A Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides with Mike Dilger
16th Sep 2026
Key Highlights
- Four scenic ferry crossings
- The unique airport at Cockleshell Beach
- 5,000 year old standing stones
- The tranquil location of the Norse Mill at Shawbost
- A view of the mist-covered Cuillins as you sail past Skye
Summary
This extended tour of the Hebrides has proved extremely popular, offering as it does a unique opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the Western Isles. Our grand tour takes in all the beauty and diversity of this very special environment with nine different islands and four ferry trips included. Two comfortable hotels ensure that this holiday is as relaxing as possible while at the same time offering great variety and the sense of a true journey of discovery which will live long in the memory.
Our odyssey begins with the ferry crossing from Ullapool to Stornoway. From our base here at the comfortable Cabarfeidh Hotel we explore the rolling moorland of Lewis, with visits to the remarkable Standing Stones of Callanish, the tranquil little Norse Mill at Shawbost and the distinctive Black Houses at Gearannan. A captivating journey follows as we travel south through the magnificent mountain scenery of Harris and by ferry to North Uist, continuing via the causeways that link the islands to Benbecula, our base for the next two nights. After a visit to the Kildonan Museum and some free time to soak up the island atmosphere we visit the islands of Eriskay; Vatersay with its fantastic sandy beaches, and Barra, including visits to Kisimul Castle and Cockleshell Beach, used as the island’s airport.
Your Expert – Mike Dilger
Mike is an ecologist, natural history presenter and writer. With degrees in Botany and Ecology, Mike’s obsession with the tropics began when studying moths in the South American Andes. This then led to over five years carrying out research work in the tropical forests of South America, East Africa and Asia. Finally, Mike returned to Britain to find a job in television, and he is now probably best known as the wildlife expert on the BBC’s The One Show and has appeared over 450 times during his 15 years on the show.
Mike now intermingles TV commitments, tour-leading, writing and giving talks. He is also a columnist for BBC Wildlife Magazine, and has written eight nature-themed books, with his most recent beingOne Thousand Shades of Green - A Year in Search of Britain’s Wild Plants.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
- Services of a professional tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our designated pick-up points and head north, stopping en-route for refreshments. We will continue to Ullapool in time to catch the early evening Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Stornoway, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Dinner will be served on board. On arrival in Lewis we will transfer the short distance to our comfortable accommodation at the Cabarfeidh Hotel.
Meals IncludedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Glasgow, Bus stop on Killermont Street (on the John Lewis side of the road) | 08:30 | 23:00 |
| Edinburgh, Outside reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 09:45 | 21:45 |
| Dunfermline, Halbeath Park & Ride, Junction 3, M90 | 10:15 | 21:15 |
| Kinross, Moto Services, M90 | 10:45 | 21:00 |
| Perth, Broxden Park & Ride, A93 | 11:15 | 20:30 |
| Inverness, Bus stop outside the Leonardo Hotel (in front of DFS), Millburn Road | 15:00 | 00:15 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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