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Hebridean Triangle from £615 per person for 6 nts

Ideally suited for those who prefer short ferry routes, this Hebridean island-hopping holiday combines the islands of Skye, North Uist, Harris and Lewis.

Day One - the Isle of Skye

Your first short ferry leaves from Mallaig, reached by a scenic route from Fort William, and crosses to Skye. Your hotel is in the south of the island not far from the ferry port.

Your Hotel on Skye

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 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.

Day Three - North Uist

Today time to explore more of Skye, before catching the early evening ferry from Uig, in the north of Skye across to Lochmaddy on North Uist - a journey of one hour 45 minutes. Your hotel is on the edge of the village.

Your Hotel

This striking hotel has set new standards for the islands, with its stylish contemporary interiors and boutique-style ambience, unrivalled anywhere else in the Hebrides. Each of its nine designer bedrooms offers wonderful views of Lochmaddy Bay and offers a soothing environment characterised by warm, earthy hues, subtle lighting effects and quality modern furnishings. The hotel is set in attractive landscaped gardens and boasts a decked outdoor eating area and a fully-equipped Leisure Club complete with sauna, steam room and gym. The hills and machair lands around Lochmaddy provide inspiration for the restaurant kitchen in the form of heather-fed lamb, deer, game and organic vegetables, whilst the harbour, freshwater lochs and surrounding coastal waters are an abundant source of delicious scallops, mussels, lobsters, crab, salmon and wild brown trout.

What to see and do

North Uist offers unlimited access to the interconnected isles of Benbecula, Grimsay, South Uist and Eriskay, all of which are ideal for walking, kayaking, cruising and wildlife-watching. Birdwatchers will not want to miss the RSPB Balranald nature reserve on the west coast – home to thousands of coastal waders and divers. Meanwhile, Lochmaddy itself boasts several unusual attractions, including a camera obscura and the impressive Taigh Chearsabhagh arts centre and museum.

Day Five - the Isle of Lewis

Your final Hebridean base is in Lewis, the northern section of the same landmass as Harris. the ferry takes just an hour, and picks its way through the small islands between Berneray and Leverburgh. Time to explore the beaches of Harris as you travel north to Stornoway.

Your Hotel on Lewis

This five star guesthouse is just a few miles north of Stornoway adjacent to a sweeping sandy beach. There is even direct access from the house to the shore, which has open views over the sea - on a clear day, the Scottish highlands can be seen across the Minch from the spacious lunge and dining area. This friendly, personally run guesthouse also serves imaginative and stylish food using locally sourced ingredients.  There are just four bedrooms, all of which are very spacious with en-suite facilities. All rooms are furnished in contemporary solid oak and equipped with flat screen television, hi-fi, DVD player and even a dock for your iPod. Comfy leather chairs provide space to relax and enjoy the outlook, and all rooms have personal patio doors leading to a private decking area.

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 and spectacular beaches, the Isle of Lewis also offers unrivalled opportunities for hillwalkers, anglers, divers, birdwatchers and wildlife-lovers.

Return Home

With the shorter ferry crossing your return route takes from Harris to Skye (one hour 40 minutes) , from where you can return to the mainland by bridge. Alternatively, you can cross the "Minch" to the mainland at Ullapool for a small supplement.

Prices and dates

This holiday can be arranged from mid-March to end October 2012

The price is £615 per person in March & October, £645 per person for April, £675 per person for May to September. Prices based on 2 adults sharing a room, for 6 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

The price includes ferry crossings for a car and passengers to Skye and from Skye to North Uist, then on to Harris and back to Skye. The return journey from Skye would be via the Skye bridge.

If you prefer to return to the mainland from Stornoway to Ullapool, add £27 per person.

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.

First stop - the Isle of Skye