Hebridean Island Adventure

After breakfast we drive north via Glencoe for a lunchtime visit to Fort William, basking on the shores of Loch Linnhe and surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, it enjoys of the most desirable settings in Scotland. This afternoon our continuing journey sees us call in to admire the view of stunning Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most famous landmarks, for the opportunity to take that iconic photo of the 13th century fort perched on a tiny island at the junction of three great sea lochs, evoking the mystery and magnificence of the Highlands. Soon after we cross the magnificent Skye Bridge and onto to our overnight stay in the village of Broadford, nestled beneath the motherly shape of Ben na Calliach (the hill of the old woman)

After breakfast we enjoy a magnificent drive through the picturesque scenery of Skye, the second largest of Scotland's islands and undoubtedly the most beautiful, where the jagged mountain peaks, deep lochs and stunning coastline have been attracting visitors for centuries. We have a short stop in the village of Portree or “port on the slope” in Gaelic, the 'capital' of the island with its pretty pastel coloured cottages sheltering snugly around the bay, before continuing to the port of Uig for the ferry crossing to Lochmaddy on North Uist. From here we continue our drive, crossing the Benbecula causeway which links to the Isle of Benbecula and where we stay overnight

A leisurely morning in Benbecula before departing the hotel for a scenic drive through the Uists, the collective name commonly used for string of 6 islands that create a capitivating mini archipelago where water dominates the landscape, interconnected by charming causeways and bridges, each with their own story and character. We travel back to North Uist, a relatively flat island covered with peat bogs, low hills and lochans. More than half the land is covered by water, making it a birdwatchers’ paradise. Eventully we arrive in Bernaray to board the ferry to Leverburgh on the isle of Harris, known for its rugged landscape of moorland, deep-sea lochs and mountains. We then travel up the west coast past numerous unspoilt, white sandy beaches and some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery in the Western Isles. The final leg of today’s journey is to Lewis, the largest of the Outer Hebridean islands, and our hotel on the outskirts of Stornoway for a two-night stay

Today we have arranged a full day tour of Lewis and Harris, an island of exciting contrasts and diverse experiences, with with its high mountains and rocky coastline to the east, and miles of unspoilt white beaches washed by clear Atlantic waves on the west. Our knowledgable guide will give you an insight into the rich history of the proud Lewis people, from the Norse invasions to the strong Gaelic traditions that are still observed today. We visit the best bits, including 'Scotland's Stonehenge', the impressive 5,000 year old standing stones of Callanish and the imposing Carloway Broch – a circular dry-stone fortified tower dating back some 2000 years. We also include entrance into the Gearrannan Black houses museum, with its typical thatched crofting buildings which give a fascinating insight into the lives and resourcefulness of the islands' inhabitants.

Today we take the ferry crossing to Ullapool, which takes just under three hours, then onto to Inverness, the ‘capital of the Highlands’ with a host of historic buildings and where we have a short stop. Next we drive through the Highlands skirting the Cairngorms before arriving at our final overnight hotel

After a fantastic trip filled with incredible sights, we travel back over the border into England and home.