July 3 - 9 Sat - Fri
Group Size: 9
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: Carloway (Lewis)
Walking: Easy

Description :

Harris and Lewis are in fact the respective northern and southern aspects of a single island, separated by an imaginary line drawn between Lochs Seaforth and Resort. Much of Lewis lies under a uniform blanket of peat, rising to meet the treeless, mountain deer-forests of Harris. Crofting has had a softening effect on peripheral areas, with the interior, especially in the south, resembling a barren moonscape.

The Lewis peat bogs are ecologically rich habitats, host to bird-life such as Greenshanks, Dunlins, skuas and Merlins, and consistently produce some of the best Golden Eagle viewing. Lochs are populated by Red-throated and Black-throated Divers.

An indented craggy-coastline, along which single-track roads negotiate awkward contours, founds the charm of south-east Harris. The route meanders through small crofts, past heather-clad ground where peats are stacked to dry, and by numerous lochs on which White Water Lilies flower, while craggy bays often serve up Otters. By contrast the western seaboard phases from the interior ‘moonscape’ to bays of unblemished sands and aqua-marine seas, with the Flannan Isles and even St Kilda visible on clear days.

Changing moods in landscape, effected by sea reflections, mountain backdrops and light-shafts beaming down through cloud cover, are the essence of this brooding but magnificent island system.

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday: Morning rendezvous in Inverness followed by minibus journey to Uig on the Isle of Skye for the 18:00 ferry to Tarbert on Harris (1 hour 35 minutes).

Days 2 - 6 Sunday - Thursday: Daily excursions with leisurely walks exploring all corners of the islands.

Day 7 Friday: Late midday we take the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool (2 hours 40 minutes). The tour finishes on arrival in Inverness at about 18:00, with transfers provided to accommodation or transport terminals.

Cost: £895...Includes: Accommodation, all meals plus packed lunches, all travel.

Deposit: £100

Single Room Supplement: £60