Hebrides Mini Break
5 nights of Freedom
30th April to the 5th May 2022
As one of Europe’s last untouched natural habitats, the Outer Hebrides offer visitors an experience they will never forget. Whether strolling across white sand beaches or among the shadows of 5000-year-old standing stones, the history of the islands is a constant presence. The beauty of the area is world-renowned as evident by Wanderlust travel magazine featuring the Outer Hebrides as one of the top 100 Greatest Travel Experiences – the only area in Britain to make the list. The Outer Hebrides have a diverse, fascinating history and heritage and something to interest everybody. The archipelago is entirely unique – a place where traditional heritage meets contemporary culture to offer an insight into the way of life on the islands over thousands of years.
Each of the islands in the chain has its own unique personality and is deserving of time and in-depth exploration. To the north you have the Isle of Lewis with it's wonderful and distinctive archaeology, extensive peat bogs and myriad of Lochs and Lochans. Travel south and you cross the majestic and very rugged hills of North Harris before descending towards the shores of West Loch Tarbert.
The southwest of Harris by total contrast is dominated by magnificent white shell sand beaches and flower cover machair. Crossing the sound of Harris you arrive on the wonderful Isle of Berneray which has a mix of rocky little bays on the east coast and extensive machair and sandy beaches on the west. A short drive across the causeway and you arrive on North Uist. Seen from the air North Uist appears to be more water than land, but a journey around the north and west of the island reveals a fabulous mix of machair, sands and active crofting.
The more rugged east coast of the island has many intriguing archaeological sites and is heavily indented with very scenic sea lochs and sheltered natural harbours. The stunning Isle of Benbecula is by contrast a very flat island, with just one hill, and home to the majority of Uist's population and businesses. It is also home to a great deal of birdlife on the machair and croft land.
South Uist is a long narrow island with some very rugged hills on the east and almost continuous magnificent machair with an array of wild flowers and 20 miles of white beach on the west. The picturesque island of Eriskay is reached by a causeway from South Uist and is a rocky little island with a strong fishing tradition. Barra is often referred to as the jewel of the Outer Hebrides and certainly has a delightful blend of rugged hills, rocky coves and fertile covered machair. Vatersay is the full stop at the south of the chain and is a beautiful little island dominated by machair and wonderful shell sand beaches.
Our new five-night adventure will take you on a real journey of discovery through the hidden Hebrides and to secluded locations for a truly wild experience. We get close to wildlife, hike through stunning coastline routes and discover the heartbeat of these islands through meeting the local people.
From our first moment, we step back into the history of more than six thousand years to unravel the fascinating journeys of previous settlers to these remote islands. Our excellent adventure for those who love wildlife, nature, hiking, photography and ever-changing landscapes as the season's pass and the beauty of the light as it caresses the land transforms a simple view into a stunning one. It is the magic of the Hebrides.
Day 1
The moment you touch down in the Outer Hebrides you know you have arrived somewhere special. The flight in takes you over what has been described as " a drowned landscape" where it appears there is more water than land. We make our way over man-made causeways that seem to float on the turquoise ocean as we make our way to our accommodation for check-in. After you have got refreshed we take a wander into the moorlands to visit an ancient stone circle before heading to an impressive Neolithic burial chamber that dates back to 3500 BC. We take in the views and the pure air as we welcome you to the Outer Hebrides. We make our way back to our accommodation where you can dine on wonderful Hebridean produce.
3 nights Accommodation 2 Included Dinner
Day 2
Our day begins with a trip along the west coast of Uist and onto the beautiful fertile plains called Machair which in summer boast more than 150 different species of wildflower. We walk in search of wildlife and through the crofting landscape to learn a bit more about this incredible place, the environment and its Gaelic culture. We will visit a small harbour and tides permitting walk out onto an incredible tidal beach to a remote island where we will search for otters and other wildlife. On our way back to our accommodation we will look for seals and visit the beautiful island of Berneray and learn about its incredible history.
Dinner on own
.
Day 3We head today to the beautiful islands of Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay or as the locals say "up south". Today we look for wildlife, visit local craft places, ancient archaeology and follow in the footsteps of Binnie Prince Charlie who landed here in 1745. There are plenty of stories to be told today and some of the most breathtaking views over the barra sound and along the beautiful west coast. Included lunch Dinner
Included Dinner
Day 4
Our journey continues as we set sail for a short ferry trip to the stunning Isle of Harris where we visit a Harris Tweed weaver before getting a true flavour of the Hebrides with a wonderful Gin tasting. We lunch overlooking the Atlantic before making our way through the high mountains and to the North of the Hebrides and the large island of Lewis. We make our way to the stunning westside for two nights. 2 nights accommodation 2 dinners
(NB: if weather unsuitable for our boat journey we will provide an alternative experience)
2 nights accommodation , Included Dinner
Day 5 - Wonders of Lewis
Lewis is a vast island full of fascinating small crofting villages, incredible archaeology and views and today we head out to visit the famous Callanish Stones, the Carloway Broch, Gearannan Thatch Village, Uig sands and the Blue Lagoon. We get close to wildlife and learn about the unique island lifestyle before finishing back in the small town of Stornoway. included lunch Included Dinner Lunch on own
Included Dinner
Day 6 - Tour Ends
After a relaxed breakfast, with time to spare before heading to the airport, we have a short trip to the town. We then take you to the airport and bid farewell to the Hebrides. As you leave these islands we wish you safe passage and look forward to your return in the near future.
We use a variety of accommodation across the islands from small Boutique hotels to family run guesthouses. There is a limited choice of places to stay in the islands and often where we stay may be the only property available in that location. We strive to provide excellent locations where you are able to unwind and enjoy the ambience of the Hebrides. We strive to work closely with all our vendors and follow all guidance at their properties relating to Covid 19 practices and guest safety.
Isle of Lewis
Uig Lodge was built in 1876 by Sir James Matheson. It then came under the ownership of Lord Leverhulme when he bought the island. Lord Leverhulme gifted the lodge as a wedding present to his niece, Emily Macdonald. The lodge later passed into the Dobson family. The lodge later was run as a hotel for 4 years in the 1970’s before being bought by Malcolm and Barry Green in 1981.
Uig Lodge is a traditional and working sporting estate which boasts a magnificent lodge with a comfortable and homely atmosphere. The daily running of the lodge is overseen by Dickon and Elly Green.
The lodge sleeps up to 17 in three doubles, five twins and one single; nearly all of which have incredible sea or mountain views to rival anywhere in the world. Four of the bedrooms are en-suite and there are two additional family bathrooms. Downstairs includes a comfortable sitting room with an open fire, a large dining room, a TV/children’s room, a laundry room and a well equipped kitchen. There is wi-fi is available throughout the lodge.
2 nights, 2 breakfast, 2 dinners
Isle of North Uist
Langass Lodge -Set on the edge of Loch Eport and overlooking Ben Eaval, this former shooting lodge is a comfortable and beautifully updated small hotel that gives you access to the islands and their wide range of activities for recreation and leisure. With over 20 years under the same management and ownership, we believe we can provide our guests with a unique hospitality experience. 2 nights accommodation, 2 dinners, 3 breakfast
The Outer Hebrides offers us the perfect opportunity to explore the coastlines moors
and ancient archaeological sites and therefor we aim to provide a wide variety of
experiences from light walking, offshore island experiences, 4x4 beach trips and cultural
experiences along the way.
Owing to the wide variety of weather patterns in these islands and their
unpredictability we have to be practical and willing to change at short notice. Our trips
include
> Machair walks to explore the unique environment and coastlines
> Beach walks to experience powder white beaches at the edge of the Atlantic
> Wildlife watching ,seabirds, seals, eagles and otters ( all wildlife is unpredictable and
not guaranteed)
> Local museums and centres to experience island history and life
> Local food experiences as we encounter on the road as well as tastings of local gin
and whisky
The situation in Scotland is now changing and opening up across the country. With this there still needs to be caution as Covid has not gone away and with that in mind we will still advise the good practice of hand sanitising and the wearing of masks in crowded places. The beauty of the Hebrides is that the great outdoors means more liberty away from any crowd.
As a recommendation we would advise to still check with your own local government website to check on any testing you may need prior to your return home. For Scotland here is the link to the latest updates https://www.gov.scot/coronaviruscovid- 19/
We will provide water bottles for the duration of your trip and for you to take away as this helps reduce the amount of plastic used and provides you with your own water bottle to re{ll as you desire. By using our water bottles you will be contributing to the conservation of the planet by preventing 1000 plastic bottles from reaching the ocean.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Outer Hebrides, the place, the space the freedom. This 5 night escape will open your eyes to a place of natural beauty and tranquility.
Contact details : james@igot2travel.com
Mobile: +44 7543094491
Website: www.igot2travel.com