Guided Walking in the Hebrides

Arrival

By train: As this holiday starts and finishes in different places, travelling by train is usually the most convenient method of travel. For further information and train times visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 08457 48 49 50 (from overseas call +44 (0)20 7278 5240)

There are trains to Glasgow Central from around the UK. From Glasgow (Queen Street station) enjoy a journey on one of the most scenic railway lines, all the way to Fort William. From Fort William, Citylink buses depart for Portree, a journey of approximately 3 hours.

There are also trains from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh (2hrs), and public buses from Kyle of Lochalsh to Portree.

By air: There are a number of low-cost flights from around the UK to Glasgow – see www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com or www.ba.com. If you are flying from overseas there are some international flights to Glasgow. Alternatively fly to Manchester or London and complete your journey by train.

From Glasgow International Airport (GLA) take the regular airport bus to Glasgow Central station (journey time 30 mins), then on by train to Fort William - see www.glasgowairport.com. Glasgow Prestwick (PIK) has its own railway station with trains every 30 minutes, taking 45 minutes to Glasgow Central – see www.gpia.co.uk. Alternatively, there is a Citylink service (915) from Glasgow Airport to Portree.

There are also flights from London Gatwick to Inverness with Flybe.

By bus: Citylink operates a service three times a day to Portree. If you prefer train travel, you can take the train to Fort William, joining the coach there. Alternatively, the coach begins its journey in Glasgow, from Buchanan Street Bus Station – taking 7 hours to reach Portree. For further details of the Citylink bus service see www.citylink.co.uk, or call: 08705 50 50 50.

Departure

The last two nights are spent on the Island of Barra. We have left the travel options open as there are two equally interesting options.

By air: Barra airport is Britain’s only airport with scheduled flights that land on the beach. The long stretches of cockle-shells line the tiny beach landing strip. Stunning aerial views of the islands surround you upon departure.

By ferry: Ferries to Oban depart from Castlebay. For information on times and prices of the ferry sailings, visit www.calmac.co.uk.

At Oban the train station is adjacent to the ferry terminal, from where there is a direct rail service to Glasgow.