Lewis and Harris

Duration

5 Days

Day 1 Rannoch Moor and the journey through Glen Coe…

As we journey north into the Scottish Highlands, watch in awe as the landscape becomes more and more dramatic. Glen Coe is one of the most incredible places to see and visit in Scotland. Learn the brutal story of the MacDonald Clan massacre and take in the weeping waterfalls that inhabit this incredible glen. Glen Coe will also be your lunch stop for today, so make sure to grab a bit to eat before we head to our next stop.

Britain’s tallest mountain…

As we drive through Glen Coe, we’ll make our way through the Highland town of Fort William. This town marks the end of Scotland’s oldest and most popular long-distance walks, The West Highland Way. There is a resting hiker statue looking out over Loch Linnhe, where you can take in views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest peak. Standing at 1,345 metres above sea level, it is often known to both locals and visitors as simply “the Ben.” From here, we’ll then head to the fabled shores of Loch Ness, for a short stop before reaching Inverness our overnight location.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 2 North to Lewis and Harris…

Leaving Inverness behind you will traverse Scotland from east to west. Journey through some beautiful and remote scenery as you make your way towards the morning ferry. You will arrive in the beautiful seaside town of Ullapool, perched on the shores of Loch Broom. Known to be one of the gateways to the Northern Highlands, Ullapool is one of the least spoilt natural environments in the UK, making it a perfect base to explore from and also the perfect location to catch the ferry. There will be some great lunch options available on the ferry for you to enjoy as you sail out past the Summer Isles and onwards to the outer Hebrides.

Start your island experience by visiting Arnol Blackhouse*, a traditional fully furnished thatched house, and gain an insight into island life. Your afternoon will end in Stornoway, the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 3 Ancient history and traditional tweed…

Stornoway is the largest settlement in the Western Isles and your base for exploring the Isle of Lewis and Harris. On your first day on the island, wou will be able to explore Carloway Broch, an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age structure located above Loch an Duin. The day also features visits to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones**, one of the most iconic places on the island where we’ll enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you can stroll along what is arguably Harris’ most beautiful beach, Lusekentyre, we’ll then continue down to the most southerly point of the island and Rodel Church, the ancient burial ground of the MacLeod family. Then it’s time for an exciting trip around the Golden Road before returning to Stornoway.

Overnight: Stornoway

Day 4 Castaways and coastal splendour…

On your second day on the island, you’ll head to the far north of the island to visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse (the windiest place in the UK) before returning to Stornoway for lunch and to wave goodbye to the island and take the ferry back to the mainland. Once back on the mainland, we’ll make our way to Inverness, our overnight stay.

Overnight: Inverness

Day 5 Explore the famous battlefield of Culloden…

As we leave Inverness behind, our first stop of the day is at Culloden Battlefield*, the site of the last stand of the Jacobites against the British government forces on 16 April 1746. It was one of the most harrowing battles in British history. Jacobite supporters, seeking to re-establish the Stuart monarchy to the British thrones, joined together to fight the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. It was the final pitched battle on British soil and, in less than an hour, around 1,600 men were slain – 1,500 of them Jacobites. You can experience everything about the events leading up to, during, and after the battle in the impressive visitor centre and interactive exhibition, as well as having the chance to wander the land where the battle itself took place.

The journey home begins…

We’ll begin our journey south by heading to a local distillery for a wee dram. From here, we’ll then enjoy the stunning scenery as you travel through the spectacular and unique wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest National Park in Scotland. This large mountain range has five of the highest mountains in the UK within its limits. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views before we arrive into the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the gateway to the highlands. Pitlochry has been a tourist centre since the 1860s thanks to Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott, who popularised the Highlands that boomed with the railways of the 1870s. Explore this quaint town before we head back to Edinburgh’s city centre.

*Optional attractions, separate entrance fees apply

**2025 Update: Due to facility closures, we cannot make our usual stop at Callanish Standing Stones, but we’ll drive past, and our drivers will do their best to arrange a drop-off

What to bring

It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go! It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.