Venture across the Outer Hebrides, exploring wildlife and ancient history in the company of two experts
Visit prehistoric sites including the Neolithic chambered cairn of Barpa Langass on North Uist and the Clach Steineagaidh standing stone on Harris
Search for birdlife at the RSPB reserves of Loch na Muilne and Balranald
“The differing interests of the two Tour Directors made for a stimulating and fascinating week”
- ACE customer on a previous tour to the Hebrides led by Andrew Wilson and Peter Exley
Strung out in a rugged arc off the north-western seaboard of Scotland, the Outer Hebrides are Britain’s final flourish as it splinters into the Atlantic. This tour will journey across the islands on an exploration of their breathtaking natural history and ancient heritage.
We will journey through remote crofting settlements and traverse a rocky, sometimes mountainous landscape, all the while keeping an eye out for the islands’ abundant wildlife, which includes otters, seals, eagles, divers, and delighting in the beautiful wildflower-strewn machair.
The history of the islands is as intriguing as its landscape: Lewis, the largest island, hosts such sites as Dun Carloway broch, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Scottish defensive tower; while North Uist, a patchwork of moors and lochans, contains prehistoric monuments such as the Barpa Langass cairn and Langais stone circle. It is also home to the Balranald RSPB reserve, where we will enjoy a walk out to the machair and around the bay.
Our tour will offer a fantastic opportunity to explore this wild and ancient place, forming a lasting impression of a kaleidoscope of heather moorlands, lofty mountains and untouched beaches.
We begin with a night on the Isle of Skye at the Kings Arms Hotel in the pretty village of Kyleakin, overlooking the Kyle of Lochalsh to mainland Scotland. We then continue to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris for two nights at the comfortable Hotel Hebrides, followed by three nights at the family-run Lochboisdale Hotel on South Uist. Our tour concludes with an overnight stay at the Oban Bay Hotel, a smart and traditional hotel located on the edge of Oban’s picturesque Esplanade, in readiness for our return to Glasgow. All hotels are of a three or four-star quality.
This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, a specialist in archaeology and ancient history, and Peter Exley, BSc, a conservationist and ornithologist. Born and brought up in Scotland, Andrew is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, as well as a member of the Hadrianic Society and the Pictish Arts Society. Peter works for the RSPB, having previously held posts with BirdLife International and the Albatross Task Force.
8
£2695
WAHB-24
Only twin rooms remaining - please call the office on 01223 841055 to discuss.
Included: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, seven breakfasts, one light lunch, seven dinners (one on board ferry on day 2 & one light) with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £525 (different room types may incur additional costs).
