Hebridean Island Adventure

Arriving at Inverness Airport, we turn our eyes westward in anticipation of the journey to the Isle of Skye. 

Passing through rolling glens and sweeping mountain landscapes, the unique variety of the Scottish countryside offers us a sumptuous taster of the breathtaking scenery that awaits us on the largest island in the Inner Hebrides. 

If time is on our side, we will make a stop at one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks – stunning Eilean Donan Castle. Perched on a tiny island at the junction of three great sea lochs, this 13^th century fort is an iconic image that sums up the mystery and magnificence of the Highlands. 

Standing guard over the surrounding lands of Kintail for more than eight centuries, the castle has been rebuilt at least four times due to the ravages of numerous feuds and uprisings. 

After lying in ruins for nearly 200 years, the current fortress was reopened in 1932 after a 20-year restoration project by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap. 

Wander the grounds and admire its ancient stones while gazing across the peaceful surface of Loch Duich before we continue on our journey and make the ferry crossing to our new Hebridean home.

A hearty breakfast is the first order of the day as we prepare to explore the many treasures dotted around this fascinating island. 

Watching over us on our travels are the mist-covered Cullin Hills, whose steep and jagged peaks were thrown together by volcanic activity more than 61 million years ago. 

Turning our eyes towards the sea, we soon reach our first stop of the day and the impressive turrets of Dunvegan Castle. This mighty stronghold is home to the MacLeod clan and is the only Highland fortress continuously occupied by the same family for eight centuries. 

History echoes in every footstep as we tour its five separate buildings, each decorated with fascinating artefacts charting 800 years of antiquity. 

Further culture awaits in our afternoon excursion as we arrive in the fishing village of Portree, or “port on the slope” in Gaelic. With its colourful cottages sheltering snugly around the bay, Skye’s largest settlement has plenty to discover.

Work up an appetite by wandering its streets and admiring the views of Ben Chrachaig and Suidh Fhinn – also known as Fingal’s Seat – or gaze across the water to the conical hill sitting atop the Island of Raasay.

Today brings a bright start as we enjoy our breakfast and jump aboard the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, where the captivating island of North Uist awaits. 

During our leisurely two-hour crossing, keep your eyes peeled for the abundant wildlife that inhabits this beautiful stretch of water. 

After docking in the port of Lochmaddy, we’ll continue our odyssey to the tranquil isle of Benbecula or “mountain of the ford”. After checking into our comfortable hotel, why not take a stroll on the beach before dinner?

A local guide joins us today as we meander across to South Uist, the second largest of the Western Isles, famed for its gently undulating moors and a series of crystal-clear lochs.

History and tradition surround us on this important seat of Gaelic culture, where ancient crofting skills like seaweed-gathering are still a vital part of island life. The Kildonan Museum is the perfect place to find out more about this captivating corner of Scotland. 

Later, we travel across the causeway to reach the little island of Eriskay, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed from France at the start of the ill-fated 1745 Jacobite Uprising. As you gaze out to sea, imagine the scene in 1941 when the SS Politician foundered, and the islanders mounted a rescue to liberate her cargo of whisky. Sir Compton MacKenzie immortalised the tale in his novel “Whisky Galore”.

Hopefully, we’ll see one of the indigenous ponies, a very hardy breed of which around 400 are left in the World.

After a relaxed breakfast, we bid farewell to Benbecula and head northwards to the little island of Beneray, where a ferry awaits to take us across the Sound of Harris.

Landfall is the port of Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris. Once known as Obbe, the village was renamed in honour of Lord Leverhulme, who planned a mighty fishing centre here in the 1920s. The project was abandoned after Leverhulme died in 1925 and today little remains of his dream.

We continue through the mountains of Harris to reach its northern neighbour, known as Lewis, and fall gratefully into the welcoming charms of the Caberfeidh Hotel, where we can relax and compare notes on the many gems unearthed on today’s travels.

As dawn breaks across this stunning island, we embark on today’s adventure – travelling back through the centuries and exploring the dramatic history of Harris and Lewis. 

Our first port of call is the medieval wonder of St Clement’s Church in Rodel, where we pay our respects at the tomb of its founder, Alasdair’ Crotach’ MacLeod, 8th chief of Clan MacLeod. 

After moving on through the sleepy loch-side village of Tarbert, prepare your cameras as we arrive at the dramatic Standing Stones of Callanish. Arranged in a cruciform shape, these ancient slabs have withstood the elements and looked out impassively over Loch Rog an Ear for 5,000 years.

Further venerable delights await us just a short walk away at the Carloway Broch, a fortified stone tower that dates back 2,000 years to the Iron Age. 

Our final glimpse into the past comes at the Blackhouse at Arnol. This traditional dwelling has been beautifully preserved to show how a crofting family once lived, with people and animals under one roof. 

After exploring its nooks and crannies, suffused with the centuries-old aroma of peat smoke, we return to our own cosy homestead, where a choice of delicious local fare awaits for dinner.

Our final day in the Hebrides begins with another delicious traditional Scottish breakfast before we reluctantly bid farewell to our hotel and set off on a new adventure. 

Crossing this contrasting island landscape, we marvel once again at the sandy beaches along the west and rocky coasts in the east as we wind our way gently to the Butt of Lewis. 

Situated at the northernmost point of Lewis, this commanding headland has been shaped by the Atlantic storms that have lashed its rugged heights down the centuries. 

After admiring the sweeping views, we board our modern ferry and set sail for the crossing to Ullapool, which nestles on the shore of Loch Broom. Our crossing of The Minch takes around two hours and 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the voyage.

Once on dry land, we continue south, taking the scenic route through the secluded mountainous splendour of Wester Ross. Our day ends in the traditional village of Newtonmore, where another warm and homely welcome awaits in the final hotel of our grand Scottish tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Inverness Airport for your flight home. 

If your return flight departs from Edinburgh Airport, our journey back to the nation’s capital is just as enchanting as the rest of our trip, crossing sparkling rivers and streams and driving through lush glens as we head southwards towards the majestic Grampian Mountains. 

We descend through heather-covered mountains into the ‘Big Tree Country’ of Perthshire. 

The last part of our journey brings us to Perth, then through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Look out for Loch Leven, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in its castle. 

There are stunning views of the incredible Forth Bridge as we head across the Forth Estuary. We finally arrive back at Edinburgh Airport, and the end of our island adventure.