Description

On this private tour of Scotland we take a journey to the Western Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis. An exciting trip full of amazing mountainous landscape, pristine white sandy beaches, majestic castles, clan and Viking history, standing stones and more. A true Edge of the World experience. This tour can be customized to your request, below is a suggested 5 day Outer Hebrides tour...

Day 1  Escaping the city life of Edinburgh (or Glasgow) we first make our way to the dramatic hills of the Highlands. We travel through the peat bogs of Ranoch Moor to the stunning mountain valley of Glencoe. Picture postcard scenery used in many films such as Harry Potter and Skyfall. Ancestral home to the Clan MacDonald it was the place of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre.

We will stop in the highland town of Fort William for lunch then continue our journey north. We stop at the Commando Memorial in Spean Bridge for views of Ben Nevis. Standing at 4413ft it is the tallest mountain in Britain. Continuing we pass through the Five Sisters of Kintail to reach Eilean Donan Castle. This is now one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

We then finally make our way of the Skye Bridge to reach the Misty Isle. Overnight will be in Kyle of Lochalsh, Broadford or Portree, depending on availability.

Day 2  Today we will explore the mountainous landscape of the Isle of Skye. The Cullin Mountains contain 12 munros (over 3000ft) which is very popular for adventurers. We will stop at Sligachan for photos of the bridge which is said to bestow eternal beauty to those who dip there face in the water below. Depending on your level of fitness we could walk to the famous Fairy Pools to see its crystal clear waters. There are a few obstacles on the path to get to the end (this is only possible with small groups).

After we can then visit Dunvegan Castle, home to the Macleods of the Macleods. It is the most continuously lived in castle in Scotland. It has a 700 year history the involves the Viking and Gaelic cultures. According to Dame Flora Macleod the Fairy Flag is proof that they are descendants from faeries!

We then make our way to the Fairy Glen and Trotternish Peninsula. After we drive down the narrow single track road to the Quiarang, a true out of this world experience. The day will end with a stop at the Kilt Rock and drive past the Old Man of Storr.

Day 3  Early in the morning we set sail from Uig to board the ferry to Harris. From the ferry, if you are lucky, you can spot dolphins, seals and even basking sharks. Once we arrive to the port town of Tarbert you will have an opportunity shop for Harris Tweed. This fabric can only be produced hand made in homes of the Isles of Harris and Lewis. Nearby is the small Harris Distillery producing a popular gin.

Then we will walk the stunning beach of Luskintyre. The Outer Hebrides sits on the Gulf Stream leaving us with blue water and white sand, as if we are in the Caribbean. Here there are views of Taransay Island which was used in the BBC series Castaway 2000. Then we go to the medieval St Celement's Church, the oldest of the western isles.

Finally we then drive across the rugged centre part of the Island to reach Lewis. Tonight you will stay in Stornoway, the main town of the Outer Hebrides.

Day 4  In the morning we set off to go to the 4500 year old Calanais Standing Stones. There are 33 tall stones in total forming an alley to the ceremonial circle. It is said to reflect the lunar year, on summer solstice the moon appears to dance on the ridge. This is a site not to be missed!

Continuing our tour of Lewis we go to Dun Carloway Broch. We can walk up to the ruins of the thick double walled tower used in the dark ages.

After we then go to Arnol Black Houses. Here you have a chance to see what life was like for the islanders in the 19th century. Long stone Viking style houses that were home to both people and animals.

If time we will take a break at Lews Castle, which has recently been reopened to the public. It gives a great opportunity for a walk of the harbour. On the ferry crossing we sail past the Summer Isles, a holiday destination for the Royal Family. From Ullapool we then drive to Inverness for the last night of the tour.

Day 5  On the last day of the tour you will have the option to go to Loch Ness in hopes of spotting Nessie. Then step on the historic battlefield of Culloden before turning south to Edinburgh and the central belt.

On the way we travel through the Cairngorm National Park, making our way to the Victorian Town of Pitlochry. Here you will have free time for lunch and maybe a bit of shopping. Our last stop of the tour will be in the historic town of Queensferry to view the spectacular Forth Rail Bridge.

Final good-bye from your Scottish Guide and new friend.

Private Tour to Skye and the Outer Hebrides