Lewis & Harris Guided Walking with Sightseeing

2027 dates available Early Booking Offer

7 nights accommodation

Availability Sep 2026, Jun-Sep 2027

2 Itineraries available

Full Board

Grades 3 details

240kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£2,289

pp

Inc flights

Members From

£2,259

pp

Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Located off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris form the main island in the Outer Hebrides. Technically one landmass divided into two islands, there’s plenty here to impress: lunar-like landscapes, wild mountains, white beaches, turquoise waters, and a unique Gaelic culture. This holiday highlights some of the sightseeing greats such as the mystical Callanish Standing Stones, the dramatic Butt of Lewis, and the stunning Luskentyre Beach.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
The Dunan Hotel in Carloway, just over 30 minutes drive from Stornoway, offers comfortable accommodation in a spectacular setting. Formerly Doune Braes Hotel, the Dunan Hotel was taken over in late 2025 by Douglas and Gregor, who have lovingly renovated the rooms in preparation for the 2026 summer season.  Accommodation choice is limited in this area, and we feel this is the best option for our groups, thanks to the fantastic hospitality that HF guests receive here. All rooms have TV, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms are tight on space, but the superb location of the hotel more than makes up for this. Drying facilities and Wi-Fi are available at the hotel too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Walking grades and options

Harris and Lewis is graded 3, with most walks/hikes on paths, although these can be faint, rough, boggy and rocky at times. Ascents and descents are generally fairly gradual with only a few steep sections. Weather can be unpredictable. Good walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers and warm layers including hat and gloves are essential. Walking poles are useful on rough ground. You will require a good level of fitness as you will be walking every day. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant fitness and equipment required to join this holiday. A sustained effort is required to complete each walk and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out. Some sections of the walk are across remote country and the terrain can be rough underfoot in places. Please be sure you can manage the mileage and ascent detailed in the daily itineraries. Each walking day on this holiday will vary between approximately 6 and 7 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace. It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some on hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina. 

Your fitness

Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge:

  • Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before your holiday
  • Build your distance gradually and get a number of 6-8hr hill days in
  • Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
  • Take the stairs every time
  • Train on different terrain
  • Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensure they're well worn in before your holiday
  • Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which will build your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
  • Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

What You’ll Love

  • Admiring the Neolithic standing stones at Callanish 
  • Visiting the beautiful island of Great Bernera 
  • Walking the wild and remote Harris Walkway to Tarbert 
  • Relaxing on sparkling white sands at Luskentyre Beach 
  • Marvelling at the 18th century Eilean Glas Lighthouse 
  • Soaking up views down to lochs and coastal inlets
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people) 

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s) 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 
  • Luggage transfers
  • Return flights including hold baggage and airport transfers

Reviews


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Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Island Hopping

If booked on our ‘with flight’ package, we'll transfer you from Stornoway Airport to the Doune Braes Hotel. For those arriving independently, our HF walks leader will be at reception at 6:30pm, when we'll gather to give you a warm welcome and explain the plan of action before dinner.

After visiting the famous Callanish Stones, we cross the Bridge Over the Atlantic to the island of Great Bernera on the west coast of Lewis, and follow the Great Bernera trail up the west side of the island to the magnificent beach of Bostadh and its iron age village. We are then transferred to Dun Carloway Broch for a short walk back to the hotel on old paths past inland lochs. 

7 miles (11.5 km) with 820 feet (250m) of ascent.

Follow the spectacular coastline around the Butt of Lewis from Dail to Port Nis, with magnificent cliffs and the stunning Eoropie beach. Cross the foot bridge to the historic sea stack of Dun Eistean, and visit Port Nis, home of the guga hunters.

9 miles (14.5 km) with 600 feet (185m) of ascent.

We start with a visit to the restored blackhouse crofing village of Na Gearrannan, then after transferring our luggage to the Harris Hotel in Tarbert, we explore the island of Scalpay, now joined to Harris by a bridge. We pass tranquil lochs and climb to the highest point on the island with excellent views on a clear day, before visiting the impressive Eilean Glas lighthouse.

4.5 miles (7 km) with 600 feet (180m) of ascent.

The Harris Walkway was opened in 2001 and links a series of old paths to make a route of 20 miles across Harris. We walk the wild northern section from Scaladal to Tarbert, alongside several lochs, and with excellent views of the Clisham Horseshoe. At the highest point of the pass we detour to climb the small hill of Cleit Aird with stunning views down Loch Seaforth.

9 miles (14.5 km) with 1,540 feet (470m) of ascent.

Starting from the road end, we re-join the Harris Walkway at Greosabhagh and follow old paths across the rocky undulating landscape of the Bays district before joining an old coffin route which crosses a low pass to reach the machair at Seilebost, overlooking the famous Luskentyre sands.

7½ miles (12 km) with 1,035 feet (315m) of ascent.

Out on the Huisinis Peninsula to the north-west of Tarbert we follow a spectacular path along the sea cliffs to the secluded sweep of Mheilein beach overlooking Scarp. After a short ascent of the top of Meilein we descend to the magical Crabhadail beach. From here we follow the shore of an inland loch then ascend to meet our outward path.

5.5 miles (8.5 km) with 1,065 feet (325m) of ascent.

We will transfer those booked on our ‘with flight’ package back to Stornoway airport.

Fully Escorted Tour

On our Fully Escorted departures, your HF Holidays leader will meet you at the airport prior to your flight and will travel with you to your hotel ready to start your holiday. 

Please meet your HF Holidays Leader 2 hours 30 minutes before your flight departure Glasgow Airport: 

Group Meeting Point - Central Check-in-Hall, under the flight information display boards. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. 

Your HF Holidays Leader will then travel with you to the hotel, helping you settle in and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your holiday.  

After visiting the famous Callanish Stones, we cross the Bridge Over the Atlantic to the island of Great Bernera on the west coast of Lewis, and follow the Great Bernera trail up the west side of the island to the magnificent beach of Bostadh and its iron age village. We are then transferred to Dun Carloway Broch for a short walk back to the hotel on old paths past inland lochs. 

7 miles (11.5 km) with 820 feet (250m) of ascent.

Follow the spectacular coastline around the Butt of Lewis from Dail to Port Nis, with magnificent cliffs and the stunning Eoropie beach. Cross the foot bridge to the historic sea stack of Dun Eistean, and visit Port Nis, home of the guga hunters.

9 miles (14.5 km) with 600 feet (185m) of ascent.

We start with a visit to the restored blackhouse crofing village of Na Gearrannan, then after transferring our luggage to the Harris Hotel in Tarbert, we explore the island of Scalpay, now joined to Harris by a bridge. We pass tranquil lochs and climb to the highest point on the island with excellent views on a clear day, before visiting the impressive Eilean Glas lighthouse.

4.5 miles (7 km) with 600 feet (180m) of ascent.

The Harris Walkway was opened in 2001 and links a series of old paths to make a route of 20 miles across Harris. We walk the wild northern section from Scaladal to Tarbert, alongside several lochs, and with excellent views of the Clisham Horseshoe. At the highest point of the pass we detour to climb the small hill of Cleit Aird with stunning views down Loch Seaforth.

9 miles (14.5 km) with 1,540 feet (470m) of ascent.

Starting from the road end, we re-join the Harris Walkway at Greosabhagh and follow old paths across the rocky undulating landscape of the Bays district before joining an old coffin route which crosses a low pass to reach the machair at Seilebost, overlooking the famous Luskentyre sands.

7½ miles (12 km) with 1,035 feet (315m) of ascent.

Out on the Huisinis Peninsula to the north-west of Tarbert we follow a spectacular path along the sea cliffs to the secluded sweep of Mheilein beach overlooking Scarp. After a short ascent of the top of Meilein we descend to the magical Crabhadail beach. From here we follow the shore of an inland loch then ascend to meet our outward path.

5.5 miles (8.5 km) with 1,065 feet (325m) of ascent.

We will transfer those booked on our ‘with flight’ package back to Stornoway airport.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

The Dunan Hotel , Carloway, Lewis - Days 1-3

The Dunan Hotel in Carloway, just over 30 minutes drive from Stornoway, offers comfortable accommodation in a spectacular setting. Formerly Doune Braes Hotel, the Dunan Hotel was taken over in late 2025 by Douglas and Gregor, who have lovingly renovated the rooms in preparation for the 2026 summer season.  Accommodation choice is limited in this area, and we feel this is the best option for our groups, thanks to the fantastic hospitality that HF guests receive here. All rooms have TV, hairdryer, and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms are tight on space, but the superb location of the hotel more than makes up for this. Drying facilities and Wi-Fi are available at the hotel too. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Harris Hotel, Tarbert - Harris - Days 4-7

A warm welcome awaits you at the Harris Hotel, which has been family owned and run for over 100 years. It offers traditional island hospitality and a relaxing atmosphere. The 22 en-suite bedrooms are a mix of modern style and a more traditional feel. All rooms have flat-screen televisions, hair dryers and hot drinks tray.  There are two lounges over-looking the front garden, a television lounge and a small library for guests to use. The cosy residents bar has the largest selection of malts in the Outer Hebrides, stocking over 100 varieties! Free WiFi connection is available throughout the hotel.

More Information

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 240kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & availability

Lewis & Harris Guided Walking with Sightseeing

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

14 Sep - 21 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

21 Sep - 28 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

7 Jun - 14 Jun 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,399 £2,349

£2,179 £2,129

pp

Members

£2,369 £2,319

£2,149 £2,099

pp
Single rooms

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

12 Jul - 19 Jul 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,449 £2,399

£2,229 £2,179

pp

Members

£2,419 £2,369

£2,199 £2,149

pp
Single rooms

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

16 Aug - 23 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,509 £2,459

£2,229 £2,179

pp

Members

£2,479 £2,429

£2,199 £2,149

pp
Single rooms

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

20 Sep - 27 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,449 £2,399

£2,229 £2,179

pp

Members

£2,419 £2,369

£2,199 £2,149

pp
Single rooms
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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