Hebridean Island Hopper - a 5 night 'one-way' flydrive holiday in the Outer Hebrides.

Fly in by British Airways* from Glasgow to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, drive south, exploring the islands to Barra, then fly out from the world’s only beach airport handling scheduled airline services - the holiday may also be scheduled to start in Barra, finishing in Lewis.

We meet at the airport to hand over your hire car, then you're free to  tour your island retreat, staying five nights in your choice of our carefully selected hotel or guest house accommodation, with breakfast included.  At the end of your holiday, leave your hire car at your departure airport.

A five night holiday is an ideal length for an introduction to the Hebrides. Take a look at the example itinerary below. This is a typical programme, but you will almost certainly choose to vary your trip to suit your own interests - you could even play golf on a fresh course each day, or take boat trips, or climb mountains....

It's your holiday and our advisor will be pleased to help you with your planning.

Monday - arrive at Barra around ten in the morning, though the time may vary as your aircraft can only land at low tide, when the runway is not covered by the sea.  Karen, our representative in Barra, will meet you with your car keys.

Spend the day exploring the soft, shell sand beaches, maybe visit Barra Golf Club, then the castle at Kisimul, which was the stronghold of the MacNeils for around 300 years.  Barra's 'capital' - Castlebay - is a busy little village, formerly a herring fishing port, with a few small shops and a bank.  See the Barra Heritage and Cultural Centre.

Overnight stay at one of our five selected hotels and guest houses in Barra.

Tuesday - perhaps cross the causeway to the island of Vatersay, where there are a number of neolithic and iron age remains, then take the short ferry crossing from Barra to Eriskay.  On a warm sunny summer day, the approach to Eriskay is magical.  It's a small island, bedecked with wild flowers and a sandy beach, close to the tiny ferry terminal, is an excellent spot for a picnic.  At the Am Politician pub your passengers can take a wee dram, but it won't have come from the shipwreck of the same name - which was the inspiration for the film, Whisky Galore.

Several of our guest houses and hotels are situated at the south end of the Uists, so perhaps you'll choose to stay here a night, ready to explore the area in more detail, tomorrow.

Wednesday - visit Lochboisdale, a compact port, with a ruined castle and pleasant walk up to the top of a hill providing a viewpoint. there are a few shops to explore and the ferry from Oban berths here.  Travelling north, take a detour to the west coast at Howmore, a small village of thatched croft houses, with ruins of two churches and two chapels, and a pleasant area of machair between the village and yet another superb beach.  Birdwatchers may choose to visit Loch Druidebeg national nature reserve, while an excursion to Lochcarnon will provide you with flaky smoked salmon for a special treat. 

You could return to last night's accommodation, or stay further north, ready for the next day's crossing to Harris.

Thursday - before bidding farewell to the southern isles, see the harbour at Grimsay, take the coast road around North Uist (don't miss one of the prettiest restored black houses in the Hebrides, at Sollas, and look out for more ancientcairns and stone circles.

Your ferry to Harris leaves from the island of Berneray, said to be a favourite destination of HRH Prince Charles, where the village of Bays Loch is pleasant for a stroll and the machair and beaches are magnificent.

Following your arrival by ferry in  Leverburgh, it's worth enjoying a night's stay at this southern end of Harris, as you may wish to explore here more tomorrow.

Friday - in this theoretical itinerary,  today is a big day, but in mid-summer that's not a problem, with daylight lasting until after ten in the evening. Before leaving south Harris, visit the restored St Clement's Church at Rodel, the only medieval building of its size remaining intact on the island.   Here you'll find the stone tombs of the Macleod chiefs and some wonderful carvings.  A drive to Tarbert over the 'Golden Road' will reveal small setlements, lochs sea views and a barren landscape that is almost lunar. Alternatively, take the western coast road, passing some of the island's finest beaches at Scarista, Seilebost, Horgabost and Luskentyre.

In Tarbert, take a few minutes to explore the compact town centre - the hardware shop is an interesting step into the past and the Harris Tweed shop has served visitors' needs for many years.

A drive of around an hour brings you to Stornoway, 'capital' of the islands, for your last night.  After five days of tiny towns and villages, it may come as a shock to discover shopping streets with gift shops, a department store, a large arts centre and more.

If there's the slightest chance of fine weather, this evening, you have to visit the Callanish Stones - 5000 years of history have passed since this stone circle came into existence and they still provide as fine a prop to any sunset you'll ever see.   

Saturday - your last day, maybe only a morning, but not to be wasted.  If you were unable to visit Callanish yesterday, then make the effort today, you won't regret it.  Otherwise, perhaps see the Black House Village at Gearranan, or take a walk around the valley of the River Creed.  With an afternoon flight booked, you'll realise you've only just scratched the surface - and hopefully you'll want to return to see more.  On your return to Stornoway airport, you'll normally be met by your holiday advisor, who will collect your car keys and offer any assistance you may require for your departure.

 With short distances to travel on quiet roads, you'll be amazed at just how much you can pack into your short stay.  At any time of year, the Outer Hebrides offers a wealth of interest - see our tourist information pages for ideas.

Regional connections

Hebridean Hopscotch offers a complete booking service for British Airways, so we are able to organise your connecting flight to Glasgow (at additional cost), where there's a short walk through the terminal for the easy transfer to your island flight. 

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Hebridean Hopscotch air holidays offer you complete security under ATOL number 6349.

Pricing

This 5 night holday is available from just £399 per person, provided you book in good time - the longer you leave it, the less great value British Airways fares are available.  The price is dependent on a minimum of 2 people sharing, and includes 3 star accommodation, breakfast, air fares/taxes and car hire costs.  Prices can vary depending on travel date, accommodation choice and departure airport.  Half board is available at a supplement. 

For more inclusive holidays see the links below or download the Hebridean Hopscotch brochure (PDF) here.

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0845 230 1236