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Escape to the Edge: Lewis, Harris & St Kilda, from £695pp for 5nts

Islands at the edge: This Island-hopping combination includes the Outer Hebridean islands of Lewis, Harris and the chance to experience the magic, mystery and austerity of the truly remote St Kilda.

Day One - Isle of Lewis

Your first Hebridean destination is the Isle of Lewis, reached by ferry from the port of Ullapool. A short drive takes you to your guest house.

Your Hotel

Proudly displaying its 5 star rating this modern and friendly accommodation certainly deserves its new status. Guest comfort is paramount and attention to detail is evident from the fluffy towels to the power shower, and the comfortable beds to the restful décor which will have you feeling relaxed in no time. Breakfast here is a real treat, with all the produce locally sourced. Highlights include Hebridean smoked fish and the renowned Stornoway black pudding. You are situated on the edge of Stornoway with magnificent views over the sea, toward the Scottish mainland, the Isle of Skye and the Shiant Islands.

What to see and do

Lewis is positively bursting with archaeological treasures, notably the eerie Standing Stones of Callanish, the Pictish Carloway Broch and several blackhouse villages. The bustling town of Stornoway boasts a vibrant social scene, where traditional music and crafts thrive in lively pubs, markets and shops. With its magnificent scenery, the Isle of Lewis also offers unrivalled opportunities for hillwalkers, anglers, divers, birdwatchers and wildlife-lovers.

Day Three - Isle of Harris

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

Your Hotel

This modern 4 star guest house exudes a warm, traditional Hebridean welcome and offers a quiet retreat from which to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding area. Overlooking a peaceful loch, you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere, although in reality you are just a few minutes drive, or a 20 minute walk from Tarbert. The splendid breakfast, prepared from locally sourced produce, will set you up for the day. All of the comfortable rooms and the residents lounge enjoy impressive watery views from this aptly named house meaning ‘Music of the Sea’.

Day Four or Five: Across the ocean to St Kilda

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, forbidding, yet teeming with rare species of plant and bird life, the remote archipelago of St Kilda has fascinated explorers, naturalists and adventurers, keen to discover for themselves its unique history, landscape and wildlife. St Kilda has long been recognised as a wildlife and marine life habitat of world importance. The awe-inspiring landscape, human history, and the sheer remoteness of St Kilda intrigue many.

The islands are a UNESCO Reserve, National Nature Reserve, Ancient Monument and a World Heritage Site due to their environmental importance and scenic beauty. These trips are weather dependent, but will usually run from Leverburgh, Harris, departing at 8am and taking around 3 hours. You will have up to 6 hours in this remote and magical place. You are free to explore the main island of Hirta at their 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 available and well worth a visit to discover more about the unique way of life of the islanders. The boat will also tour the cliffs and coastline, including the towering stacs, around the islands, revealing the awe inspiring scale of the cliffs and the colonies of sea birds circling high above.
Your vessel, the Orca II, is a 55-foot motor cruiser, which cruises comfortably at 18 knots with a top speed of 29 knots. It is fully licensed and equipped for 12 passengers,
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 are unsure. Due to the fragile animal and plant life of the islands, strictly no pets allowed.

What else to see and do

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.

Day Six- Return Home

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

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from the beginning of May to the end of August.

The price is £695 per person for departures throughout this period, based on two people sharing a double or twin room, for 5 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

The holiday includes the day trip to St Kilda. As this is weather dependent the exact day of departure may be subject to late change. If the trip does not run during your stay a refund of the excursion fare will be made.

Price includes ferry crossings for two adults and a car to Lewis, and from Harris back to Skye.

All our 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.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 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.