Lewis & Harris Walking Adventure Multi-day tour

Day 1 – Arrival & Butt of Lewis lighthouse cliff top walk

After airport/station/Inverness city pickups we drive to the lovely north-west coastal village of Ullapool.

Here we taking the 2.5-hour relaxing ferry in the morning over to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, where we drive to the north to begin an afternoon circuit walk at the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.

This is the most north-westerly point of the island and indeed the whole of the UK, with clifftop views, plenty of birdlife and interesting lighthouse history. We return to Stornoway where we have 2 nights in a B&B/small hotel.

Walk details: 6.5 km/ 4 miles | approx. 2 hours | Ascent 150 m/490 ft | Descent 100 m/330 ft

Day 2 – Hiking and history on the West of Lewis

Today we head to the west of the island where we have a lovely high-level coastal walking route with fantastic seascapes and passing stunning beaches which eventually brings us to the incredible Blackhouse museum village, where you will have time to explore this reconstructed village and learn about its fascinating history.

On this day we also visit an ancient stone Broch at Carloway and also Arnol Blackhouse. On our return to Stornoway, we may have time for a short visit to Lews Castle museum and also the poignant Iolaire memorial monument. Lots crammed into this varied day!

Walk details: 7-9 km/ 4 – 5.5 miles | approx. 3 – 4 hours | Ascent 350 m/1150 ft | Descent 350 m/1150 ft

Day 3 – Lewis chessmen and Callanish standing stones

Today we leave Stornoway and head to south-west Lewis where we visit the beautiful bay of Uig sands, where the renowned Lewis Chessmen were discovered. Then we head to Mangersta nearby and take a short walk to visit a unique secret Bothy which sits in an outstanding position.

We depart Uig and before heading down to Harris, we take a visit to the 5000-year-old Callanish Standing stones, not to be missed! In the afternoon, we head south to Harris and do a wonderful walk on a rugged historic path from Rhenigidale to Urgha.

Short transfer to the village of Tarbert for our 3-night stay.

Walk details: 8-10 km/ 5 – 6 miles | approx. 4 – 5 hours | Ascent 450 m/1480 ft | Descent 450 m/1480 ft

Day 4 – Beinn Dhubh ascent and Luskentyre beach

Today we begin with a fantastic distillery tour and tasting of the renowned Harris Gin and (soon to be available for sale) malt whisky in the village of Tarbert. We then drive a short distance to begin our ascent of Beinn Dhubh mountain.

This interesting off-path ascent takes us up onto a long wide ridge which offers simply stunning views of the North Harris mountains on one side and beautiful Luskentyre beach and the island of Taransay on the other.

After reaching the summit cairn we descend gradually, on to the sweeping white sands of Luskentyre beach where there is time to enjoy a paddle (or perhaps a swim!)

Walk details: 11.5 km/ 7 miles | approx. 4 – 5 hours | Ascent 575 m/1890 ft | Descent 575 m/1890 ft

Day 5 – Hiking at Huishnish

Today we begin our walk at the road end by beautiful Huisinish beach on the west coast of Harris, which takes us up onto a fantastic stony balcony path to the remote Crabhadail.

We continue to yet another stunning beach with views onto the island of Scarp before rejoining our inbound path back to the beach at Huisinish.

Possible option of an extra late afternoon walk on the island of Scalpay (over the bridge from Tarbert) or time to explore Tarbert village and it’s Harris Tweed shop.

Walk details: 8 km/ 5 miles | approx. 3.5 – 4 hours | Ascent 450 m/1480 ft | Descent 450 m/1480 ft

Day 6 – Ceapabhal, South Harris

The short ascent of Ceapabhal on south Harris is relatively steep but rewards us with excellent views of the beaches of Harris and the small islands in the Sound. We also include a visit to the secluded ruins of a medieval chapel.

The Machair to be found (fertile grassy plain full of wildflowers) along the low-level ground is some of the finest examples in Harris. We then visit a traditional weavers hut where you can ask questions about the methods of weaving the unique Harris Tweed.

Walk details: 6.75 km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 -4 hours | Ascent 360 m/1180 ft | Descent 360 m/1180 ft

Day 7 – The Quiraing, Isle Of Skye

Today we depart the Outer Hebrides taking the ferry from Tarbert over to Uig on the Isle of Skye. We include a walk through the unique landscape on Skye in the otherworldly Quiraing area of the north with its incredible pinnacles and landslip features.

There is also a couple of photo stops before heading south to Portree for a bit of time to explore this popular and picturesque harbour village.

We then make our way down through Skye with outstanding views to the Cuillin mountain ranges on the route. We cross the Skye bridge and drive the short distance to the stunningly situated village of Plockton on the west coast for our last night.

Walk details: 4 km/ 2.5 miles | approx. 2 hours | Ascent 50 m/165 ft | Descent 200 m/660 ft

Day 8 – Transfer Day vía Loch Ness

Today is the transfer day to Inverness airport/train station or your accommodation in Inverness. If time allows, we visit some historic sites along the way and also drive past beautiful Loch Ness, the largest body of water in the UK by volume.

Then it’s time to say our goodbyes after what is sure to be a memorable Lewis & Harris Walking Adventure!

Walk details: Depending on weather and timings