Escape to a Scottish island and feel the cares of the world slip away. This example combines the mystical Isle of Skye with magical Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

Part One - Skye

A choice of routes to your first island: through the highlands, then past Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan, the glorious sandy beaches of Arisaig, to reach the ferry port at Mallaig. Then "over the sea to Skye", by ferry to Skye to Armadale. Alternatively by way of the Road to the Isles through the majestic mountain scenery of Kintail, and over the graceful Skye bridge Your first hotel is around half an hour from the ferry or the bridge.

Your Hotel

Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore, enjoying expansive views over the Sound of Sleat to the wilderness of Knoydart. This, the most southerly part of Skye, is an area of great natural beauty, often referred to as the Garden of Skye thanks to its abundant bird life and profusion of wild flowers.

This is a Gaelic-speaking community and the bar is a convivial meeting place for the locals, who mix happily with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire. Twelve bedrooms (six in the Garden House) are decorated with pretty cotton and linen chintzes and there are four new suites in the recently restored stables, each enjoying superb views across the water to the lighthouse of Isle Ornsay. Candlelit meals in the wood-panelled dining room reflect the estate's culinary riches, with wonderful shellfish and game featuring prominently on the menu. Langoustines are landed at the old stone pier, and oysters come from the hotel's own oyster beds.

What to see and do on Skye

On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of 'The Gaelic Whiskies', where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop. The surrounding area of hills, moorland, woodland and seashore offers endless opportunities for walking and drinking in the magnificent sea views. Don't miss the enchanting walk to the Point of Sleat, from where you can gaze across to the small isles of Rum and Eigg and dream of future visits! On the way down to the Point of Sleat, it's worth stopping off at the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle, with its fine arboretum and lovely garden. Further afield, in the north of the island, you'll find historic Dunvegan Castle, and Portree, the bustling island capital.

Harris

Time to head north, through the island capital of Portree, to the beautiful Trotternish peninsula, from where you catch the ferry to Harris. Your hotel is around 15 minutes drive from the ferry port by a tiny harbour.

Your Hotel

Your hotel is an historic former shooting lodge, set in a stunning seaside location in a tiny village at the south-eastern tip of Harris. Named after some of the colourful characters who have resided in the house in its previous incarnations, there are just four bedrooms, two with delightful seaviews, and all with individually designed interiors featuring comfortable Harris tweeds and original works of art. The latter lend the hotel something of an art-gallery feel and are displayed throughout the public areas too as the 'Spirit of Harris' exhibition ' a collection of specially commissioned, locally-themed works of art.

The hotel restaurant makes use of the finest island produce, from Pabbay venison to seasonally available game and locally-grown vegetables; whilst the local fisheries and nearby harbour are excellent sources of freshwater fish and mouthwatering seafood, including crab, langoustine, monkfish and sea-trout.

What to see and do on Harris

With its magnificent scenery and spectacular beaches, South Harris offers unrivalled opportunities for hillwalkers, anglers, divers, birdwatchers and wildlife-lovers. Take a sunset cruise in the Sound of Harris to spot seals, dolphins and basking sharks, and 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 wood carvings.

Return Home

Catch the return ferry to Skye and make your way home.

Price for the above itinerary, including 2 nights on Skye and 3 nights on Harris: £395 per person for two adults sharing a twin or double room for five nights in March 2008, from £435 per person for April, from £470 per person for May until September and from £450 per person for October 2008.

The price includes return ferry crossings for a car and two adult passengers from Skye to Harris and in one direction to Skye. Return from Skye to mainland by the Skye bridge.

Important Notes:

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

As each McKinlay Kidd itinerary is booked individually, all holidays and prices are presented subject to availability.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.