A Journey To The Outer Hebrides

After our pick ups we drive north continuing to our first overnight hotel in Scotland at the fabulous Gretna Hall Hotel. We make regular comfort stops as we go to make the journey as relaxing as possible.

After breakfast we continue north, making suitable stops en route. We follow the A9 North towards Inverness and then across to Strathpeffer to get near our morning ferry tomorrow.

After breakfast we head to the ferry terminal and catch the morning ferry to Stornoway, arriving in the afternoon. The hotel is a very short drive and we then have free time to settle into our new stunning surroundings before enjoying evening meal in the islands capital.

After breakfast we enjoy a tour of Lewis and its fantastic scenery with a local coach and guide. We start the day by travelling up to the Butt of Lewis to see the lighthouse and some of the oldest rocks in the world. Then we travel to Port of Ness where there is a beautiful beach, harbour, cafe and toilet facilities then down to Gearrannan and an included visit to Blackhouse Village. Then we continue to Dun Carloway Broach and after a stop here, head to Calanais Standing Stones, where there is a new visitor centre which has recently opened. We return via a scenic route to our hotel.

Today we leave our hotel and head to Scalpay Bridge, we make a short stop here to admire the views before we head south travelling on the west coast route, stopping for photos at some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Continuing to Leverburgh we pass incredibly diverse scenery. On arrival, we visit St Clement’s Church, Rodel, which was built in around 1500. At Leverburgh we join the ferry to Berneray, reputedly one of King Charles III’s favourite destinations. Once the ferry arrives in Berneray we travel across North Uist alongside 13 miles of stunning sandy beaches, freshwater lochs and rolling moorland hills before reaching our fabulously located hotel on the Isle of Benbecula.

This morning, we are joined by a local guide for a full day tour of stunning South Uist - an island of the Outer Hebrides with crystal clear water and white powder beaches. We pass the ruins of the 18th century Ormacleit Castle towards the Isle of Eriskay, which is linked to South Uist by a stone causeway. This beautiful little island is where Bonnie Prince Charlie first set foot on Scottish soil and is also known for its famous, semi-wild ponies. On our return we visit the Hebridean Jewellery Shop and Workshop.

We leave the hotel after breakfast and head South towards Uist and Lochboisdale for the ferry back to mainland Scotland. Our ferry journey takes 3 ½ hours and arrives in Mallaig. Once we arrive we continue South towards our overnight stop in historic Inveraray.

We leave Inveraray after breakfast and start our journey towards home, taking happy memories of a fabulous experience.

This property is 6 minutes walk from the beach and just half a mile to Stornoway Lewis Ferry Terminal. The restaurant offers both a traditional Scottish dinner and cuisine with an international flavour. The Eleven Bar offers a selection of draught beers, malt whiskeys and wines from around the world. All the ensuite bedrooms include free Wifi, TV, telephone, ironing and tea/coffee making facilities.

The Dark Island Hotel is located in Linaclate on the Isle of Benbecula and is renowned for serving fresh tasty local produce. All the ensuite bedrooms include free Wifi, TV, hairdryer and tea /coffee making facilities. Please note that this hotel does not have a lift.

Ben Wyvis Hotel is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Strathpeffer, offering a quiet environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. All the ensuite bedrooms include free Wifi, TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

Gretna Hall is part of a local, fourth-generation family business, which has been at the heart of Gretna Green weddings since 1886. Originally built in 1710 as a private manor house, Gretna Hall is set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens; offering all the character of a substantial historical building, with all the comfort you would expect from a contemporary hotel. All the ensuite bedrooms include free Wifi, TV, telephone, hairdryer, ironing and tea /coffee making facilities.

Designed by John Adam and opened in 1755, The Inveraray Inn is the oldest and most historic hotel in Inveraray as well as being one of the most iconic hotels on the west coast of Scotland. It occupies an unrivalled location on Inveraray Front Street, overlooking Loch Fyne. Originally built to accommodate officials visiting Inveraray Castle, today the Inveraray Inn offers standards of hospitality that more than live up to its illustrious past. All the ensuite bedrooms include free Wifi, TV, telephone, hairdryer, ironing and tea/coffee making facilities.