hebridean hopscotch
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
All of our advisors live locally, know the islands, and are ready to share their expertise with you,
to ensure you enjoy the holiday you deserve.
Discover the magical, mysteriousHebridean islands, an area of greatcontrast, perched right at the very
edge of Europe - next stop, America!
Find vast tracts of moorland, some virtuallyunvisited and occupied only by flora and fauna,thousands of freshwater lochs and lochans, andmile after mile of soft shell-sand beaches, wheretropical plants and seeds are often washedashore by the Gulf Stream.
Wide open space is everywhere, so it’s hardlysurprising that most visitors come to find peaceand quiet. Some arrive in the hope of seeingrare and wonderful creatures at close hand - sea
eagles, otters, corncrakes, whales, puffins ordolphins, while others are content to sit on adeserted beach, with a good book to read.
So much space also means those seeking ahigher energy holiday need not disturb you.
They will not be disappointed, either, withkayaking through silent waters or cycling theislands’ tracks and quiet roads. Or, perhaps,experiencing some of the most consistent surfin Europe; climbing sea-stacks or kite surfingand land-sailing.
Whatever your interests,we bring you aconvenient, high quality and good value formoney opportunity to experience the Hebrides
at first hand.
All of our advisors live locally, know the islands,and are ready to share their expertise with you,to ensure you enjoy the holiday you deserve.
Every hotel, inn and guest house in thisbrochure has been selected because we believeyou will be well looked after by the owners ormanagers and staff - in the true tradition ofHebridean hospitality.
Our holiday itineraries are foundation stones onwhich we can build your own holidayprogramme - personal to you and designed tofit your wishes.
We’ll book all your accommodation for you, yourferries, air travel if required, and even help youfind a programme of activities.
If you want your holiday to include a hire-car ora rental bicycle (even electric-assisted) we canhelp; we’ll even point you in the right directionfor the public bus network, if you wish.
What’s more, a made-to-measure holiday needcost no more than an ordinary trip. Our pricepromise guarantees it.
Explore the brochure and then visit our website atwww.hebrideanhopscotch.com,to see what we have to offer you - then call us for a no obligationquote and itinerary - you’rewelcome.
2 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 3
HISTORY AT YOURFINGERTIPS Fascinating relics are close wherever you travelin the Outer Hebrides. This is history that’s upclose and personal - you can touch, feel andvisualise the past for yourself.
There are ancient stone circles, Iron Agesettlements, chambered burial cairns andblackhouses restored to reflect the way croftersreally lived in the 1950s. Museums, large andsmall, impart the story of a population that hasbeen here for over 5,000 years.
Explore those aspects that are clearly provableand be enchanted by the stories that are full ofmystery and conjecture - formulating your ownopinions about what is real and what is legend.
ENJOY THE FRESH AIRON A BICYCLETOURING HOLIDAY Our leisurely end-to-end island cycling holidays,include fully equipped hybrid touring bikes, or,at a modest extra cost, it’s even easier with aneco-friendly electrically assisted bike.
Collect your bikes in Stornoway or Barra for aleisurely 8 night holiday, meandering around140 miles to the other end of the OuterHebrides - then leave the bikes and travel home.
Relax and enjoy the views at close quarters,following our ready made route-plans or one ofyour own.
Prices start at £499 per person (8 nights), for 2sharing in a mix of group 1 and 2accommodation - including all your ferries, bedand breakfast and bike hire (e-bikes add £18.00per night). If you prefer a shorter holiday, or tobring your own bikes, just ask and we’ll quoteyou. See pages 11, 21 and the complete detailsthat are on our web site.
Crannag, isle of Barra
Early morning light over Point Peninsula, Lewis. Harris mountains in the distance.
At Bragar, on the west coast of Lewis
A full Scottish breakfast is included each day -
with lighter alternatives also available.
Sheer relaxation
What did you enjoy most about
your holiday?
“The peace and quiet.”“The amazing wildlife andwildflowers.”“The visitor attractions, museums,etc., well laid out and informative.”“The friendliness of everyone we met.”
- Mr. T. from Worcestershire.
What did you enjoy most about
your holiday?
“The great people we met, thebreathtaking scenery and the history ofyour country.” - Mr. and Mrs K. from Canada.
“It was magical. The scenery superb.All arrangements went so well.”- Mr. and Mrs N. from Ayrshire.
YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION:All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in thisbrochure are financiallyprotected by the ATOL scheme.When you pay you will be supplied with anATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check toensure that everything you booked (flights,hotels and other services) is listed on it. Pleasesee our booking conditions on page 24 forfurther information or for more informationabout financial protection and the ATOLCertificate go to:www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate
Holidays using car/ferrytravel only are protected byTotal Payment Protection(topp) Policy cover.Please see our booking conditions on page 24for more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:ATOL and Topps protection does not replacepersonal holiday travel insurance, which werecommend to cover losses due to missedconnections, weather interruptions or inability totake your holiday because of illness, etc.
Many bank and credit card accounts includeholiday insurance, so it may be worth checkingbefore you buy elsewhere. Check in the small printthat weather delays are covered.
OUR ADVISORS KNOWWHAT HOLIDAYS HEREARE REALLY LIKE All our staff actually live in the Outer Hebrides, so
our intimate knowledge of the islands means
we’re well placed to suggest places to go, things
to do and sights to see.
Our advisors continually increase their local
knowledge, to have the information you ask for.
Whether you want to know about fitting
accommodation around a trip to St. Kilda or
where to find the Outer Hebrides’ only whisky
distillery, we can help.
SOMETHING SPECIALFollowing another successful year with the SelectCollection, we continue to offer a limited numberof holidays based in accommodation that weregard as extra special - for a complete itinerary oran add on to a more modest holiday.
The accommodation may be more luxurious, in aunique location or perhaps offer more facilitiesthan some of the others we list.
See page 17 for more information.
www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
CATCH THE BESTLIGHT FOR PHOTOSOFF SEASON - WITHUP TO 25% OFFSUMMER PRICES Expert photographers generally agree thatthere’s a special quality to the light here beforeand after the summer.
A number of our hosts have joined with us tooffer a full 25% off the cost of accommodation(sorry, not ferries) before 30th April and from 1st October.
By taking advantage of this great offer, youcould save enough to buy some large framedprints of your 2014 holiday photos. There aremore details on page 19 and on our web site.
To learn more, please call 0845 230 1236.
GOING TO GLASGOWIN 2014? WHY NOTEXTEND YOUR TRIP?
If you’re sepnding afew days at theCommonwealthGames, you’llalready be nearly
here, so it makes sense to visit us then.
The Outer Hebrides are just a short ‘hop’ fromGlasgow’s international airport.
Our travel advisors would be happy to organiseyour flights from Glasgow, a flydrive car, ferriesand accommodation for an unforgettable startor conclusion to your holiday of a lifetime.
With a flight into or out of Barra’s amazingairport - the only beach airport in the world thathandles scheduled flights.
Scan code for tablet or phone
Bring your own car, relax, take your time and enjoy the scenery as you sail over to our island paradise
Cut down your journey time and explore the Outer Hebrides with one of our Flydrive cars
The many improvements of recent years,have made the road to the isles a greatdeal more convenient than it once was,
and Scottish Government ferry subsidieshave made it considerably less expensive.
You could make the road journey part of yourholiday, taking time to explore other Scottishhighlights on the way - the mountains and glensof the Highlands and sea lochs of the westcoast.
Leave the motorway near Perth and follow wide,smooth trunk roads past Inverness to Ullapool.Then take a short voyage on the MV Isle ofLewis, the pride of Caledonian MacBrayne’s fleet,with observation lounge, restaurant, bar,
children’s play area - and some of the finestviews in Scotland.
Or take the scenic route to Oban or Skye andcross with another of CalMac’s large, modernships. Typically carrying more than 100 cars and600 passengers, these large, drive-on/drive-offships offer a relaxed, stress free journey. Winnersof many awards, CalMac have staff who reallycare about making your journey easy. Nocustoms, no immigration, no fuss and Sundaysailings on all the routes we use. You can visitthe restaurant or one of the bars, relax in acomfy seat or stroll on deck while amazingscenery slips past the ship.
Of course, travelling in your own car, you’ll enjoy
familiar comforts, and you can bring as muchbaggage as you like - even your mountain bikes!
Your inter-island ferry crossings are all includedin the holiday package on purpose built ferriesthat each vary widely in size and facilities, but alloffer a fascinating journey.
If you prefer to travel here by eco-friendly train,coach or bike, we can still provide just theholiday to suit you - all you need do is ask us.
Enjoy speed, comfort and convenienceon a Flybe flight, operated by Loganairdirect from Glasgow to Stornoway’s
modern air terminal or to Barra - the world’sonly airport operating scheduled flights onbeach runways. Flybe also provides flights toStornoway from Edinburgh or Inverness
Compared to a road and ferry journey, you’llsave time getting here and you’ll be ready tostart exploring, as soon as you arrive.
‘Flydrive’ island hopping holidays start onThursdays and after collecting your hire carfrom our Stornoway office (airport transferincluded), or from our Barra representative, you’llbe on the road without undue delay.
Subject to satisfactory completion of the hiredocuments, fully comprehensive insurancecovers UK/EU drivers between 21 and 75. Olderor non-EU drivers may be insured without extracost, after approval is received from our insurers.
Our own small fleet of cars (usually Ford Focus,or similar size) is reserved for 5 to 7 night ‘IslandHopper’ holidays, available from mid-April tomid-October.
A picnic hamper (with cutlery, crockery, linenand a flask) is provided in your car so you’ll haveall the equipment you need for en route snackswhile touring the islands. We’ve evenremembered to include a rug to sit on, a map,binoculars and a large umbrella.
‘Weekender’ air holidays normally include abudget price car from a reputable local hirefleet, though you can upgrade for a modestcharge.
As all our holidays are ‘made-to-measure’ we canoffer any combination of air or sea travel,accommodation and transport, from a singlecentre holiday to the full island hoppingexperience, that’s essential to really appreciatethe Outer Hebrides.
Throughout your stay, our locally resident teamis just a phone call away, ready to offer anyadvice or assistance you may want.
We suggest you use the internet to book bestvalue connecting flights to Glasgow/ Edinburgh.
4 TRAVELLING BY FERRY TRAVELLING BY AIR 5
Cruise to the isles Land on the beach
Your Financial Protection:
All the flights and flight-inclusive
holidays in this brochure are financially
protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay
you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate.
Please ask for it and check to ensure that
everything you booked (flights, hotels and other
services) is listed on it.
Please see our booking conditions on page 24 for
further information or for more information
about financial protection and the ATOL
Certificate go to:
www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate
MV Loch Bhrusda, sails between
Barra and Eriskay
Helpful, friendly staff
MV Eilean Leodhais (Isle of Lewis), arrives
into Stornoway harbour on a crisp winter day.
A Loganair Twin Otter arrives at Barra Beach Airport
Flydrive cars are mid-size,
typically Ford Focus or similar.
Local service bus between
Stornoway and Tarbert
Fully equipped for a picnic
Beach runway
What did you enjoy most about
your holiday?
“Beautiful scenery, wildlife, birdlife,fantastic wild flowers on the machair,great hospitality, magnificentphotography giving treasuredmemories.2nd visit in 3 years!.”
- Mr. W. J. from Cumbria.
www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
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The “Hebridean Bus Ride” is a five night holiday
beginning in Ullapool and ending in Oban (or
vice-versa). It’s perfect for ‘non-motorists’ to
tour Barra, the Uists, Harris and Lewis - we book
your accommodation, supply ferry tickets and
even a bus timetable so there’s no complicated
planning for you to bother with.
It’s easy to take a train or coach to Inverness or
Oban - see firstscotrail.com, citylink.co.uk, or
megabus.com. A Citylink coach, between
Inverness and Ullapool, connects to the ferry.
If you’re over 60 and reside in Scotland, all your
bus and coach journeys may be free!
No car? Prefer not to fly? Come as a foot passenger.
Holiday Main LowPrice
BUS23
5 Nights B & B B & B
£ £
Group 1 319 269
Group 2 369 339
Group 3 439 379
Group 4 479 389
Group 5 499 439
Extra nights - see panel on page 21
Dinner prices - see property pages 13-17
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/13 - 30/04/14 01/10/14 to 30/04/15
PricesFrom £269
Holidays using car/ferry travelonly are protected by our TotalPayment Protection (topp)
Policy cover. Please see our booking conditionson page 24 for more information.
Enchanting Lewis and Harris...real-life experiences of a couple, travelling
on their journeys through the Outer Hebrides
Although Lewis is the most populated ofthe islands, it’s still seems very quiet -perhaps because there is so much
space over which the population is scattered.
On our first visit, we landed in Stornoway, themain point of entry to the Outer Hebrides, andwere fascinated by the diverse range of shopsand businesses that serve local and touristneeds. Local art and crafts are very much inevidence; there are independently ownedspeciality shops, wonderful restaurants, teashops, a couple of supermarkets and hardly a‘tartan-tat’ souvenir in sight.
A visit to the Museum nan Eilean taught usabout the island peoples’ way of life through
history right up to modern times. At thecontemporary arts centre, An Lanntair, weenjoyed a spectacular ballet performance. Theyhost regular exhibitions, film, drama and musicproductions. It also has a great view of the portarea from its coffee bar.
Around Lews Castle, we explored miles ofpaths, first around the natural harbour, thenamong broad leaved trees and Sitka pines thattower beside the River Creed as it tumbles downa steep valley to the sea.
Ronnie regaled us with local stories at the LewisLoom Centre, where he sells all manner ofHarris Tweed items and has many artefacts todo with the craft of tweed making. Many of the
town’s houses are fronted by original Victorianrailings - reckoned to be the most intactcollection in the UK.
Travelling a few miles in any direction fromStornoway there are many treasures.
Close to the lighthouse at Tiumpan Head on theEye Peninsula (Point), you can view seabirdcolonies and migrating birds on passage - wesaw a pod of whales there one calm day.
From the island’s main circular route, there’s adiversion along the coastal road to Uig, througha rocky and rugged area where there’s a fairchance of glimpsing red deer, plus golden oreven sea eagles. On Bernera, cross ‘the bridgeover the Atlantic’ to find a re-created iron agefort at Bosta, dominating the sandy beach.
From Meavaig, I took a pre-booked (andabsolutely unforgettable) visit to St Kilda withSeatrek while my wife spent a day amusingherself on Lewis. They also run shorter localboat trips, viewing the coast and sea-life - itpays to book ahead for all their trips. A coupleof miles further and you’ll discover the amazingtwo square kilometres of Ardroil beach - on itsown, well worth the journey.
Just beyond the beach, the recently openedAbhainn Dearg is the only whisky distillery onLewis - the first legal distiller for over 100 years.
Back on the circular route is one of our favouritehistorical sites. The 5000 year old stone circlesof Callanish are smaller than Stonehenge, butare much more accessible - free entry, too!
After visiting the ancient Carloway Broch, alittle further along, we passed through Carloway,and noticed a sign inviting a visit to a weaver,who was happy to demonstrate his craft andoffer Harris Tweed cloth for sale. Look out forsuch signs as there are a number of weaverswho welcome visitors.
Just up the road from Carloway, at the restoredblackhouse village of Gearrannan - the interiorof one house is set around 1950 and gave us afascinating glimpse into island life at that time.
A mile or two beyond Carloway, Dail Mòr andDail Beag beaches are highly recommended forvisits - the entire coastline is a joy for climbers,walkers and those who just sit and watch.
The Morven Gallery, at Barvas, has an excellentselection of art for sale and we found the teashop made a welcome break.
Another detour off the circular journey led toPort of Ness, home to several craftspeopleincluding Anthony Barber, an artist whocaptures Hebridean moods very well. A roadout of the village leads to the Butt of Lewis, theextreme north-west point of Lewis, where hugeseas frequently batter the cliffs beneath thelighthouse. Large numbers of seabirds areoften seen here and the bird hide at LochStiapabhat is worth visiting.
On the return to Stornoway, when reaching thetown’s outskirts, another road leads past themore sheltered, sandy beaches of Broad Bay tothe hilltop village of Tolsta. We drove up pastthe village and continued around the cliffs toTràigh Ghearadha beach and the long expanseof its neighbour, Tràigh Mhòr.
Southward from Stornoway, we meanderedacross rolling moorland and past many smalllochs (lochans), to reach Harris and the pass overthe majestic Clisham mountain range afterabout 25 miles. On the way, we turned to theeast of the main road for a while, into an areaknown as Pairc - good birdwatchingcountryside, where it’s sometimes possible to
see eagles and other raptors.
Harris is an island of contrasting scenery – withmoonscape features of ancient, glacier scouredmountains in the north, giving way to richmachair and stunning, golden sandy beachesthat stretch for miles on the Atlantic west coast.
Having crossed the Clisham on the wide,smooth, double track mountain pass (whichaffords amazing panoramic views), we turnedright on a single track road and followed thedramatic North Harris coastline. As well asglimpses of Taransay and other islands in thewestern approaches to Tarbert, we wererewarded with distant views of an eaglesoaring. This road passes through the gardensof Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, before reaching thehamlet of Huisinis, with a superb beach andviews over the machair to the island of Scarp.
At the township of Tarbert, ‘capital’ of Harris(boarding point for the Isle of Skye ferry service),we found useful shops, parking and a choice ofeating places. If you miss old fashioned ‘selleverything’ ironmongers, Tarbert Stores is anabsolute treat!
After climbing southward for about four milesout of Tarbert, the west coast was laid out beforeus, like a three-dimensional map, as wedescended towards the expanse of sand that isLuskentyre. Even at high tide, much of the sandis only covered to a shallow depth.
A right turn at the bus shelter brought us toLuskentyre (Losgantair). One of Harris’s bestknown weavers, Donald John Mackay is based inthe village, at Luskentyre Harris Tweed. Heeven makes tweed for Nike.
From a parking area beside the cemetery, weaccessed Luskentyre beach, considered bysome to be the best in the Outer Hebrides andan absolute must for every visitor.
More magnificent beaches line the road southto Leverburgh and there were ample parking
places to stop and explore. The Harris Golf Cluboccupies machair and moorland at Scarista,overlooking the Atlantic - just put your £20(2012 rate) in the box and play.
Artist, David Miles, has a studio in Scarista,where you can view or buy oils andwatercolours.
Northton village, on the outskirts of Leverburgh,is home to Seallam, a visitor centre where youcan learn more about island communities, aswell as tracing local genealogy.
Leverburgh itself offers a couple of shops, bikehire, plus a café at the departure point for theferry to Berneray and the Uists. The harbour isalso a base for boat trips to St Kilda, operatedby Kilda Cruises and Sea Harris.
Beyond Leverburgh, is an architectural andhistorical gem, St. Clement’s Church at Rodel.The Church was built around 1500 by theMacleods of Dunvegan and Harris and we werefascinated by the tombs, carvings and windows.
From Rodel, we travelled north back up the eastcoast ‘Golden Road’, via the delightful villagesset amongst the rocky inlets of the Bays area ofthe east coast, such as Ardvey and Flodabay.They are in deep contrast with the sandy shoresand machair of the west coast.
There are lots of twists and turns and short upsand downs - with a whole series of tinysettlements and natural harbours.
A fair number of craft and art outlets are to befound along this road, including the Skoon ArtCafe at Geocrab. Willie Fulton is a respectedartist here and has a gallery at Drinishaderappointed 5 stars by VisitScotland. The Isle ofHarris Knitwear Co, at Grosebay, has a fabulousshop and showroom for high quality HarrisTweed and knitted products.
For more information about attractions andactivity providers, please see page 22.
6 LEWIS HARRIS 7
Nisabost beach on the west coast of Harris. Local monkfish and scallops
- delicious, freshly prepared food
Ancient stone circles at Callanish, Lewis
Dramatic light in Harris
Hike over remote moorlands on LewisLots of choice at the Harris Tweed Hebrides
flagship store in Stornoway
www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
Through the Uists to Barra...continuing the Outer Hebridean
experience in more southerly islands
As our ferry approached the small islandof Berneray, the northern entry pointto the Uists, we gained an immediate
impression of the island’s charm.
The village (with a convenient tea-shop) linesthe shore of a natural harbour, and there aresuperb beaches on three sides of the island,backed by machair with colourful, summerflowers. We spent quite a while here, beforecrossing the short causeway that links Bernerayto North Uist.
Causeways link all of the six islands sometimesreferred to collectively as the Uists, so therewere no more ferries to catch until we arrived inEriskay. It’s a journey that can easily be driven in
less than two hours, so a couple of days spenthere was a very leisurely exploration.
Wherever you are throughout the Hebrides,we’ve found it’s always worth turning downsmall side roads, which often lead to interestingplaces and give a real taste of local life.
To reach the main road that circles North Uist,we wound through crofting land, flanked bysmall beaches, salt marsh and rockypromontories. This is otter country, so we keptan eye on the lochans (small lakes).
In Lochmaddy, Taigh Chearsabhagh artscentre gave us an introduction to the arts,culture and heritage of the islands in astimulating environment. On the shore, just
outside the village, I was fascinated by atraditional, turf-roofed bee-hive building,constructed during 1997 and containing acamera obscura.
From Lochmaddy, it’s only a few minutes driveacross the moors past fishing lochs and peatcuttings, to join the west coast road at Clachan,where Hebridean Smokehouse sells tastysmoked salmon, trout or scallops for a luxurypicnic - with bread from the village store.
At Cladach Kirkibost, the community centre hasa modern shop and cafe- with home made soupit’s an excellent lunch stop - broadband, too.
On the west coast, which is punctuated bybeautiful, soft shell-sand beaches, the RSPBnature reserve at Balranald is a haven for allsorts of wildlife. The warden also leads a weeklyotter walk, at Langass, just east of Clachan.
We especially enjoyed our time on the shell-sand beach at Balemartin - like several otherbeach visits here, we had it completely toourselves, even on a weekday in high season.
While following the ‘committee road’ fromMalacleit back to Cladach Kirkibost, I spotted ashort-eared owl, hunting alongside the road.The Uists are renowned for for their sheervariety of wading birds and raptors.
Anglers can experience some of the bestsalmon, sea-trout and brown trout waters inEurope - while non-anglers will find it a greatplace to buy smoked salmon.
Driving southward again, we crossed moorlandto a short causeway over the shallows betweenNorth Uist and Grimsay.
At Grimsay, while taking a scenic detour ofabout 5 miles around the island, my day wasmade by the otter that strolled across theroad here, just in front of the car. It thenlingered a few moments watching us from theroadside shallows, before swimming off acrossthe loch.
The next island, Benbecula (Beinn na Faoghla), isthe commercial centre of the Uists. Balavanich,has a few shops, filling station, hospital and anairport offering services to the mainland.
Here you may try a round of golf, perhaps, orexplore the local heritage at the iron age fort atNunton Steadings. We walked some of the milesof white-sanded Atlantic beaches on the westcoast around Shell Bay and Culla Bay.
South of Benbecula, the Isle of South Uist –Uibhist a Deas - feels softer and greener thanthe islands to the north, with a central, hillyspine. The west coast has an almost continuouslength of stunning light shell-sand Atlanticbeaches and flower strewn machair.
At Grogarry, we turned east into the LochDruidibeg National Nature Reserve, an area ofstriking contrasts, where the colourful flowerymachair grassland of the Atlantic coast graduallygives way to lochs and moorland, a haven forwild life. There are Eriskay ponies here and awalk to Loch Sgioport at the road end.
My favourite village in South Uist is Howmore(Tobha Mor), with its traditional thatched crofthouses, ruined churches and a beautifulbeach. The unusual village Church has acommunion table running the full length of thecentre aisle.
Kildonan has a heritage and cultural centrewith museum, craft shop and a cafe - where weenjoyed a tasty, light lunch.
Continuing along the picuresque southerncoastline, we reached Eriskay by crossing a mile-long causeway. Ablaze with wild flowers inseason this was the arrival point of BonniePrince Charlie. If you arrive well before the ferrydeparture time, enjoy a stroll or refreshment inthe Politician Inn, celebrating the SS Politician,which sank and lost its,“Whisky Galore.”
With over 1,000 species of wild flowers, Barra isknown as the garden of the Hebrides. Namedafter Barra's patron saint, Saint Finnbarr, it’s anisland paradise, measuring only around fivemiles across and eight miles long.
Travelling north from the Aird Mhor ferryterminal access road, we passed a delightful,sheltered, sandy beach at Crannag, then, besidethe extensive sands of Traigh Mhor, we joined asmall crowd gathered to watch the Glasgowflights landing and taking off on the beach.
Beyond Traigh Mhor, the tiny Church of CilleBharra was probably built around1500AD, andwithin the chapel, there’s a replica of the ancientrunic stone that stood here.
Returning to the attractive harbour village ofNorthbay, we joined a road that makes a circuitof Barra, with Castlebay (the island’s maintownship) being a similar distance either way.
Taking the western route, the road traversed thecentral high ground of Barra, passing Loch anDuin before descending gently to the other sideof the island. Off to the right, the 9 hole,hillside golf course has fantastic views overthe Atlantic coast and beaches. The rough ischallenging and the greens are fenced toprotect them from sheep.
Cliaid nestles beneath the hills, alongside adelightful beach. It’s a pleasant place to spendan hour or so, perhaps with a picnic whilewatching oystercatchers on the rocks.
At Craigston, the restored Thatched CottageMuseum (An Dubharaidh) is reached by walking
up the track from the car park at the end ofCraigston village.
The road hugs the Atlantic coastline for aroundthree miles, beside rocky shores and sandybeaches, with stunning land and seascapesawaiting you beyond each bend, beforedescending into Castlebay.
Castlebay is quite a busy little village, with amodern supermarket, bank and a fewindependent shops.
Kisimul Castle, proud home and symbol ofthe MacNeils, sits majestically on exposed rocksin the bay and is made accessible to visitors bylocal boat operators.
The local history society runs a fascinatingmuseum, Dualchas, which has a series ofcollections that document the local culture andsocial history that contribute to the changinglifestyle and landscape of Barra.
More active guests may wish to hire a bike totour the island, to harness the power of thewind in a kiting session, or paddle a kayak -there are plenty of activities available.
Continuing beyond Castlebay, the circular roadwinds around the rocky east coast throughsmall villages, some with harbours and jetties,until it arrives back in Northbay from the south.
Along the east coast, Sheila’s home-made icecream shop is great for a special treat.
The most southerly inhabited Outer Hebrideanisland, Vatersay, is accessed over a causeway. Ithas east and west beaches just yards apartand really must not be missed.
Barra people enjoy the craic - so you’ve everychance of finding an unscheduled ceilidh takingplace in an island bar. What a great way to startor finish your holiday!
For more information about attractions andactivity providers, please see page 22.
8 THE UISTS, BENBECULA, ERISKAY AND BARRA www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236 THE UISTS, BENBECULA, ERISKAY AND BARRA 9
St. Brendan’s RC Chirch at Craigston on the Isle of Barra
has a wonderful, traditional interior - a joy for photographers.
Berneray - at the north of the Uists
Perfect picnics - fresh ccoked local shellfish
from the shop at Kallin harbour
A calm day on Grimsay
Barra - Fishermen’s Mass
Howmore South Uist
...a perfect extension to your Outer Hebrides holiday
Made famous by the Skye Boat Song,this island presents some of the mostvaried landscapes in the Hebrides,
from the dominant, rugged mountain rangeof the Cuillins in the west to the green,wooded Sleat Peninsula in the south and softsand beaches on the coast.
When you add a day or two extra for yourHebridean adventure, Skye is a fascinating placeto linger, before or after an Outer Hebrideantour, using the short crossing between Uigand Tarbert (Harris) or Lochmaddy (NorthUist). We’re sure you won’t regret a stay here.
From the mainland port of Mallaig, there’s ashort, half hour ferry crossing to Armadale.Before travelling north, from the ferry turn left tovisit the village of Ardvasar and Aird of Sleat, alittle further on, where there are magnificent see
enjoy views across to the mainland. InArmadale, you might spend time at theimpressive Castle Gardens and Museum of theIsles with its visitor centre and nature trails. Orvisit the Ragamuffin designer knitwear store, bythe ferry pier.
North of Armadale, the road joins that from thebridge at Kyle of Lochalsh, an alternative route,allowing a visit to the village of Plockton,famous for TV’s Hamish Macbeth.
From Broadford you can take a 45 minute driveto Elgol, a delightful, small village with fineviews into the horseshoe of the Cuillins. Foran adventure, you can get closer on a boat trip.
Continuing north west, the A87 hugs thecoastline, with dramatic views to Scalpay on theright and the Cuillin mountains to the left.
On arrival in Sligachan, you can choose to drivedirectly north to Portree, the island ‘capital’ -or follow the more interesting west coast road.
The first major attraction on the western route isthe Talisker distillery, situated a couple ofmiles off the main road, in the village of Carbost.A small charge includes a sample and tour.
Back on the main road, about 17 miles beyondthe Carbost turning, is Dunvegan Castle, amajor highlight of Skye for many visitors. Thefamily home of the Macleod Clan Chiefs for over700 years, five of its six floors are open to view.
The gardens are a good example of what can beachieved on Skye and are especially attractivewhen the rhododendrons are in bloom.
No trip to Dunvegan is complete without a tripby boat to view the seals, a close-up experiencethat you’ll almost certainly treasure forever.
From Dunvegan to the Duirinish Peninsula, arugged area of moorland and flat-toppedmountains, leads to the Colbost croftingmuseum and the Skye Silver jewellery shop.
Onward towards Portree, turn off onto theWaternish Peninsula, along a coastal road tothe pretty village of Stein. There are good viewsover Loch Dunvegan, towards the Uists.
Portree is primarily a small town that serves thelocal population through the year, so it’s a goodopportunity to get a feel of local life.
The town’s main feature of interest to visitors isthe colourful harbour, down a short hill from thetown centre. Surrounded by brightly paintedbuildings, it is still regularly used by fishingboats, as well as pleasure craft and the lifeboat.
Just outside the town is the award winningAros Experience, with shopping for locallyproduced goods and exhibitions.
Further north lies the wonderful landscape ofthe Trotternish Peninsula; the Old Man of Storr,Lealt Falls and the rock towers of Quiraing.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoyoutdoor activities on Skye, including horseriding, hillwalking, fishing, as well as moreleisurely pursuits.
For more information about attractions andactivity providers, please see page 22.
10 SKYE
Over the sea to Skye
Chill out on a bike holiday
11
Portree Harbour
Fairy Pools
Loch Na Dah
www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
St Kilda full day tour by boat:
50 miles to the west of Harris, the spectacularcliffs and sea stacs of the archipelago arehome to the world's largest gannet colony,plus puffins, fulmars and guillemots.
St Kilda is not the name of an island, but ofthe entire small group of islands.
The main one of these is Hirta, where you willland with around 3 to 4 hours to explore thevillage and the hills around it.
The people of the island were evacuated in1930 at their own request - the populationhad decreased to an extent that they couldno longer sustain a community there.
Disturbed only by a small number of summervisitors, conservationists and a fewtemporarily resident staff at the radarstation, the islands’ natural environmentsupports sub-species found nowhere else.
St Kilda enjoys double World Heritage statusand you are sure to remember and
End-to-end cycling holidays, withincluded bike hire, allow island hoppingat a slower pace - giving many more
opportunities to enjoy the views and wildlifeof the islands.
Choose our 8 day package (page 21), collectyour bike at one end of the journey betweenBarra and Lewis, then return it at the other end.Travel may be in either direction, but we giveyou a discount for a Stornoway start.
The daily distance between overnight stops ismainly between 15 and 25 miles - so you shouldhave enough energy to explore the manyinteresting side roads to visit beaches, naturereserves and Hebridean villages.
8 days is reasonably leisurely and lets you have arest or take it a bit easier if it’s windy or wet.Should you want to make the journey in ashorter time, please feel welcome to ask one ofour advisors to prepare an itinerary for you.
We provide helmets, panniers and a mini-toolkitwith each bike. Ideally, you should travel herewith a foldable/rollable rucksack or soft bag,which you can empty into the panniers, thenattach it with bungees to the rack top. Totalcapacity of the two panniers is about 40 litres.
Most of our bikes are Edinburgh Bicycles’Revolution Pathfinders, a model we chose for itscomfort, reliability and robustness. Wide rangegears mean that you’ll be riding most hills ratherthan walking. The bikes have mudguards, rackand decent size tyres, with front suspension tohelp soak up the bumps.
Unless you’re arriving by air, we include yourferry journeys to and from the mainland, as wellas the inter-island ferries.
You'll only need to make your own travelarrangements between your home and thestart/finish ports of Oban and Ullapool. You mayfind it convenient to travel by train, with a coachmaking the link between Ullapool andInverness.
If you prefer air travel, we're happy to arrangeyour flights between Glasgow and the islandsfor you - your holiday will then include anunforgettable take-off or landing at Barra'sunique beach airport.
You might find internet bargain fares on theFlybe website, so we're happy for you to makeyour own flight booking, but please ask us tomake sure we have availability of bikes andaccommodation first.
Easy RidersIf you, or your travel partner,would like some help to makelighter work of headwinds andhills, consider one of our electric-assisted bikes (supplement payable). You stillhave to pedal but the battery-powered crank-drive motor makes the journey easy.
These bikes are pretty much as simple to ride asa conventional bicycle - after a few minutes ofusing the extra power, you’ll be confidentlyenjoying the great outdoors with less effort.
In the evening, just unclip the charger from thepannier rack and refresh the battery in youraccommodation.
Please note that the panniers that fit these bikesare a little smaller than those on the non-assisted models - we estimate about 30 litres.For extra space, you can attach your ownadditional small bag to the rack top with abungee strap.
Read more on our website.
Luggage TransferLocal taxi drivers are happy to move yourluggage for you between overnight stops,meaning that you can bring much more with youand have much less weight on your bike.
When you book, ask us for a list of taxis, thenbook your luggage transfers in advance. Onarrival at each overnight stop, you can reconfirmpick up and delivery times with the next day’sdriver.
You pay the taxis direct and should budgetaround £180 for the whole trip, depending onthe number of taxi journeys.
Hebridean RoadsYou can ride without feeling threatened on roadsthat are much quieter than on the mainland,especially when you avoid the times that peopletravel to and from their work. The ‘spine’ roadconnecting all the islands is a mix of single andtwo track width, while many side roads are singletrack with passing places.
On the single track, there’s no need to panicabout approaching drivers. Just travel slowlythrough the next passing space and they caneasily pass you by with a cheery wave.
Cycling WeatherThere is endless debate about which waycyclists should travel through the islands to takeadvantage of the wind.
Actual summer weather statistics suggest:
About 60% of the average wind directionshave some content from the south.
About 40% of the average wind directionshave some content from the north.
(For simplicity, westerly and easterly winds areassumed as half south and half north.)
As it’s impossible to forecast ahead what winddirection you’ll find here, we can’t see the pointin bothering about it. The important point toappreciate is that during the period from Aprilto September, winds are generally lighter.
During summer, we enjoy plenty of sunshine,with average temperatures mostly a little lowerthan the mainland, making cycling morecomfortable. Summer sun protection isimportant at this latitude.
The Outer Hebrides do not endure strong windsevery day of the week, even in winter. However,you should accept that you may experiencesome stormy weather, during which, just likeanywhere else in the UK, the wind or rain maybe uncomfortable for riding a bike.
On such a day, if you need to move on to yournext accommodation, we suggest you phone fora large taxi (minibus-type), load your bikes andtreat yourself to a warm, dry ride to yourdestination. Then explore locally by bike, if theweather improves.
Because the weather usually changes quitequickly in the Hebrides, there’s every chanceyou’ll be back to normal next day.
For the best chance of satisfactory cycling weatherconditions we advise that bike holidays are onlybooked from April to September inclusive.
12 HOW TO BOOK
Booking InformationA step by stepguide to planning yourHebrideanadventure
1When you have an outline idea of what you’d like to do, call one of our local
advisors on 0845 230 1236 or 01851 706611.
Talk your holiday ideas through - let us lookafter everything for you and then you canforget steps 2 to 5.
Or, if you prefer to do all or some of theplanning yourself, follow these steps.
2Firstly, decide if the Hebrides will be themain focus of your holiday, or if your visit
will be part of a wider Scottish touringholiday.
Think about the islands you’d like to visit,how you’ll travel here, activities you want tosample and how much time you’ll need to do everything you’re planning.
3Choose your path through the islands -remember, the routes and schedules we
show on pages 19 to 21 are only suggestions- feel free to plan your own itinerary, if youprefer.
When you call us, we can give you an instantholiday quote and sort out all the ferry orflight timings for you.
4Select your accommodation from anyprice group - for example, you might stay
in a small guest house by a romantic beachone night, then in a luxury hotel withinternational class restaurant the next.There’s a tremendous variety to experience -all in one holiday if you want it - you chooseand we’ll book it.
5If you wish, complete the booking enquiry
form and send it to us - but better still, call
one of our advisors on 0845 230 1236 or
01851 706611 for an immediate telephone
quotation. If you’re happy with the price and
want to go ahead, we can start your booking
and check availability for you straight away.
Remember, we’re here to help.
Perfect holidays startwith local knowledge
Booking Information
HOW TO BOOK 13
Listed in North to South order, within price groups. See www.hebrideanhopscotch.com for full property descriptions.
Blue - Group 1. Good quality bed and breakfast establishments, all with ensuite or private bath or shower.
Red - Group 2. These properties are mainly guest houses, inns or small hotels. Some are licensed and most serve evening meals.
Green - Group 3. Mostly higher standard hotels, where you can expect quality cuisine, often with creative use of local produce.
Yellow - Group 4 and Gold - Group 5. Establishments with special features that set them apart from Group 3 properties.Quality: The above groups are specific to pricing. For quality guidance, please refer to VisitScotland Star gradings which areshown as available at time of going to press and subject to change. Our holiday advisors will also be pleased to give advice.
The coloured bar alongside each property indicates location:
Please discuss any disabled facilities required with our advisors, who can design an itinerary to meet your needs.
BARRAUISTS + BENBECULASKYEHARRISLEWIS
Located facing the Callanish Stones, Leumadair is
a working croft with panoramic views. This is an
ideal location for visiting the west side of Lewis,
as well as circular tours. A twin room is suited to
wheelchair access and family rooms are also
available. Approximately 25 minutes drive from
Stornoway ferry terminal.
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IST 3 Ardnastruban House
GrimsayIsle of North Uist HS6 5HT
Owner: Margaret & Stewart Wiseman
Dinner: Local hotels/ restaurants within short driving distance.
Comfortable accommodation in a separate wing of
a modern farmhouse on a working croft, with
countryside views. You’re welcome to make friends
with the owner’s amiable turkey stag and his flock
of hens (they’re not noisy!). ‘Home grown’ pork
sausages are occasionally available at breakfast
and a hotel restaurant is within driving distance.
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T 2 Bonnieview19 CarinishIsle of North Uist HS6 5HN
Owner: Heather Morrison
Dinner: Local hotels/ restaurants within short driving distance.
Ideal for a peaceful holiday, whilst still near all the
island’s main attractions, this purpose built family
guest house has double-glazing and central heating
throughout. Comfortable residents’ lounge, dining
room and patio. Very pleasant, spacious bedrooms
have modern en-suite facilities. A ground floor
bedroom is suitable for guests with limited mobility.
BA
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A 5 Airds244 Bruernish, NorthbayIsle of Barra HS9 5UY
Owner: Sandra Macleod
Dinner: Heathbank Hotel within walking distance.
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1 Leumadair Guest House7A CallanishIsle of Lewis HS2 9DY
Owner: Donald Macleod
Dinner: Set menu £25
FREE
FREE
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With 4-star Gold award, this haven for
naturalists, overlookings the channel and
causeway joining Grimsay and Benbecula. Relax
in a pleasant lounge with panoramic views and
leather furniture. Stewart, a keen fisherman and
part time ghillie, can sometimes accompany
guests on fishing trips.
areas covered may be limited)
Ensuite or private bath and/or shower
Off-street parking
TV in guest bedrooms
Tea/coffee making
Evening meals available
Licensed
Unlicensed. Guests may bring their own alcohol for responsible consumption.Sea view (may not be from all rooms)
In scenic inland location
Freshwater fishing within 5 miles
Wireless Broadband (may be chargeable locally
Computer available for e-mail checking (may not be broadband and may be chargeable locally)
More photos and comprehensive descriptions of every accommodation at www.hebrideanhopscotch.com
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A converted radio navigation station with laid-
back atmosphere and cosy en suite bedrooms,
just across the road from Loch Stiapabhat nature
reserve. The sandy beach of Europie, the
lighthouse and cliffs at the Butt of Lewis are
nearby. Enjoy fresh local produce, home baked
artisan breads and Pete’s piano playing.
LEW
IS 6 The DeccaLionel, Ness
Isle of Lewis HS2 0XB
Owner: Peter and Louise Cooper
Dinner: Set menu £25. Also local pub and restaurant nearby.
Reading a brochure is informative, but it can’tbeat first hand experience. That’s why we have ateam of local resident advisors here in ourStornoway office, to answer your questions, helpyou plan your holiday and give you animmediate price quotation by telephone.
We know the area and the accommodationhosts, so we’re well equipped to arrange thedestinations and features you want, togetherwith a practical travel itinerary.
You’ll find suggested itineraries on the pricepages, but you’re welcome to mix and matchbetween routes and accommodation.
There’s no obligation to accept the quotation -so please feel free to talk to us, even if you’re notyet quite ready to book. We’ll also be on handduring your holiday, to offer assistance with anydetail that may make your holiday run moresmoothly.
Time out! If you have friends or relatives you want to staywith along the route, or want some dayswithout accommodation to take an extendedcruise to St Kilda, for example, that’s noproblem. Just tell our advisor and we’ll work outan itinerary to suit you.
Accommodationpricing We have grouped our accommodationaccording to price and, when you look at pages13 - 17, you’ll see colour coded pagebackgrounds to indicate the price groupings ofthe hotels, guest houses, inns and B&Bs.
Some establishments subscribe to and arequality graded by the Scottish national touristauthority, VisitScotland - their star ratings arealongside, together with their category, Bed &Breakfast, Guest House, Inn, Small Hotel or Hotel.
For an indication of individual quality, youshould refer to the VisitScotland grading or askour holiday advisor for advice.
Travel InsuranceATOL and Topps protection does not replacepersonal holiday travel insurance, which werecommend to cover losses due to missedconnections, weather interruptions or inabilityto take your holiday because of illness, etc.
Some bank and credit card accounts includeholiday insurance, so you may be coveredalready. Check that weather delays arecovered - although these are rarely significantin summer, you may wish to be insured for thecost of additional accommodation.
What does the PricePromise mean?We check prices regularly, to make sure that ourholidays are competitive, both in price andquality. Our aim is to offer you the best value for
money available. If,within 28 days of
booking yourholiday with us,you find anidentical travel
andaccommodation
package at a lower pricewith another travel operator, send us youroriginal quotation from the operator and we willmatch the price or, at our option, cancel yourbooking and refund all monies paid, allowingyou to accept the other operator’s offer.
Photo ID for air travel If you’re travelling here by air, please remember
that you will be required to show approved
photographic proof of identification when
checking in for your flight/s. Check the details
with your airline. For flights from Glasgow,
Edinburgh and Inverness to the Outer Hebrides,
the ID Requirements page is in the Check-In
section of the Flybe website.
Airline hand baggageCabin bags on Loganair/Flybe flights to the
Outer Hebrides must weigh under 6 kilos, and
not exceed dimensions of 40cm x 35cm x 18cm.
Airline hold baggageThe flight sectors operated by Loganair for Flybe
(within Scotland) include 20kg free checked
baggage allowance. Note that baggage charges
may be payable for other Flybe routes - please
check their website.
Photographer credits Additional to property and product illustrations,photos in this brochure have been supplied by:
Mike Shailes www.mikeshailes.co.uk Malcolm Macleod Abhainn Dearg WhiskyMurdo Graham Bus Loganair (Aircraft) CalMac (Ferries) Neil and Jan Buxton Cycling
Around a mile from the ferry terminal and the
small town of Lochboisdale, Brae Lea is
attractively furnished, with TV in the spacious
lounge, and offers comfortable accommodation
in a peaceful setting. There are extensive views,
drying rooms, hairdryers, good books, and
pleasant company.
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IST 4 Brae Lea House
Lasgair, LochboisdaleIsle of South Uist HS8 5TH
Owner: Patricia Murray
Dinner: Restaurants and bar meals within short drive, or walk to village.
www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
RSPB Nature walk on Lewis
FREE
A modern well maintained bungalow
overlooking the beautiful sands of Coll Bay,
about six miles from Stornoway. King (en-suite)
or twin (private bathroom). Use of fridge/freezer.
flat screen TV, DVD, stunning shore views.
Guest lounge, full Scottish or continental and
daily breakfast specials in the conservatory.
LEW
IS 7 Thirty Five35 CollIsle of Lewis HS2 0LP
Owner: Moira McKinlay
Dinner: Wide choice of restaurants in Stornoway (about 10-15 mins drive).
FREE
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Traditions run strong and a warm Island
welcome awaits you at this small hotel. Enjoy
peaceful relaxation and friendly efficient service
in tranquil surroundings. Situated in a small
crofting village in the south end of South Uist, the
Borrodale is an ideal base from which to explore.
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IST 23 Borrodale Hotel
DaliburghIsle of South Uist HS8 5SS
Manager : Sheila MacCormick
Dinner: Restaurant and bar meals.
Managed by the owners and in an area ofoutstanding natural beauty, this small, intimatehotel and restaurant has an excellent reputationfor its food. In addition to group 2 rooms,superior rooms (illustrated here) with privatedecked areas and superb sea and mountainviews are available at group 4 price - perfect forsome simple relaxation.
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IST 14 Orasay Inn
LochcarnanIsle of South Uist HS8 5PD
Owner: Isobel and Alan Graham
Dinner: £34 allowance against ALC menu
Comfortable accommodation, fine food and
spectacular surroundings. Situated beside an
inland loch, close to Carloway on the west side of
Lewis, the hotel is close to surfing beaches and
the archaeological sites of Callanish and
Carloway Broch. The location is excellent to use
as a base from which to explore Lewis and Harris.
LEW
IS 18 Doune Braes HotelCarlowayIsle of Lewis HS2 9AA
Owner: Eileen Macdonald
Dinner: Restaurant (reserve in advance) 3 courses from around £25 and bar meals.
FREE
FREE
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Family owned for 100 years, offering traditional
island hospitality, superb food and a relaxing
atmosphere. Spacious sun lounges front onto a
large garden. Extensive range of malt whiskies.
Excellent menus with seafood specialities. Within
easy walk of the small town centre and its shops.
Hotel library, health and beauty salon, guest PC.
HA
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IS 20 Harris HotelTarbertIsle of Harris HS3 3DL
Owner: Sarah Scott and Andrew Morrison
Dinner: RestaurantGroup 4 and Select Collection rooms also available.
FREE
On its own peninsula, surrounded by a salmon and
trout loch, Grimisdale is only a two minute stroll to
the post office, shop and other local amenities. The
theme throughout the guest house is definitely one
of quality and service with well appointed
accommodation and comfortable residents’ lounge.
Well situated for peaceful countryside walks.
HA
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IS 13 Grimisdale Guest HouseLeverburghIsle of Harris HS5 3TS
Owner: Farquhar Macleod
Dinner: Eat out locallywithin short driving distance.
FREE
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FREE
Breakfast and evening meals are served in the 4
star Loch Roag Guest House, 10 yards from Eshcol.
The famous Callanish Stones are only 2 miles
away. A small establishment where the emphasis
is on quality, attention to detail and warm
hospitality. All rooms are on the ground floor -
ideal for visitors who have problems with stairs.
LEW
IS 9 Eshcol Guest House21 Breasclete, CallanishIsle of Lewis HS2 9ED
Owner: Neil Macarthur
Dinner: Set menu £24(next door at Loch Roag GH)
Surrounded by croft land, the Inn occupies a
peaceful and tranquil setting. The
accommodation has recently been refurbished to
provide 5 comfortable en suite rooms, some with
views over Loch Erisort. There is a well stocked
and lively public bar. A good location for
exploration of both Lewis and Harris.
LEW
IS 11 Loch Erisort InnSheildinishIsle of Lewis HS2 9RA
Owner: Geraldine Curran
Dinner: Bar restaurant menu with dailyspecials. Around £18 - £20 for three courses.
FREE
FREE
A great team of people enjoy making guests feel
welcome at this hotel. Eleven - the unique, family
friendly cafe bar / buffet restaurant is also
popular with local residents. Clean and
comfortable en-suite bedrooms meet the
VisitScotland 2 Star Hotel standard. Just a couple
of minutes stroll from the town centre.
LEW
IS 8 Caladh InnJames Street, StornowayIsle of Lewis HS1 2QN
Manager: Christina Maciver
Dinner: Carvery/Buffet or£23 allowance from ALC.
FREE
HA
RR
IS 21 Ceol na Mara Guest House7 DirecleitIsle of Harris HS3 3DP
Owner: Marlene Mitchell
Dinner: Hotels and inn at Tarbert,about 1.5 miles.
Enjoy privacy and seclusion at this elegant,
re-furbished Hebridean house, set in 55 acres of crofting
land with spectacular views over Loch Kindebig. Choice
of three residents’ lounges. Centrally situated for
visiting Lewis and Harris, a few minutes drive from
shops, restaurants and magnificent beaches. Free
wireless broadband. STB rated 4 Star Gold.FREE
Great for birds, flowers, walking, fishing and justgetting away from it all. Lots of fresh food (setmenu) and fresh air, right beside a two milewhite sand beach. Three sitting rooms: one withTV, one with hi-fi, plus the table football/barbilliards room. There’s a walled flower garden,you can sit in, and a grass tennis court andcroquet lawn. And the wonderful Uig sands....
LEW
IS 19 Baile na Cille Guest HouseTimsgarry, UigIsle of Lewis HS2 9JD
Owner: Richard Gollin
Dinner: Set menu £30
FREE
Originally built as a mission house/churcharound the mid 1800s. Some of the cast of theclassic film, Whisky Galore, stayed here in 1948.In 1974 it was opened as a hotel and Northbayenjoyed its first licensed premises since theclosing of the old inn decades before. A recentrefurbishment has provided modern, stylishaccommodation.
BA
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A 16 Heathbank HotelBayherivagh, NorthbayIsle of Barra HS9 5YQ
Owner: Joe Macleod
Dinner: ALC menu. Bar meals.N.B. Food service ends before arrivals off late Oban ferry.
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A privately owned hotel, the Dark Island offers
extensive a la carte and table d'hote menus,
catering also for both vegetarian and other
special diets. Only the finest and freshest of
produce is used, with emphasis on local seafood,
venison and game.
Group 2 rooms also available.
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ULA 22 Dark Island Hotel
LiniclateIsle of Benbecula HS7 5PJ
Manager: Lachlan Maclean
Dinner: Restaurant and bar meals.
FREE
Ideal for touring Lewis and Harris and just 2 miles
from the Callanish Stones. Good food and
spacious dining room, with views over Loch Roag
towards the hills of Uig and Harris. Walks on
quiet roads, directly from the guest house.
Convenient for the Uig area and Seatrek’s boat
trips from Miabhaig.
LEW
IS 10 Loch Roag Guest House22a Breasclete, CallanishIsle of Lewis HS2 9EF
Owner: Donald Macarthur
Dinner: Set menu £24
FREE
Rightly known as 'Stornoway's most historic hotel'
- the Royal is right beside the marina and inner
harbour, where you can relax, enjoy the hotel's
cosy character and enjoy dining in the Boatshed
Restaurant or in HS1, the town's first cafe bar.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy the warmth of the
welcome at this hotel.
LEW
IS 17 Royal HotelCromwell Street, StornowayIsle of Lewis HS1 2DG
Manager: Alexander Macleod
Dinner: £33 allowance against ALC menu
FREE
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Sorrel Cottage is an old converted croft house
retaining many of its original features. There is a TV
lounge and cycles may be hired from the owner to
explore the beaches of the west coast. Tea/coffee
making in dining room. There’s plenty to see on local
walks, including Golden Eagles on the hill range
behind the house. Convenient for Berneray ferry.
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IS 12 Sorrel Cottage2 Glen Kyles, LeverburghIsle of Harris HS5 3TY
Owner: Paula Williams
Dinner: Set menu £27.50.Must be pre-booked.
(in dining room)
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www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
Picturesquely situated right beside the sea, this isan ideal base for touring. The bedrooms, allhaving en-suite, TV-DVD and sea views, haverecently been exceptionally well renovated.We often see otters and dolphins, as well as themagnificent views to Barra and Eriskay. Bar anda la carte menu served daily specialising in localseafood. Ferries are within 15 minutes drive.
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PolocharIsle of South Uist HS8 5TT
Owner: Morag Mackinnon
Dinner: Restaurant and bar meals.Typical 3 course meal £28 - £30
FREE
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Rightly known as 'Stornoway's finest hotel' - the4-star Cabarfeidh is a luxurious home fromhome, where you can relax in comfort. Moderncomfortable bedrooms and an excellentrestaurant are of the standard you would expectof a quality international hotel. The restauranthas been highly recommended by ‘The Scotsman’and specialises in highest quality local seafood.
LEW
IS 24 Cabarfeidh HotelManor Park, Stornoway,Isle of Lewis HS1 2EU
Manager: Tom Strathmore
Dinner: £35 allowance against ALC menu
FREE
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With views over the picturesque harbour and
beyond, the Royal Hotel is in the town centre of
Portree, a lively place with shops and music at
weekends and well placed for touring. It’s a
traditional, comfortable hotel, steeped in history,
where friendly staff will make you feel at home.
Disabled room/facilities.
SKY
E 26 Royal HotelPortreeIsle of Skye IV51 9BU
Manager: David Morton
Dinner: ALC restaurant,3 courses from around £23.
FREE NEARBY
SKY
E 25 Rosedale HotelBeaumont Crescent, PortreeIsle of Skye IV51 9DB
Owners: Paul and Allison Rouse
Dinner: Independently operatedrestaurant in hotel (reserve in advance).
This comfortable, well modernised, harbourside hotel
occupies houses originally inhabited by fishermen.
Several rooms have four posters and sea views and
all are well appointed with tasteful, contemporary
fabrics. The breakfast room shares the fantastic
view across the harbour and dolphins, otters, seals
and sea-eagles may all be seen.FREE
Hebridean Hopscotch Awards 2013
All of our 2013 guests were invited to complete a questionnaire at the end of their holidays, which assesses the quality of service and facilities offered by the accommodation providers and our own staff.
Those accommodation providers achieving a perfect 100% score were given platinum awards and the remaining first, second andthird highest points scorers in each accommodation category, hotels, small hotels/inns, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, were thenrecognised with the gold, silver and bronze awards shown above.
17
Select Collection
16
Originally opened in 1880, the expanded and
modernised hotel overlooks Castlebay and
Vatersay. Menus feature local shellfish - scallops,
crab, cockles and langoustines plus fresh fish
landed from local boats. Quality meats and
salmon from Uist also feature. Parking available
beside the hotel. Disabled suite.
BA
RR
A 33 Castlebay HotelCastlebayIsle of Barra HS9 5XD
Manager: Noel Watt
Dinner: £25 allowance against ALC menu. Bar meals available.
FREE
Superbly situated above the main village ofCastlebay, overlooking Kisimul Castle, with viewsof the bay and the islands of Vatersay, Sandray,Pabbay, Berneray and Mingulay.The menu features local produce, including 'catchof the day' - renowned for its wonderful varietyand freshness. Parking is available on levelground alongside the hotel.
BA
RR
A 28 Craigard HotelCastlebayIsle of Barra HS9 5XD
Partners: Della Laflin & Julian Capewell
Dinner: Typical 3 course ALC around £25.
5 Gold stars luxury guest house at the water'sedge with direct access to beach. With spaciousluxury bedrooms and 'designer' ensuites, guestsreceive excellent service and food (Eat ScotlandSilver Award). Comfortable, airy, contemporarylounge and dining room. Free wifi, laundry,library, PC/printer, local maps, books, CD/DVDs,loan bikes. Perfect score in our 2013 feedback.
LEW
IS 34 Broad Bay HouseBackIsle of Lewis HS2 0LQ
Owners: Ian and Marion Fordham
Dinner: £35 allowance against ALC menu
A stylish boutique holiday hotel, launched in
2013 by the owners of highly successful Langass
Lodge. Designer double/twin bedrooms, a
contemporary brasserie style restaurant, comfy
lounge bar, landscaped gardens, decked outside
eating area and gym. Situated in an interesting
township with activities nearby.
NO
RTH
UIS
T 27 Hamersay HouseLochmaddyIsle of North Uist HS6 5AE
Owners : Amanda Leveson Gower
Dinner : Typical 3 course ALC around £24.
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IST 32 Langass Lodge
LocheportNorth Uist HS6 5HA
Owner: Amanda Leveson Gower
Dinner: Restaurant (about £38) and bar meals (reserve in advance).
FREE
LEW
IS
30 Auberge Carnish5 Carnish, UigIsle of Lewis HS2 9EX
Owners: Richard and Jo-Ann Leparoux
Dinner: Restaurant - reserve in advance.Gourmet/rustique menus around £35.
FREE
A recently refurbished boutique style hotel offeringquality accommodation. Relax during your stay inour individually appointed bedrooms and topquality beds. We have an extensive menu andpride ourselves on using only the freshest localingredients. Our drinks menu is also variedincluding superb cocktails. Situated in Tarbert, weare ideally located for exploring the Isle of Harris.
HA
RR
IS 31 Hotel HebridesPier Road, Tarbert,Isle of Harris HS3 3DG
Owners: Angus and Chirsty Macleod
Dinner: ALC restaurant, 3 courses from around£30. Bar 3 courses from around £20.
FREE
BOOK DINNER OPTIO
N
BOOK DINNER OPTIO
N
This guest house, purpose built in 2011, offers theheight of luxury in spacious rooms with stunningpanoramic beach and sea views. An intimaterestaurant features gourmet or more rustic menus.The proprietors have previously earned entries inguides such as Michelin and Egon Ronay andearned the highest score in our 2011 feedback.Overlooks the extensive Uig Sands.
SKY
E 35 Duisdale HouseIsleornsaySleat, Isle of Skye IV44 8RE
Owners: Anne Gracie and Ken Gunn
Dinner: £30 allowance against ALC menu.
FREE
New to us for 2014, encompassing all the strongtraditions of great hotel-keeping and then some,Duisdale House is perfectly in tune with its guests.In an exceptionally beautiful area at the southernend of Skye, about 4 miles from the Mallaig ferry,this 4-star country house hotel is the ideal place tostart or end your holiday in real style.Fine dining restaurant with 2 AA Rosettes.
FREE
MAKING HOLIDAYS EXTRASPECIAL IN THE HEBRIDES‘Select Collection’ accommodation is very individual, chosen because it offers something special. Itmay be a beautiful room, an amazing location, fabulous food, a panoramic view or a combination ofthese pleasures. Over three or four different locations you can enjoy all of these benefits.
Prices vary considerably from one to another so we suggest you have a chat with one of ouradvisors to discuss your own preferences and to receive your individual quotation.
You can add one or more ‘Select Collection’ stays to any holiday - so you might take an IslandExperience holiday in mainly Price Group 1 B&Bs, but treat yourself here and there.
Properties specific to the ‘Select Collection’ are listed below, while others that participatein ‘Select Collection’ with specific, individual rooms that merit inclusion in these holidays,are indicated by a symbol in the property’s normal price group. There’s a full summary of
the properties in the panel at the right of this page.
Lewis: Broad Bay House: Contemporary, beach-side,
Award winning 5 Star Gold Guest House.
Auberge Carnish: Beach-side guest house, opened
2011 by well known local chef.
Harris: Harris Hotel ‘De-Luxe’ rooms: Traditional,
family-owned, character hotel in gardens.
Hotel Hebrides ‘De-luxe King’ rooms:Boutique style 4 star hotel.
Skye: Duisdale House Hotel: 4 star Country House
Hotel with AA 2 Rosette restaurant.
North Uist: Hamersay House: Modern small luxury
hotel with leisure facilities.
Langass Lodge: Stylish, modern ‘Hillside’ rooms.
South Uist: Polochar Inn ‘Superior’ rooms: Spacious
rooms with sea views.
Barra: Castlebay ‘MacNeil’ room: Wonderful views
from this spacious room. Jacuzzi bath.
www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
GOLD
Island Experience:
Price per person for 6 nights by ferry with your own car (2 sharing)
Broad Bay House: 2 nights Hamersay House: 2 nights
Castlebay ‘MacNeil’ room: 2 nights £849 (Main Season)
Duisdale House: 2 nights Langass Lodge Hillside room.: 2 nights
Auberge Carnish: 2 nights £849 (Main Season)
Island Hopper:
Price per person for 6 nights by air with a flydrive car (2 sharing)
Auberge Carnish: 2 nights Langass Lodge Hilside: 2 nights
Castlebay ‘MacNeil’ room: 2 nights £1059 (Main Season)
Harris Hotel ‘De-Luxe’ room: 2 nights Polochar Inn ‘Superior’ room: 2 nts
Castlebay ‘MacNeil’ room: 2 nights £1039 (Main Season)
Superior, modern ‘HILLSIDE’ rooms are acrossa covered courtyard from the main hotel - alsoGroup 3 ‘Lodge’ rooms available. Formerly asporting lodge, and now a delightful small hotel.Stunning views over Langass sea loch to Ben Eavaland the Minch. Excellent reputation for cuisine andcomfortable public areas Disabled room. Confirmrestaurant/bar meal reservation in advance.
Some typical ‘Select Collection’ itinerary examples
The most westerly hotel and pub in Great Britainwith a stunning beach location and split levelinterior design. Hosting an eclectic artisticambiance while specialising in local fish,interesting wines and malts. A place to relax,unwind and blow the cobwebs away. Thepanoramic restaurant windows give you achance to delight in breathtaking sunsets.
BA
RR
A 29 Isle of Barra Beach HotelTangasdale BeachIsle of Barra HS9 5XW
Owners: Teresa Jenkins/Guy Adams
Dinner: Restaurant and bar meals.Typical 3 course meal £25
FREE
Your evening meals booked and paid for in advance.
Guests repeatedly tell us how much they have enjoyed the food onholiday here.
The price group or VisitScotland star grading is not necessarily the bestguide to the style or cost of dining available at a particular property. Ouradvisors have the local knowledge and the benefit of guest feedback tobe able to offer good advice for you.
Some establishments offer the option of dinner inclusive terms, so youcan enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having all yourarrangements made for you, in advance.
The cost of this option can be added to your invoice and your mealbookings will be confirmed on your hotel vouchers. Prices are perperson per night and cover 3 courses and coffee, but not other drinks.
Where an allowance against an a la carte menu is shown, theestablishment has confirmed that the allowance is sufficient to choose agood variety of dishes from the menu. You’ll find sample menus for eachof the properties on the accommodation pages of our website.
Dinner inclusive
BOOK DINNER OPTIO
N
areas covered may be limited)
Ensuite or private bath and/or shower
Off-street parking
TV in guest bedrooms
Tea/coffee making
Evening meals available
Licensed
Unlicensed. Guests may bring their own alcohol for responsible consumption.Sea view (may not be from all rooms)
In scenic inland location
Freshwater fishing within 5 miles
Wireless Broadband (may be chargeable locally
Computer available for e-mail checking (may not be broadband and may be chargeable locally)
More photos and comprehensive descriptions of every accommodation at www.hebrideanhopscotch.com
BOOK DINNER OPTIO
N
ITINERARIES 19
IMPORTANT: Prices shown on these pages are per person, based on two adults travelling in one car and sharing a twin or double room.Per person prices will generally be higher for one person in a car and lower for three or more. Please ask our advisor for a quotation.
www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
Of course you expect to save money when you book a holiday in the spring or autumn - andyou’ll do just that if you book in any of our properties.
But now, a limited number of the properties in this brochure are offering an even greater reductionfrom high season rates, when you book a holiday to be taken in our off-peak periods (subject to availability).
This means that a couple booking a Great Hebridean Expedition for 8 days could save a total of over £400 in group 4accommodation, compared to high season prices.
Imagine how you could put your extra savings to good use. Perhaps add an extra day or two to your holiday, pick a moreluxurious hotel for a couple of nights or enjoy some of the superb cuisine for which the Outer Hebrides is so well known.
The Saver column in the price panels overleaf will help you see some of the savings that can be made. You’re welcome to mixand match accommodation between price groups to suit your preferences and make up the itinerary that suits you best.
Our local holiday advisors will be happy to give you more information and help you make your selection.
All offers are subject to availability.
Special low seasonsuper-saver holidays
A taste of the islands
Super-saver discounts are available at:
Barra Castlebay Hotel
Uists BonnieviewBorrodale HotelDark Island Hotel
Harris Harris HotelHotel Hebrides
Skye Duisdale HouseRosedale Hotel
Lewis Cabarfeidh HotelCaladh InnRoyal HotelBroad Bay House
PricesFrom £499Hebridean Island Hopper
A complete 5 night Hebridean ‘end-to-end’ holiday, from Glasgow by air, including flydrive car.
The Island Hopper is your unique opportunity to explore all the islands between Barra and Lewis using a hire carthat you pick up at one end of your adventure and leave at the other.
This means your holiday will include either a take-off or landing at Barra - an experience voted as the world’s ‘TopTouchdown’ by PrivateFly.com members in 2011. It’s the only airport in the world where scheduled flights landand depart on a beach. At the other end of the itinerary, Stornoway airport is still tiny by mainland standards, withfriendly, helpful service. There are security checks, of course, but otherwise, flying in the Outer Hebrides is justabout as easy as catching a bus.
Designed as a 5 night holiday (but you can add up to 2 more nights if you wish), the Island Hopper route is only 134 miles fromstart to finish. So you have plenty of time to explore the side roads along the way, leading to nature reserves, secluded harbours,amazing shell-sand beaches, remote settlements and picturesque places where you may wish to simply sit and while away anhour or two of perfect peace.
At the end of each day, there will be a comfortable bed waiting for you at each accommodation of your choice -whether you have selected B&B’s, four-star hotels or a mix of properties, we’re certain you’ll enjoy wonderful hospitality.
Starting on a Thursday, your Flybe* direct flight is from Glasgow to the Isle ofLewis or Barra. We suggest you check the internet for the best value faresconnecting from your home to Glasgow.
Your Flydrive car is usually a Ford Focus or similar size car under 12 months old.(Collection/drop off at Barra Airport and our Stornoway office (taxi transferprovided from/to Stornoway airport). Your route follows the Island Experienceitinerary, shown on the next page.
As this holiday is limited by the number of vehicles available, it’s essential tobook early to secure a particular date. Available for a minimum 5 nights /maximum 7 nights.
*Flybe flights to the islands are operated by Loganair. Air fare prices may vary,according to seat availability, date of travel and time of booking.April to October (inclusive) only.
Example Main Low Saverprices
5 Nights B & B B & B B & B
£ £ £
Group 1 649 499 -
Group 2 699 579 -
Group 3 769 619 579
Group 4 809 629 609
Group 5 849 679 -
Extra nights - see panel at foot of page 21Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/14 to 30/04/14 and 01/10/14 to 30/04/15
ITINERARIES 21
Stay a little longer
Bike hire included for a fantastic, pedal powered end to endisland hopping experience - explore places inaccessible by car.
We suggest a relaxed, eight night itinerary - other durations areavailable.Travel here by the method most convenient to you, thenuse our modern hybrid touring bikes (including pannier bags andhelmet). Electric assisted bikes at a supplement of £18 per day.
You might travel by car or train to Oban (secure parking), then jointhe scenic ferry route to Barra. Return via the Stornoway - Ullapoolferry, or use public transport back to South Uist for an Oban ferry.Or, fly from Glasgow to Stornoway or the beach airport at Barra,
returning directly from your finishing point; we can book flights if required (add £110 lowseason, £160 main season). We'll offer you a choice of sensible itineraries, based onexperience gained by our own staff who have enjoyed 'cycle hopping' here. See page 11and our web site for more information. Bookings not advised outside of April-September.
PricesFrom £499*
Extra Nights Main Low Saver
Per Person B & B B & B B & B£ £ £
Group 1 46 40 34Group 2 55 53 41Group 3 69 60 51Group 4 79 62 59Group 5 85 75 63Prices shown in this panel are per person, based on twoadults sharing a twin or double room. If you are using aflydrive or rental car, there is an additional cost for the extra days’ hire. Please ask our advisor.
PricesFrom £40Extend your stay
IMPORTANT: Prices shown on this page are per person, based on two adults travelling in one car and sharing a twin or double room.Per person prices will generally be higher for one person in a car and lower for three or more. Please ask our advisor for a quotation.
Stay a little longer on any of our holidays.
The holiday durations shown in the previous panels are justsuggestions, based on our most frequently received bookingrequests. However, there’s so much to do in the OuterHebrides and Skye that you may wish to enjoy extra days, totake part in an activity or relax some more, perhaps.
Just check the panel on the right to calculate the additionalcost to your holiday.
Don’t forget, you can make up your own holiday itinerary witha mix of accommodation from different price groups, or takea different route through the islands - we’ll happily advise onthe areas where it’s worth spending more time, calculate thecost for you and supply a quotation without any obligation.
Freedom of the Isles by bike
Relax on island time
Holiday Price Main Low Saver
CURL/HOP 11
6 Nights B & B B & B B & B£ £ £
Group 1 409 379 -
Group 2 469 439 -
Group 3 559 479 -
Group 4 609 489 457
Group 5 629 559 -
Extra nights - see panel at foot of page 21Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17
PricesFrom £379Hebridean Highlights
Holiday Price Main Low Saver
GUL/HOP 14
5 Nights B & B B & B B & B£ £ £
Group 1 349 299 -
Group 2 389 359 -
Group 3 479 399 -
Group 4 519 409 389
Group 5 539 469 -
Extra nights - see panel at foot of page 21Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17
PricesFrom £299Hebridean Triangle
Holiday Price Main Low Saver
HER/HOP 23
6 Nights B & B B & B B & B£ £ £
Group 1 449 399 -
Group 2 499 479 -
Group 3 599 519 -
Group 4 649 529 487
Group 5 669 589 -
Extra nights - see panel at foot of page 21Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17
PricesFrom £399Hebrides Adventurer
The ultimate 8 night experience for serious island hoppers.
FROM ULLAPOOL OR OBAN, TO SKYE, LEWIS, HARRIS, BERNERAY,NORTH UIST, BENBECULA, SOUTH UIST, ERISKAY, BARRA, VATERSAY.
From ULLAPOOL, there are at least two daily sailings (2hrs 45mins)between Monday and Saturday (Sundays one sailing only at 18:15).
After two days or so exploring Lewis and Harris take the ferry fromTarbert, Harris to Uig, on Skye, and stay a night or two at Portree –the island’s capital. Note at time of going to press, we areresearching new properties for Skye. Then re-board your ferry at
Uig, for a 1 hr 40 mins crossing to Lochmaddy, North Uist.
Follow the scenic road around the west coast of North Uist, then meander south throughBenbecula, Uist, and Eriskay for the short ferry crossing to Barra, to soak up the relaxedatmosphere before your return to Oban on the mainland (5 hours, not Saturdays).
Holiday Price Main Low Saver
01/10/10 01/05/11 01/10/11
FUL/HOP 25 - 30/04/11 - 30/09/11 - 30/04/12
8 Nights B & B B & B B & B£ £ £
Group 1 569 519 -
Group 2 639 599 -
Group 3 769 669 -
Group 4 829 689 619
Group 5 849 759 -
Extra nights - see panel at foot of page 21Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17
PricesFrom £519Great Hebridean Expedition
IMPORTANT: Prices shown on this page are per person, based on two adults travelling in one car and sharing a twin or double room.Per person prices will generally be higher for one person in a car and lower for three or more. Please ask our advisor for a quotation.
Our 6 night,‘ten-best’ of the Hebrides, at a gentle, relaxed pace.
FROM MALLAIG OR OBAN, VISITING SKYE, LEWIS, HARRIS, BERNERAY,NORTH UIST, BENBECULA, SOUTH UIST, ERISKAY, BARRA, VATERSAY.
Start at MALLAIG, (from Oban, the route is reversed) take the ferry toSkye, then stay at Portree to spend a day or so exploring. Then,board your ferry from Uig, crossing to Tarbert, Harris.
Enjoy a couple of days touring Lewis and Harris, then take a ferryfrom Leverburgh (Harris) to the enchanting Isle of Berneray, whichdeserves a few hours investigation.
Enjoy the scenic circular road, coastal villages, inlets, beaches and the nature reserves ofthe Uists. Spend a night or two on these isles before moving south to Barra to soak upeven more scenery and tranquillity, before your ferry returns to the mainland port of Oban(not Saturdays). Note at time of going to press, we are researching new properties for Skye.
Enjoy a 6 night, almost circular tour through wonderful scenery.
FROM ULLAPOOL, MALLAIG OR KYLE OF LOCHALSH, VISITINGLEWIS, HARRIS, BERNERAY, NORTH UIST, BENBECULA, SOUTH UISTAND ERISKAY - ADD BARRA AT EXTRA COST, IF YOU WISH.
From ULLAPOOL, there are at least two daily sailings (2hrs 45mins)between Monday and Saturday (Sundays one sailing only at 18:15).
Explore Lewis and Harris for 2 or 3 days before taking the ferry fromHarris to Berneray and the Uists. From Berneray to Eriskay is barelytwo hour’s drive - but stop at least one or two nights, before sailing
to Uig (Skye) from Lochmaddy in North Uist (including Sundays).
Stay in the island’s capital, Portree, on Skye then depart over the toll-free bridge to Kyle ofLochalsh, or via the short ferry crossing from Armadale to Mallaig.
Please note, at time of going to press, we are researching new properties for Skye.
A 5 night tour with short sea crossings, majestic mountainsand beautiful beaches.
FROM MALLAIG OR KYLE OF LOCHALSH, VISITING LEWIS, HARRIS,BERNERAY, NORTH UIST, BENBECULA, SOUTH UIST AND ERISKAY -BARRA MAY BE ADDED, AT EXTRA COST, IF YOU WISH.
Starting in MALLAIG, (from Kyle of Lochalsh, the route is reversed) a25 minute ferry ride (Sundays included) brings you to the southerntip of Skye. Staying at Portree, the island’s capital, you could findplenty to see for at least two days.
From Skye, a ferry takes you to Tarbert, on Harris. Explore Lewis and Harris for a day ortwo, then cross to the Uists for idyllic shell sand beaches and nature reserves. Then returnto Skye via a ferry from North Uist and depart the island via the toll-free bridge at Kyle ofLochalsh. Note at time of going to press, we are researching new properties for Skye.
20 ITINERARIES www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/13 to 30/04/13 and 01/10/13 to 30/04/14
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/13 to 30/04/13 and 01/10/13 to 30/04/14
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/14 to 30/04/14 and 01/10/14 to 30/04/15
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/14 to 30/04/14 and 01/10/14 to 30/04/15
01/05/13 to 30/09/13
01/01/14 - 30/04/14 01/10/14 - 30/04/15
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/14 to 30/04/14 and 01/10/14 to 30/04/15
NEWElectric
bikes nowavailable
Perfectfor a
longerholiday
A 3 night short break by sea, visiting Lewis, Harris and Skye.
Start your holiday from Ullapool, Mallaig or Kyle of Lochalsh.
From ULLAPOOL, cruise across the Minch to Stornoway, with atleast two sailings to choose from between Monday and Saturday(Sundays one sailing only at 18:15). Crossing time 2hrs 45 mins.
Spend 2 days or so exploring Lewis and Harris before taking theferry from Tarbert on the Isle of Harris to Uig, on Skye.
Spend a night or two in Portree – the ‘capital’ town of Skye.
Return to the mainland either by taking one of eight, daily, short 25minute ferry crossings from Armadale to Mallaig, or over the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh.
STARTING FROM MALLAIG OR KYLE, Simply follow the above route in reverse.
Please note, at time of going to press, we are researching new properties for Skye.
Holiday Price Main Low Saver
PUF/HOP 13
3 Nights B & B B & B B & B£ £ £
Group 1 229 199 -
Group 2 269 249 -
Group 3 309 269 -
Group 4 329 279 247
Group 5 349 299 -
Extra nights - see panel at foot of page 21Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17
PricesFrom £199Discover the Hebrides
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/13 to 30/04/13 and 01/10/13 to 30/04/14
The classic 5 night end to end tour of the Outer Hebrides,driving your own car, with relaxing ferry cruises.
FROM ULLAPOOL OR OBAN, VISITING LEWIS, HARRIS, BERNERAY,NORTH UIST, BENBECULA, SOUTH UIST, ERISKAY AND BARRA
From ULLAPOOL, there are at least two daily sailings (2hrs 45mins)between Monday and Saturday (Sundays one sailing only at 18:15).
Explore Lewis and Harris for 2 or 3 days before taking the ferryfrom Harris to Berneray and the Uists. Pick out the activities,historic features or sights that interest you, until you reach the ferry
from Eriskay to Barra. It’s less than a two hour journey, but there’s more than enough tomake a couple of night’s stay well worthwhile.
Soaking up Barra’s scenery and tranquillity for a day or two before taking the ferryjourney back across the Minch from Barra to the mainland port of Oban (not Saturdays).
Holiday Price Main Low Saver
TER/HOP 08
5 Nights B & B B & B B & B£ £ £
Group 1 399 299 -
Group 2 449 419 -
Group 3 519 459 389
Group 4 559 469 419
Group 5 579 519 -
Extra nights - see panel at foot of page 21Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17
PricesFrom £299Island Experience
01/05/14 to 30/09/14
01/01/13 to 30/04/13 and 01/10/13 to 30/04/14
Theperfectislandbreak
Ourmost
popularholiday
Shortcrossings
on thisholiday
Example Prices Main Low(By ferry two £25 discount p/p for Stornoway start.sharing room.)BIKE 088 Nights B & B B & B
£ £4 nts G1 + 4 nts G2 629 524Group 2 669 6196 nts G3 + 2 nts G2 739 6396 nts G4 + 2 nts G2 819 689Dinner prices - see property listings pages 13-17Note: Low season prices include ‘saver’ discountssubject to itinerary choice. *=Stornoway start.Extra nights - see panel at foot of this page.
22 ACTIVITIES
Popular activities and organisersNote: The absence of charge information may not indicate free entry/participation. Please check prices at websites or by phone
SKYE
Walking: On beaches, moors andmountains. Plenty of walks for casualstrolls, plus hikes for the adventurous.
Seals: Boats leave jetty at DunveganCastle every 20 minutes, during theseason. Castle and gardens also open.www.dunvegancastle.com01470 521206
Visitor Centre: Award winning AROS, atPortree offers exhibitions and shopping.www.aros.co.uk - 01478 613649
Whisky Tour: Talisker Distillery, Carbost.Admission prices and details at:www.malts.com - 01478 614308
Golf: Isle of Skye GC, Sconser. 9 holesand 18 tees, beside the sea.www.isleofskyegolfclub.co.uk 01478 650414
Boat Trips: Bella Jane and AquaXploresail from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, andislands to view seals and other wildlife.www.aquaxplore.co.ukwww.bellajane.co.uk0800 731 3089 or 01471 866244.
THE UISTS
Walking: Particularly recommended is awalk around the Berneray coast.
Nature: RSPB Balranald warden willadvise on summer organised walks. Alsootter walks at Langass.www.rspb.org.uk or call01876 560287
Dolphin watching: You can catch a sightof dolphins at any time, especially on aboat trip. If you're on land, watching froman elevated position over a calm sea, canbe fruitful, particularly on a warm sunnyday.
Dolphins are occasionally seen in the seaat the Polochar Inn, South Uist.
LEWIS & HARRIS
Walking: Lews Castle Grounds inStornoway. Coastal track from Tolsta toNess. West coast of Lewis. Hill walks inthe wild, rugged northern area of Harris,plus valley walks off the Hushinish road.
Golf: Stornoway Golf Club offers 18demanding holes in a parkland setting.www.stornowaygolfclub.co.uk 01851 702240
Boats: All below also offer St Kildatrips - see above.
Murray Macleod's Seatrek, at Miavaignear Uig, Lewis - 2 hour trips on a fast,Delta-Rib boat to see islands, lagoons,caves, wildlife - possibly sea-eagles.www.seatrek.co.uk - 01851 672464
In Harris, Angus Campbell (Kilda Cruises)and Seumas Morrison (Sea Harris) alsoinclude Shiant Isles (for Puffins),Taransay,Scarp and the Monachs (for grey seals).www.kildacruises.co.uk - 01859 502060www.seaharris.co.uk - 01859 502007
Harris Tweed: Don't miss the fabulousHarris Tweed Hebrides 'flagship' storeand Ronnie Mackenzie's Lewis LoomCentre both in Stornoway.
Bike Hire (inc. e-bikes): For our ownguests only at Caladh Inn, Royal andCabarfeidh hotels in Stornoway. Notprebookable and subject to availability.
Golf: Harris Golf Club has 9 holesoverlooking the ocean at Scarista. NoSunday play. Honesty box at most times.www.harrisgolf.com
Family History: Seallam Visitor Centreat Northton, Harris, has exhibits dealingwith local history and the naturalenvironment. Resources for researchingthe family history of the islands.www.seallam.com - 01859 520258
Home-made ice cream and souvenirs:
Sheila McIntosh makes and sellswonderful ice cream at her shop inBrevig, two miles east of Castlebay. Shealso sells a good range of high qualitygifts and Hebridean knitwear.
Boat trips: Barra Fishing Charters’ fullday trip is to Mingulay, viewing puffinson the cliffs and other wildlife. A threehour outing including equipment andbait for fishing is also available.www.barrafishingcharters.com01871890384.
Bicycle hire and boat trips: JohnMacdougall offers bikes for £12 for thefirst day and £6 each day thereafter. Alsoafternoon rib-boat excursions.www.barraislandadventures.co.uk 01871 810284.
Golf: Barra Golf Club has a links coursewith nine holes and honesty box. Enjoythe challenge plus amazing views of theAtlantic coast.www.isleofbarra.com
Heritage: Dualchas is in Castlebay andholds the collections of the Barra andVatersay Historical Society. Exhibitionsare held through the summer months.www.barraheritage.com
Toffee: If you've a sweet tooth, don'tmiss Hebridean Toffee, Castlebay, wherethey sell 'tablet' that's judged by many tobe the best they've tasted.www.hebrideantoffeecompany.com
Aircraft landing: Whether or not youhave any interest in aviation, you’re sureto enjoy watching a landing and take offat the beach airport. For times, ask atyour accommodation or see thetimetables page at www.flybe.com
Organised walks: Brian Lowe, alsoworking for the RSPB, normally leadsweekly wildlife walks in North Uist,orientated towards corncrakes. He isusually able to advise on privatelyorganised walks for groups.Call 01876 510725
Boat trips: Lady Anne sails from Kallinharbour, Grimsay to the Monachs (sealcolony) plus local trips.www.uistboattrips.com - 01870 602403
Golf: Askernish Golf Club - Old TomMorris's 'lost' course, alongside theAtlantic ocean. Open seven days a weekwww.askernishgolfclub.com
Benbecula Golf Club - 9 testing holes ona flat course, Honesty box, open 7 days.www.benbeculagolfclub.co.uk
Smoked salmon: Loch Duart smokedsalmon at the Smokehouse, Lochcarnon,South Uist - a perfect picnic snack.www.lochduartsmokedsalmon.com/.01870 610324.
Museum: About 7 miles north ofLochboisdale, Kildonan Museum is morea visitor centre, than just a museum.Open April to September, includingSunday afternoons.
BARRA
Walking: On beaches, moors and hills.There are plenty of walks for casualstrolls and challenging hikes for themore experienced walker.
Sea kayaking: When not running longertours, Clearwater Paddling operatesaccompanied day trips all around Barra.There are plenty of opportunities to viewall kinds of wildlife.www.clearwaterpaddling.com 01871 810 443.
The St Kilda ExperienceSt Kilda full day tour by boat:50 miles to the west of Harris, the spectacularcliffs and sea stacs of the archipelago are hometo the world's largest gannet colony, pluspuffins, fulmars and guillemots.
St Kilda is not the name of an island, but of theentire small group of islands.
The main one of these is Hirta, where you willland with around 3 to 4 hours to explore thevillage and the hills around it.
The people of the island were evacuated in 1930at their own request - the population haddecreased to an extent that they could nolonger sustain a community there.
St Kilda enjoys double World Heritage statusand you are sure to remember and appreciatethe excursion forever.
Disturbed only by a small number of summervisitors, conservationists and a few temporarilyresident staff at the radar station, the naturalenvironment supports unique sub-species.
Three nights accommodation is needed nearthe start point (the second day reserved in caseweather prevents travel on the chosen date).
Your day out lasts around 12 hours with an earlymorning start from Leverburgh, Harris or fromMiabhaig, Lewis. Travel with Seatrek, Kilda Cruisesor Sea Harris - 2013 price was £190/person.
For contact details and to book direct, see ‘Boats’in the Lewis and Harris section below.
Our travel advisors are happy to to ensure youhave the right accommodation in the right placeat the right time and can assist you with yourexcursion booking.
Your Holiday PlannerThe best way to book your holiday is to firstly discuss your ideas with one of our expert travel advisors. We’re happy to offer as much or as little input as
you wish. You may find it helpful to take a look at our planning guide on page 12, then note some of your wishes below. It’s not essential to do this, but
it does help us to understand your holiday desires more fully.
All of our holidays are individually planned and to help us find the best for you, please tell us which of the following are most appealing:
Wildlife Shell-sand beaches Peace and quiet Music St Kilda
History Hearing Gaelic Archaeology Natural landscapes Local food
Relaxation Wild seas Family history Seascapes Open spaces
Wildflowers Shopping Boats Hills and mountains Malt whisky
Which islands would you like to visit?
Lewis Harris The Uists Barra Skye Not sure
Do you prefer your journey through the islands to be from?
North to South South to North Not sure
When would you like to visit? Do you have any alternative dates?
How long would you like your holiday to be? nights
Do you prefer to travel to and on the islands?
Arriving by ferry and using your own car (or bike, etc.)
By another means, arriving by ferry and using a Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays car
By another means, arriving by ferry and using a Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays bicycle
By air and using a Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays car
Not sure
Are there any organised activities that you’d like to take part in, or special interests you have? (See opposite page.)
E.g. Birdwatching, St Kilda boat trips, family history, walking, photography etc?
What kind of accommodation do you prefer?
B & B Guest Houses Inns Hotels Luxury Not sure
Are there any specific properties you’ve see in the brochure, where you would like to stay?
Any other notes or questions that you want to ask.
Telephone numbers for UK callers: 0845 230 1236 (free to call in most BT plans). Direct line at standard rates 01851 706611.
Telephone number for International callers: +44 1851 706611.
Email: [email protected]
HOLIDAY PLANNING 23
Before completing your booking, please read the booking conditions, which arestraightforward and confirm what we commit to you, as well as what you committo us. Your statutory rights are not affected by these conditions.Your holiday contract is with Kenman Holdings Limited, company number SC109839, registered in Scotland and trading as Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays, ATOL Number 6349.When you make a booking with us, you guarantee that you have the authority toaccept, and do accept, on behalf of your party, the terms of these bookingconditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue either our letter ofconfirmation (for holidays using car/ferry travel only), or our confirmation invoice(for holidays including air travel). This contract is made on the terms of thefollowing booking conditions, which are governed by Scottish Law, and thejurisdiction of the Scottish Courts.All travel arrangements made on your behalf and all tickets issued, are subject tothe terms and conditions of the relevant travel operators, CalMac Ferries Limited,Loganair Ltd and Flybe. Copies of these conditions can be obtained either fromourselves or direct from the travel operators or on our website.Your financial protection - holidays using car/ferry travel but no flightsTotal Payment Protection (topp) Policy cover:In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package ToursRegulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & GeneralInsurance Services Limited (tagis), to protect customers' prepayments in theunlikely event of our financial failure and paid in respect of
non-flight inclusive packages commencing and returning to the UKthe ground handling aspects of packages where the customer is responsible forarranging travel to the destination inbound business to the UK
offered in this brochure (subject to the terms of the insurance policy), for: a refund of such prepayments if customers have not yet travelled, ormaking arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if customers havealready travelled, or repatriation of customers to the UK or their home country as may be applicable.
Customers' prepayments are protected by a topp policy. In the unlikely event of financial failure please contact the claims helpline on0870 0137 965. A copy of the policy is available on request.This policy is provided by Travel & General Insurance Services Limited (tagis),registered number 02527363 and underwritten by International InsuranceCompany of Hannover Limited (Inter Hannover), registered number 01453123.tagis and Inter Hannover are authorised and regulated by the Financial ConductAuthority. For your convenience a copy of the policy is at www.hebrideanhopscotch.comFor holidays including flights and car and/or ferry travel.Your financial protectionWhen you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you willreceive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you canget information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with theservices listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases,where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, analternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services you have bought or asuitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in thosecircumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and youagree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to thatalternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not bepossible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled tomake a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer whereapplicable).If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide theservices listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder orotherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may makea payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree thatin return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees anyclaims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provisionof the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit cardissuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assignedto another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under theATOL scheme.Your holiday priceWhen you make your booking, you must pay a deposit of £75.00 per person. Thebalance of the holiday price must be paid at least six weeks before your holidaydeparture date. If the balance is not paid on time, we reserve the right to cancelyour holiday arrangements and refund to you any balance left after settling anycancellation charges. The price of your travel arrangements may require to bevaried due to changes in transportation costs, such as fuel surcharges or airporttaxes, changes in VAT etc. If any surcharge totals over 10% of your agreed holidayprice, you shall be entitled to cancel the holiday and receive full refund of allmonies paid.If you change your bookingIf, after your holiday confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travelarrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date oraccommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not
always be possible. Any request for change should be made to us in writing by theperson who made the original booking. Whilst we will be happy to make anyaccommodation changes free of charge, there can be cost implications inchanging ferry and/or air travel arrangements. We shall advise you of any chargesshould this situation arise.If you cancel your holidayYou may cancel your holiday at any time. If you wish to cancel your holidaybooking, please arrange for us to be notified, in writing, by the person who madethe original booking. We recommend that you take out insurance againstcancellation charges, which are as follows: Between confirmation of booking and43 days prior to arrival - administration fee of £25 per person, 42 to 15 days priorto arrival - 50% of the full holiday cost, 14 days or under - 100% of the full holidaycost.If we change your holidayIf required, we reserve the right to change your holiday arrangements. In the veryunlikely event of us having to do so, we shall contact you as soon as possible withdetails of any changes. If we need to make a major change to your holiday, youshall have the choice of accepting the change or cancelling your booked holidayand receiving a full refund of all monies paid. Timings of ferry and air schedulescan be subject to change because of timetable changes, weather conditions ortechnical problems. We shall not be liable for any loss arising out of delays onscheduled timings on any modes of transportation and recommend that you takeout travel insurance.Force majeureThis means we shall not be liable for any loss, inconvenience, expense or injury ifyou have to cancel or change your travel arrangements in any way because ofunusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control. These can include,for example, war, riot, industrial dispute, natural disaster, fire or adverse weatherconditions.If you have a complaintAll descriptions of accommodation and travel services are published in good faithand are accurate at time of brochure publication. If you have any complaint orcriticism of any aspect of your accommodation during your holiday, please take itup immediately with the accommodation management or owner. Likewise, if youare dissatisfied with any aspect of the service provided by the travel operators,please advise the appropriate member of supervisory staff. We too wouldappreciate knowing the detail of any such occurrence, together with your view asto whether the problem was remedied to your full satisfaction. If you still feel dis-satisfied we shall make all reasonable endeavours to investigate your complaintand report back to you with our findings. We may, at that stage, offer you a sum ofcompensation that, at our sole discretion, we feel to be reasonable under thecircumstances.Data protectionThe personal information you supply to us will only be used for the purpose ofarranging your holiday, updating our customer records, or contacting you formarketing or research purposes. Some relevant information will be passed on toaccommodation providers and travel operators in connection with your holidayarrangements. We also may occasionally make some names available to otherHebridean businesses whose products we think may interest you. If you do notwish to receive this information, please tick the box on the booking form.How to make your booking1. We are happy to discuss the various itinerary and accommodation choices withyou and provide an immediate quote for your holiday. If you prefer you can sendan email or complete and post or fax the booking / enquiry form below. Forwritten enquiries, we aim to provide a quotation for your holiday itinerary and costwithin one working day of receiving your request.2. If you accept our quotation, within 1 working day we will send you our Letter ofBooking Confirmation and Confirmation Invoice, specifying the details of yourbooking and the agreed holiday price, subject to availability of accommodationrequested for you.3. Seven weeks prior to your holiday start date; we will send you our Sales Invoicefor the agreed sum. This invoice will be payable within seven days, either bycheque, debit or credit card, thereby allowing us six weeks to process your ferrytickets, itinerary etc. and to send these items to you by recorded delivery post.Payments by credit card will be surcharged 1%, to cover bank processing charges.Payments by debit card or cheque will not be surcharged.Book early – and avoid disappointmentHotel, ferry and flight availability is limited, particularly during the summermonths. We strongly recommend that you book as early as possible to give us thebest chance of booking the most suitable ferry sailing times and your preferredaccommodation.Late booking – No problem (Subject to availability)We can usually arrange a holiday with as little as 5 days notice, subject toavailability. Just telephone our bookings hotline to arrange your Hebrideanadventure. Bookings made within six weeks of your holiday start date must beaccompanied by payment in full.Special reductions for childrenAccommodation: Children under 2 – pay only for meals as taken by arrangementwith individual hotels. Children 2 – 15 – Up to 50% reduction - please ask for aquotation. Price Promise GuaranteeSee page 12 of this brochure for full details. E && OOE
Booking ConditionsYour holiday reservation explained
Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays, 11 James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2QNBROCHURE VALID FROM 1/01/2014 TO 30/04/2015