Hebridean Hopscotch Guided Island Hopping Holiday
Enjoy a Hebridean Hopscotch holiday, visiting the Isles of Skye, Raasay, South Uist, Barra and Vatersay. On Skye wander amidst the eerie pinnacles of the Quiraing, and along the shores of Loch Coruisk with stunning views of the Cuillin mountains. Soak up scenes from Whisky Galore on Barra’s and Vatersay’s white sandy beaches.
Holiday Highlights
- Cruise from Elgol to Loch Coruisk on Skye and walk with fantastic views of The Cuillin Ridge
- Visit the eerie pinnacles of The Quiraing on the Trottenish Ridge on Skye
- Walk along beautiful beaches on Barra
- Spot wildlife as you visit and walk on five beautiful Scottish Islands
What’s included
- Full Board en-suite accommodation
- Experienced HF Holidays Walking Leader
- All transport to and from the walks including all ferry journeys
- Luggage transfer between accommodation
Your leader will welcome you at The Sligachan Hotel before dinner at 19.00 and give you a full briefing for the holiday.
Sligachan Hotel, Sligachan, Isle of Skye - Hebridean Hopscotch
Nestled amongst the red and black Cuillins, with the sparkling waters of Loch Sligachan to its front, the Sligachan hotel has served mountaineers, walkers and lovers of the wild Highland scenery since 1830. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryer. WiFi is available in a designated room.
We take a short ferry crossing to the Isle of Raasay where we follow a sometimes boggy path up to the distinctive summit of Dun Caan at 1,450 ft (443m) the highest point on Raasay. From here 360º panoramas give us views to the Cuillin, and to the Applecross and Torridon hills on the mainland.
9 miles (14.5 km) with 1,700 feet (525m) of ascent.
Sligachan Hotel, Sligachan, Isle of Skye - Hebridean Hopscotch
Nestled amongst the red and black Cuillins, with the sparkling waters of Loch Sligachan to its front, the Sligachan hotel has served mountaineers, walkers and lovers of the wild Highland scenery since 1830. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryer. WiFi is available in a designated room.
We join a short cruise from Elgol to Loch Coruisk where we are almost certain to see seals. Leaving the boat we cross the river on stepping stones and ascend to the saddle below Sgurr Hain for fantastic views across to the Cuillins. From here we descend Glen Sligachan for a well-deserved wee dram. An alternative walk will be taken if the weather is too poor for the boat from Elgol to run.
7½ miles (12km) with 1,350 feet (410m) of ascent.
Sligachan Hotel, Sligachan, Isle of Skye - Hebridean Hopscotch
Nestled amongst the red and black Cuillins, with the sparkling waters of Loch Sligachan to its front, the Sligachan hotel has served mountaineers, walkers and lovers of the wild Highland scenery since 1830. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryer. WiFi is available in a designated room.
Our final walk on Skye is amidst the eerie pinnacles of the Quiraing. This supernatural landscape is often used in films, and we make the classic circuit through the geological giants of "The Needle", "The Table" and "The Prison". In the afternoon the ferry takes us to North Uist.
3 miles (5km) with 1,250 feet (380m) of ascent.
Borrodale Hotel, Daliburgh, South Uist - Hebridean Hopscotch
The Borrodale Hotel is set in the peaceful crofting community of Daliburgh on the Isle of South Uist. Less than a mile beyond the hotel, the Atlantic Ocean laps lengths of white sand strewn beaches. The Borrodale Hotel has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and true Island hospitality. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, TV and radio, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, iron and WiFi. Drying facilities are available.
We walk from the hotel out to the beach, and then follow the coast southwards, sometimes by the beach, sometimes on the machair, the fertile grassland so distinctive of these islands. Our walk ends at the Pollachar Inn where we can enjoy a dram and savour the scent of a peat fire.
8 miles (12.5km) with negligible ascent.
Borrodale Hotel, Daliburgh, South Uist - Hebridean Hopscotch
The Borrodale Hotel is set in the peaceful crofting community of Daliburgh on the Isle of South Uist. Less than a mile beyond the hotel, the Atlantic Ocean laps lengths of white sand strewn beaches. The Borrodale Hotel has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and true Island hospitality. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, TV and radio, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, iron and WiFi. Drying facilities are available.
Island hopping again, to Eriskay and on to Barra, recently voted 'Britain's most beautiful isle'. From here we visit Vatersay, the southernmost of the inhabited Western Isles, with its fascinating history.
4½ miles (7km) with 460 feet (140m) of ascent.
Castlebay Hotel, Isle of Barra - Hebridean Hopscotch
Built in 1880 and overlooking Kisimul Castle and Vatersay, the Castlebay Hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Castlebay Barra Ferry Terminal. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, TV and WiFi. An iron and both drying and laundry facilities are also available.
We start our walk from Barra's tiny airport and explore the north of the island, taking in cockle shell beaches, fine views, and the medieval church of Cille Bharra. In the afternoon there is an option to climb Heaval, at 383m the highest point on Barra.
8 miles (13km) with 750 feet (230m) of ascent, plus for Heaval 2½ miles (4.5 km) with 900 feet (275m) of ascent.
Castlebay Hotel, Isle of Barra - Hebridean Hopscotch
Built in 1880 and overlooking Kisimul Castle and Vatersay, the Castlebay Hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Castlebay Barra Ferry Terminal. Rooms include tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, TV and WiFi. An iron and both drying and laundry facilities are also available.
Choose a scenic ferry journey to Oban or a dramatic flight from Barra airport’s unique runway on the beach to start your journey home.
What to Bring
Essential Equipment
To enjoy walking/hiking comfortably and safely, footwear, clothing and equipment needs to be suitable for the conditions. Safety and comfort are our priorities, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.
- Footwear with a good grip on the sole (e.g.Vibram sole) is the key to avoiding accidents
- Walking/hiking boots providing ankle support and good grip are recommended (ideally worn in), and specialist walking socks to avoid blisters. Trekking/approach shoes are not recommended for this trek
- Sturdy sandals for any river and stream crossings. This is most relevant to the June departure
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed, are better than a single layer (include spares)
- Fabrics (lightweight and fast drying) designed for the outdoors are recommended
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof over trousers
- Warm hat and gloves. Gaiters are an optional but useful extra
- Denim jeans and capes are not suitable on any walks
- 35-40 litre rucksack with a waterproof liner
- Water bottle (at least 1.5-2 litres)
- Spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar
- Small torch
- First aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed)
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles are useful, particularly for descents and for crossing streams and snow patches
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Camera
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability and prices are subject to change.
Non-member associate fee: £10 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Version | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||||
| 04 May - 11 May | 2019 Itinerary | £1,349 £1,299 | Save £50 Per Person | Book Now | |
| 25 May - 01 Jun | 2019 Itinerary | £1,349 £1,299 | Save £50 Per Person | Book Now | |
| 15 Jun - 22 Jun | 2019 Itinerary | £1,349 £1,299 | Save £50 Per Person | Book Now | |
| 21 Sep - 28 Sep | 2019 Itinerary | £1,349 £1,299 | Save £50 Per Person | Book Now | |
7 nights from £1,349pp £1,299pp
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