Hebridean Escape

Day 1

Rannoch Moor and the journey through Glen Coe…

As we journey north into the Scottish Highlands, you will pass through some of the most breath-taking scenery giving you an insight into the amazing views you are going to see on the tour. Glen Coe is one of the most incredible places to see and visit in Scotland. Learn the brutal story of the MacDonald Clan massacre and take in the weeping waterfalls that inhabit this incredible glen. Glen Coe will also be your lunch stop for today, so make sure to grab a bite to eat before we head to our next stop.

 

Britain’s tallest mountain…

As we drive through Glen Coe, we’ll make our way through the Highland town of Fort William. This town marks the end of Scotland’s oldest and most popular long-distance walks, The West Highland Way. There is a resting hiker statue looking out over Loch Linnhe, where you can take in views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest peak. From here, we’ll then head to the fabled shores of Loch Ness, our overnight stop for this night in Inverness.

 

Overnight: Inverness

 

Day 2

North to Lewis and Harris…

Day two takes you further north, first to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, to meet the rest of your group. We’ll then set off, heading towards the jewel in the crown of the Highlands and the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses, Dunrobin Castle*,. This castle is the largest of the castles in the Northern Highlands with over 150 rooms; it’s also the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. Spend some time exploring and learning the history, or maybe even enjoy a falconry display* and a walk through its beautiful gardens.

 

Marvel at one of the world’s greatest geological mysteries…

Leaving Dunrobin Castle behind, we’ll head to the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve and learn about one of the oldest landscapes in Europe. The Knockan Crag was formed by Moine Thrust, the force of two continents crashing together, an amazing story in history and step in science to have been discovered. Our journey through the area will then take us to the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, perched on the shores of Lochbroom. The perfect location to begin our ferry journey to Stornoway. Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

 

Overnight: Stornoway

 

Day 3

Ancient history and traditional tweed…

Our first stop of the day will be a visit to Arnol Black Houses* and then on to find out more about Harris Tweed cloth from a local weaver. The cloth was manufactured entirely by hand for domestic and local use in the Western Isle of Scotland many years before the industrial revolution reached Scotland, made with their own hands and their own wool.

 

A visit to the Iron Age Broch…

We’ll then head to Carloway Broch, the exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin. This broch is one of the most well preserved in the Hebrides and is thought to be over 2000 years old. At nearly 9 metres high and 15 metres wide, a broch is a resilient structure often used as a method of defense and you can definitely see why!

 

The ancient standing stones and a bite to eat…

Our next historic stop of the day is the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, one of the most iconic places on the island. Here you’ll have time to explore the stones and find out their full history in the visitor centre. The site of these impressive stones will also be our lunch stop for the day.

 

An afternoon of beauty and history…

Our afternoon will take us for a stroll along what is arguably Harris’ most beautiful beach, Luskentyre, a setting you may recognise from BBC’s Castaway. From here, we’ll head to the most southerly point of the island and take a visit to the Rodel Church, the ancient burial ground of the MacLeod family. The Stunning St Clements Church has been praised as the grandest medieval building in the Western Isles. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the church and its grounds before we head around the Golden Road on our return to Stornoway.

 

Overnight: Stornoway

 

Day 4

Castaways and coastal splendour…

On your second day on the island, we’ll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, the windiest place in the UK recognisable with its red brick and towering height (121 metres) making it very distinctive! We’ll then head back to Stornoway for a bite to eat, boarding the ferry and making our way back to the mainland and Inverness.

 

Overnight: Inverness

 

Day 5

Explore the famous battlefield of Culloden…

As we leave Inverness behind, our first stop of the day is at Culloden Battlefield*, the site of the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces on 16 April 1746. It was one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to re-establish the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, joined together to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the final pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites. You can experience everything about the events leading up to, during, and after the battle in the impressive visitor centre and interactive exhibition, as well as having the chance to wander the land where the battle itself took place.

 

The journey home begins…

We’ll begin our journey south by heading to a local distillery for a wee dram. From here, we’ll then enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland. This large mountain range has five of the highest mountains in the UK within its limits. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views before we arrive into the picturesque town of Pitlochry, where you can explore the quaint town before we head back to Edinburgh’s city centre.

Departure days:

Every Second Thursday (May - September)

Departs/Returns:

Check-in 8:15am/ Departs 8:30am/ Returns 19:00pm

Meeting point:

1 Parliament Square, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE