Ffestiniog Travel

Monday 3 June to Thursday 13 June 2013

Monday 10 June to Thursday 20 June 2013

The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands bordering the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Their history and location captivates senses and imagination and ensures a breathtaking holiday. An eclectic mix of the very best railway and coastal scenery.

Day 1   Arrival

Meet in Glasgow at the Grand Central Hotel, in time for our welcome dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2   Over the Moors to Fort William

Depart Glasgow Queen Street this morning for the West Highland scenic route over Rannoch Moor to Fort William, arriving lunchtime for a 2-night stay. The afternoon is free to explore.

Day 3   The 'Jacobite' Steam Train to Mallaig

This is a day to savour as we make a full return journey on the famous ‘Jacobite’ steam train. Described as one of the great rail journeys of the world, the 84 mile round trip includes some of the most spectacular scenery this country has to offer. Time for lunch at the fishing village of Mallaig before returning to Fort William.

Day 4   Across the "Sea of the Hebrides"

Departing by road we follow the shore of Loch Linnhe and the former Caledonian Ballachulish branch line to Oban, arriving mid-morning. We continue on the ferry to Lochboisdale sailing to the Isle of South Uist for a 2-night stay. Dinner will be taken on the ferry (included).

Day 5   The Isle of Barra

A day excursion via the Eriskay ferry, fabled in the tales of “Whiskey galore”, to the Isle of Barra. Sights include the standing stone at Brevig, the island castle of Kismul, home to the Macneil Clan and the Dualchas Heritage Centre. We return via the western shore route, viewing the outstanding dunes at Allasdale.

Day 6   Across Uist to the Isle of Lewis

A scenic drive across both Uist islands to Berneray for the ferry crossing to Leverburgh and on to the island of Harris and Lewis, making stops en route at various vantage points. Time at Lochmaddy, the major settlement on North Uist, for lunch, before continuing to Carloway for a 2-night stay.

Day 7   The West of Lewis

A full day’s tour of the western shoreline of Lewis. En route we will visit the stunningly atmospheric fortified Broch at Carloway, the 5000 year old stone circle and burial cairn at Steinacleit, and the traditional thatched house at Arnol. Return via Stornoway, the island’s capital.

Day 8   Onward to Skye

A tour to the Point of Aird promontory, via the iron-age standing stones at Callanish. Afternoon drive to Tarbert for the ferry to Uig, on the Isle of Skye. Continue to Portree for an overnight stay.

Day 9   The Magical Railway from Skye to Inverness

A morning visit to the renowned Dunvegan Castle. Onward to Kyle of Lochalsh for the train over the majestic ‘Kyle line’ to Inverness for a 2-night stay.

Day 10   Dufftown Railway and Glenfiddich Distillery

Day trip to Keith, where we join our own chartered train along the heritage ‘Keith and Dufftown’ Railway. Real sustenance awaits at Dufftown, as there will be an optional visit to the local Glenfiddich distillery.

Day 11   Homeward bound

Our route home is via the mainline of the ex Highland Railway, taking in the renowned summits of Slochd and Druimuachdar, arriving Edinburgh at lunchtime.