experience, previous clients feedback and timings. However, we have a little flexibility and the tour itinerary can be adapted (in advance) to suit specific requests if possible. Please let us know any requests through the 'Extra Information' section when completing a Tour Enquiry Form.
Ferry Sailings
Ferry sailings are generally reliable in the summer months, but delays can occasionally occur. While we cannot be responsible for any extra 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 on the standard tour.
Weather
The Scottish Highlands are renowned for changeable weather and even in the summer months we are likely to experience some wet and windy weather conditions on tours. The Scottish Islands, in particular though, are lands of 'four seasons in one day'! 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.
