Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days (S-B) 6302
Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days (S-B) 6302
Scotland: A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides - 5 days (S-B) 6302
5 Days Starting and ending in Scotland
Visiting: Stornoway, Lewis, Harris, Barra, Skye
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BGTR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day coach tour through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Begin your journey with a scenic ferry ride to Stornoway, setting the stage for an exploration of ancient wonders like the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish and the Norse Mill at Shawbost. Traverse the contrasting landscapes of Lewis and Harris, marveling at the rugged mountains and pristine beaches. Discover the historical St Clement’s Church and the unique Cockleshell Beach runway on Barra. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the expertise of a professional tour manager as you travel through this enchanting region, with all meals and ferry crossings included. This special interest tour promises a blend of cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the UK.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Stornoway
Accommodation Name: Cabarfeidh Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our designated pick-up points and head north, stopping en-route for refreshments. We will continue to Ullapool in time to catch the early evening Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Stornoway, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Dinner will be served on board. On arrival in Lewis we will transfer the short distance to our comfortable accommodation at the Caberfeidh Hotel.
Day 2
Location: Lewis
Accommodation Name: Cabarfeidh Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast we will travel to the west coast of Lewis for a visit to Calanais II, an impressive site comprising of five standing stones and two fallen stones, forming an oval. A further, shorter stone lies pointing towards the centre. There may originally have been more stones in the ‘circle’. Its diameter of nearly 20 metres makes it almost twice as big as the circle at Calanais I (which is around 11–12m across). Inside the ‘circle’ is a low round cairn that was probably a later addition; it will have contained a burial chamber, but it has been badly damaged. When peat was first cleared away from this monument, shortly after 1857, people found traces of pebbles that had probably supported upright wooden posts inside the ‘circle’.Please note that primary Callanish Standing Stones site (Calanais I) is currently completely closed due to a major redevelopment of the visitor centre taking place until Spring 2026. The entire site is closed for construction during this time. From here we move on to the Black Houses at Gearannan, typical of the crofting settlements which until relatively recently were found throughout the Western Isles. Lunch will be available here (not included).The final visit on our circular tour is the Norse Mill at Shawbost, a reconstruction of the type of grain mill used originally by Viking settlers and by islanders up until the 1930s. A short walk past a small lochan leads to two beautifully restored little thatched buildings with a fine view to the ocean beyond.We return to our hotel where dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 3
Location: Harris
Accommodation Name: Dark Island Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and travel south to Harris, which in contrast to the rolling moorland of Lewis is more mountainous – this is apparent within minutes of crossing the ‘border’ into Harris with a magnificent mountain vista to the right as the road climbs over the hill. There are further outstanding views as we travel along the coast, including the island of Taransay of ‘Castaway’ fame and the wonderful beaches at Horgabost, Borve and Scarasta. Continuing to the southern end of Harris we visit St Clement’s Church at Rodel, built on top of an earlier structure in the 16th century by Alasdair Crotach, 8th chief of the Macleods of Harris and Dun Bheagan. The church tombs are among the most spectacular in Scotland.
We then take the ferry from Leverburgh to Berneray on North Uist, and continue over a series of causeways (keeping a careful eye out for otters) to Benbecula, the ‘stepping stone’ between the Uists.
We are based for the next two nights at the Dark Island Hotel. Dinner is served in the evening.
Day 4
Location: Barra
Accommodation Name: Dark Island Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After our full Scottish breakfast we will depart for Barra, travelling via the little island of Eriskay, just three miles long and two miles wide, with a great sandy beach known as Prince Charlie’s Bay – Bonnie Prince Charlie having landed here in July 1745. From Eriskay we make the short ferry crossing to Barra and have a tour of the island.
Please note that Kisimul Castle is currently still closed but we will be able to view it from the shore.
We will also visit Cockleshell Beach, the unique runway whose use is governed by the tides. On approaching the airport keep an eye out to the left for the much loved former home of Sir Compton Mackenzie, the author of ‘Whisky Galore’, which is forever associated with the island. In fact, it was on the neighbouring island of Vatersay, which we will visit by means of the causeway linking the two islands, that the classic film adaptation was made. In the course of our tour today we also hope to see some of the hundreds of species of wild flowers that grow on the island, particularly on the machair, the fertile, grassy pastures that lie between the moorland and the sea.
We return via the Eriskay ferry to our hotel, where dinner is served in the evening.
Day 5
Location: Skye
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we check out of the hotel and take the early morning Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Lochmaddy to Uig in Skye. Breakfast is served on board. We then continue our homeward journey, arriving back at our original pick-up points during the evening.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included throughout the tour.
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Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits outlined in the itinerary are included.
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Ferry crossings
Ferry crossings are included in the tour.
What's Not Included
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Kisimul Castle Entry
Entry to Kisimul Castle is not included as it is currently closed.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses are not included in the tour.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach travel and enjoy four scenic ferry crossings.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Lewis and the Dark Island Hotel in Benbecula, offering a welcoming atmosphere and convenient access to the tour's highlights.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout and four scenic ferry crossings.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, meals are included as per the itinerary. Dinner is served on board the ferry on Day 1, and breakfast and dinner are provided on subsequent days.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish, the Black Houses at Gearrannan, the Norse Mill at Shawbost, and St Clement's Church at Rodel.
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Will we have the opportunity to see any unique natural features?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the unique runway at Cockleshell Beach, the sandy beach known as Prince Charlie's Bay on Eriskay, and the fertile machair on Barra, which is home to hundreds of species of wildflowers.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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