Through the Highlands to Lewis &Harris

6 DaysIsles of Lewis & Harris

Overnight: Inverness

Lewis & Harris

You will be collected in the morning to start your journey into the Highlands. Travel north toStirling, with its imposing position in the centre of the country, stopping at Stirling Castle. Forcenturies this was the most important castle in Scotland and the views from the top make it easyto see why. Mary Queen of Scots spent her childhood in the castle and was crowned in theChapel Royal in 1543. From the ramparts you can see the Wallace Monument, built in 1869,where Wallace camped before the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.Continue north to reach the most scenically beautiful of all Highland glens, Glencoe. This area issteeped in history, and you will hear about the infamous 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald.Travel over the Ballachulish bridge and through Fort William, once a military post built during theJacobite Rebellions in the 18th century, passing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Continueup the Great Glen to Fort Augustus on the southern tip of Loch Ness, stopping to marvel atThomas Telford’s feat of engineering. The flight of 5 locks transport sailing vessels and boats fromLoch Ness at the north end into the Caledonian Canal. On the western side of Loch Ness stopat Urquhart Castle, boasting a trubulent history and the site of many battles led by the ClanMacDonald, which stands on a rocky promontory on the north shore with stunning views of theglen and a chance to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster.

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Day 1

Depart Edinburgh, Stirling Castle, Glencoe

Ferry to Stornoway

Overnight: Stornoway

Take the 10.00 am ferry from Ullapoolto Stornaway

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Lewis & HarrisDay 2

Day 2

Callanish, Uig, Ardroil Sands

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Set off at 09.00 with your Hebridean guide and head northwest towards Barvas, following thecircular route to Arnol Blackhouse Museum. Here, visit a traditional Lewis Longhouse which waslived in until as recently as the early 1960’s. Our tour continues with a visit to the Doune Carloway Iron Age Broch. See a fantastic example ofthe art of drystone walling and well worth the effort of the short but steep walk up to thisimposing hill fort. We then make the short drive to the crofting township of Callanish. Visit the renowned Standing Stones, before heading west towards the Island of Great Bernera.Great Bernera has several little crofting townships and our tour includes short walks to places ofhistorical and archaeological interest, including the Iron Age Village at the beautiful BostadhSands, and the restored Norse Mill at Breaclete. Much of Bernera is very scenic and its diverselandscape is home to many species of flora and fauna including Orchids, Irises and Potentilla andOtters, Grey Seals and several raptors and divers. We drive out to the Uig District with a visit to the scenic Valtos Peninsula and Ardroil Sands. In1831, a local crofter discovered the famous Lewis Chessmen at the Ardroil Sands, following astorm. Return to Stornoway via the Pentland Road, a single track road which cuts right across thecentre of Lewis, providing spectacular views of the island.

Overnight: Stornaway

Lewis & HarrisDay 3

Day 3

This morning our route takes us south from Stornoway via Balallan, which is the longest village inthe Outer Hebrides at 3 miles from one end to the other. From Balallan follow the eastern shoreof Loch Erisort, where at low tide there are opportunities to observe many species of wader andwaterfowl on the extensive mudflats. We visit the townships of Cromore and Marvaig, providingviews of St Columba’s Isle, Minch and surrounding coastline. From Marvaig our route takes us on to the almost deserted township of Calbost. There are someexcellent photo opportunities here with the landscape being a mixture of rugged hills andcroftland. Follow the road to Gravir, the main township in this district. Here we have the localschool, church and medical practice. Turn south and head uphill towards the townships of Lemreway and Orinsay. Both these villagescling to the rocky shoreline and fishing is still part of the lifestyle. Enjoy the terrific views of theShiant Isles with the Isle of Skye beyond, with plenty of wildlife to see with otter, seals, white-tailedand Golden Eagle being just some of the species on view. Head now for the hills of North Harris. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery as our driveleads us past the shores of Loch Seaforth, passing through the rugged hills of North Harris.Following several photo stops and a drive into the remote village of Rhenigadale, we descendtowards Tarbert with stunning views across West Loch Tarbert towards the Atlantic Ocean. FromTarbert you will be delivered back to your hotel.

Overnight: Stornaway

Balallan, Orinsay, North Harris, Loch Tarbert

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Lewis & HarrisDay 4

Day 4

Today you will make your way back on the 14.00hrs ferry tothe mainland/Ullapool and then travel back to Inverness.

Ferry to mainland, Inverness

Overnight: Inverness

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Lewis & HarrisDay 5

Day 5

Before leaving the Inverness area take the opportunity to visit Culloden Battlefield where the lasthand-to-hand battle was fought on British soil which takes on a whole new meaning with theopening of an exciting new visitor centre and interactive exhibition. The battlefield itself is nowrestored to as close as possible that marched on by the two sides on that fateful day.Now begin your journey south travelling through the mountains of the Cairngorms NationalPark. Your route now takes you over the Drumochter Pass (1500ft above sea level). Your first stopis at House of Bruar, nestling at the side of the famous Bruar Falls, for a variety of shoppingopportunities in Scotland's most prestigious country store. There is also an extensive range ofScottish foods for the gourmet and a fabulous 'country kitchen' restaurant.Just a little to the south is Queens View, generally believed to be named after Queen Victoria whotook tea here in 1866, the viewpoint actually commemorates Queen Isabella, wife of Robert theBruce who ruled Scotland between 1306 and 1329. The stunning view across Loch Tummel tothe Munro, Schiehallion is one of the most famous in Scotland.Finally, visit the beautiful Victorian town of Pitlochry where there are many shops, galleries andcafes. Continue south and over the Queensferry Crossing and into the capital.

Cullloden battlefield, Queen's View, Pitlochry

Overnight: Edinburgh

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Lewis & HarrisDay 6

Day 6

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Classic Scotland

The Hotels Culloden House Hotel | Inverness

Set in 40 acres of beautiful private grounds and gardens, this elegant Georgian country house is now anaward-winning hotel offering a 2 AA Rosette-rated restaurant.The Culloden House Hotel has been votedone of the world’s best hotels by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller and Travel & Leisure magazine.There are 28 elegant en-suite rooms, each of which is individually styled with its own unique charm. Thesplendid rooms are lavishly furnished, with wooden furniture and luxurious bedding. Many boast delightfulfeatures such as crystal chandeliers and marble fireplaces. The spacious rooms combine romantic luxurywith modern comforts and facilities. Sophisticated and with beautiful ornate plasterwork, the fine-dining restaurant offers superb cuisine madewith the finest, freshest seasonal produce available locally.

Hotels

Classic ScotlandHotels

The Hotels Dalhousie Castle Hotel | Edinburgh

Set within acres of wooded parkland, this fascinating 13th century fortress is on the banks of the RiverEsk. The Dalhousie Castle Hotel offers luxurious accommodation, award-winning fine dining, and spaand leisure facilities. Guests can descend an ancient stairway towards the atmospheric DungeonRestaurant and enjoy 2 AA Rosette dining. Alternatively, the Orangery offers a more informal experiencewith sweeping views over the River Esk.The spa provides a range of treatments, along with hydro facilities such as a massaging jet pool, sauna,and steam pool. There are also opportunities for guests to enjoy archery, clay pigeon shooting, andfalconry within the grounds. Dalhousie Castle Hotel is just a short distance from the A7 and Edinburgh is only 20 minutes' drive. Ittakes just 10 minutes to reach Rosslyn and Roslin Chapel, which is a possible resting place of the HolyGrail.

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