St Kilda – Escape to the Edge

Your first Hebridean destination is the Isle of Lewis, reached by ferry from the port of Ullapool.  Lewis boasts the famous Standing Stones of Callanish (or Calaneis in the local Gaelic).  Whether the sun is splitting the skies, or a wild storm is brewing, the site is eerie and evocative, perhaps all the more so as the original purpose and meaning of this stone circle is lost in the mists of time.  Within the same part of the island, experience the traditional way of life of just a hundred or so years ago by visiting the wonderfully-preserved Gearranan Blackhouse Village.

Your Accommodation on Lewis

Your accommodation in Stornoway is a refurbished, family owned bungalow with just two very comfortable and cosy en-suite bedrooms. The Stornoway born-and-bred host is here to ensure your complete relaxation and satisfaction, serving authentic, locally sourced breakfasts and giving unique, local advice on anything you might need to know about the Outer Hebrides.

Your second base in these outer isles is in the south of Harris, which is part of the same land-mass as Lewis, your route taking you past some of the most spectacularly beautiful beaches in the UK.

South Harris offers unrivalled opportunities for hillwalkers, anglers, divers, birdwatchers and wildlife-lovers. Marvel at the sight of golden eagles, cormorants and buzzards swooping down over the uninhabited offshore islands. And don’t miss Rodel’s exquisite 15th century church of St Clement’s with its wonderful medieval tombs and carvings.

Your Accommodation on Harris

Situated in the coastal settlement of Strond in South Harris, your comfortable B&B is a newly built house – boasting breathtaking views over Harris, looking towards Uist, Berneray and Skye. Nearby you will find many unspoiled beaches including Northton’s Temple Park and the world-renowned Luskentyre beach.

Your holiday includes a truly magical and adventurous experience – a day trip by specially designed fast boat to the remote archipelago of St Kilda.  Spectacularly rugged, deserted, forbidding, yet teeming with rare species of plant and bird life, the remote archipelago of St Kilda has long-fascinated explorers, naturalists and adventurers keen to discover for themselves its unique history, landscape and wildlife.  The awe-inspiring landscape, human history, and the sheer remoteness also intrigue many.

The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Nature Reserve and Ancient Monument due to their environmental importance and scenic beauty.  Trips are weather dependent, but will usually run from Leverburgh, Harris, departing at 8am and taking around three hours.  You’ll have up to six hours in this remote and magical place where you’re free to explore the main island of Hirta at your leisure.  Each passenger receives a map of Hirta detailing points of historical interest and a suggested route to take for a tour on foot.  The church, schoolroom and museum are well worth a visit to discover more about the unique way of life of the islanders until abandonment.  The boat will also tour the cliffs and coastline including the towering stacks around the islands, revealing the awe inspiring scale of the cliffs and the colonies of sea birds circling high above.

Notes on St Kilda

Please note that there is no catering available and passengers must bring food for the day; tea and coffee are provided free of charge on board. While teenage children are welcome, parents are reminded that St Kilda is one of the remotest locations in the country and are asked to exercise their own judgement. We do not recommend that children under 10 travel, but please contact us to discuss this if you’re unsure. Due to the fragile animal and plant life of the islands, strictly no pets allowed.

You will leave the Outer Hebrides by ferry to Skye where we can arrange for a further stopover if required.