Hebridean Odyssey - 8 day tour

Day 2 - Glasgow - West Highland Line - Fort William

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Queen Street Station to board a train on the famous West Highland Line, widely considered one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. 

Departing Glasgow, the route passes the broad waters of the Firth of Clyde and tranquil Loch Long, offering an early glimpse of the beauty still to come. 

As the journey continues, the landscape becomes even more dramatic. The line runs alongside the famous shores of Loch Lomond, with views of mighty Ben Lomond, and across the waters of the loch to Inversnaid and the lands that were roamed by Rob Roy Macgregor. 

At Crianlarich, the route turns north, crossing the vastness of Rannoch Moor, one of the last great wilderness areas in Britain. This isolated stretch is dotted with lochans and peat bogs. 

Construction of the railway line over this wild landscape took 5 years and involved over 5,000 workers! 

At Corrour, the train arrives at the highest mainline station in the UK, at 1,350 ft (4111 m) above sea level. The journey continues along the banks of Loch Treig to reach Spean Bridge, then our destination in Fort William, set beneath the towering peak of Ben Nevis. 

On arrival, check in to the Alexandra Hotel for an overnight stay, with time to settle in before dinner.

Overnight: The Alexandra Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 - Fort William - Isle of Skye - Benbecula

After breakfast, our journey to the Isles continues by private coach, heading through the Geat Glen then westwards through Glen Shiel towards the Isle of Skye. Crossing the Skye Bridge, views open across sea lochs and rugged coastline before reaching Broadford, a small village set beneath the dramatic peaks of the Cuillin Hills. These jagged mountains form one of Scotland’s most striking landscapes, and dominate the skyline as we travel northwards. 

Arrival in Portree, Skye’s island “capital”, allows time to explore at leisure. Brightly painted houses line the waterfront, while independent shops and cafés offer a pleasant place to browse against a backdrop of sea and hills. 

In the early evening, travel continues along the shores of Loch Snizort to Uig, a small ferry port overlooking the Little Minch. From here, board the ferry for the crossing to North Uist, with an evening meal served on board. 

On arrival in Lochmaddy, continue by coach through the island of North Uist, passing a landscape of scattered lochans and sweeping sandy beaches. The day concludes in Benbecula, with check-in at the Dark Island Hotel, or the Isle of Benbecula House Hotel on September departures, for a two-night stay.

Overnight: Dark Island Hotel/Isle of Benbecula House, Benbecula (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 4 - Exploring South Uist, Barra and Eriskay

Today’s island-hopping adventure starts with a trip across the causeway to South Uist, an island of contrasts. The west coast is lined with white-sand beaches, while the east coast has rugged hills and mountains overlooking still lochs. This special landscape is home to plenty of wildlife and a proud Gaelic heritage. 

Next, you’ll head south to the Isle of Eriskay, which is famous for its tough Eriskay ponies and its link to the story of Whisky Galore. The popular book, written by Sir Compton Mackenzie, was based on the real-life story of the sinking of the SS Politician in 1941. 

From Eriskay, take a short ferry ride to the Isle of Barra, which many call one of Britain’s most beautiful islands. You’ll find turquoise waters, beautiful beaches and medieval Kisimul Castle, the ancient seat of the Clan Macneil, perched on a little island in aptly named Castlebay. 

There is also an opportunity to cross the causeway to Vatersay, the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides. It’s known for its white sand beaches and Neolithic sites. Later, return to the hotel for dinner and time to relax.

Day 5 - Benbecula - North Uist - Stornoway

After breakfast, the day begins with a journey across the Benbecula causeway to North Uist. This island is celebrated for its rich birdlife and distinctive “drowned landscape” of peat bogs, lochans, and low-lying terrain, creating the perfect home for wildlife. 

From here, continue to the ferry terminal for a morning sailing to the Isle of Lewis and Harris. As the ferry approaches Leverburgh, the landscape exposes a rugged, dramatic coastline, formed by moorland, deep-sea lochs, and distant mountains. Despite being a single landmass, Harris and Lewis each have distinct characters, as we will discover. 

A packed lunch is provided before a guided tour of Harris, known for its sweeping white beaches and the production of world-famous Harris Tweed. The journey then continues northwards through the Harris Hills and along the banks of Loch Seaforth into Lewis. 

Arrival in Stornoway, the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, combines a lively atmosphere alongside traditional island life. We arrive at the Cabarfeidh Hotel for a two-night stay. There is time to relax before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: Caberfeidh Hotel, Stornoway (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 6 - Exploring Lewis

Today is all about exploring the Isle of Lewis, the biggest and most northernly island in the Outer Hebrides. On our tour, you’ll see rugged coastlines, open moors, and wide Atlantic views, while the island’s Gaelic roots are still clear in its culture, language, and daily life. 

You’ll see the famous broch at Carloway, a remarkable Iron Age stone structure thought to have been constructed around 200 BC. Unique to Scotland, these early tower houses are thought to have been constructed for a local chief as a symbol of their power and prestige. 

The tour also takes you to a traditional blackhouse village, where restored homes with thick stone walls and turf roofs show what daily life was like in the Hebrides long ago. 

As the day goes on, the scenery changes from imposing cliffs to quiet lochs and lonely stretches of coast. 

In the evening, you’ll head back to the hotel with time to unwind before your evening meal.

Day 7 - Stornoway - Ullapool - Inverness

Bid a fond farewell to the Hebrides on the morning ferry crossing of The Minch from Stornoway to Ullapool. Keep watch from the deck for dolphins, porpoises, and, at times, whales that inhabit these waters, along with seabirds tracking the vessel on the wind. 

On arrival in Ullapool, the journey continues inland through the northwest Highlands, passing stark mountains, peat moorland, and long freshwater lochs. 

The route travels through Easter Ross towards the Black Isle, then towards the wooded straths on the approach to Inverness. 

Inverness, set on the River Ness, offers a compact city centre, which makes for easy exploration. Free time allows for a riverside walk, a visit to theek castle viewpoint, or a stop in one of the city’s independent cafés. 

Later, return to the Kingsmills Hotel for an overnight stay, with dinner providing a relaxed close to the day.

Overnight: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (or similar)

Day 8 - Homeward Bound

After breakfast, you’ll leave Inverness and transfer to the station for the homeward journey. The rail route heads south through the Spey Valley, then descends through Glen Garry to reach Highland Perthshire. Depending on your routing, you may have to change trains in Edinburgh or Glasgow before continuing your journey home. 

Arrival at your home station marks the end of an exceptional journey through Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.