Sarah and Nick hit the Hebrides
The Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis
Sarah and Nick finished work for the day and jumped on the train from Bristol to cross the country for a luxury twelve day holiday in Scotland. Think empty beaches, hilly walks and lots of rest and relaxation. They enjoyed remote islands, towering castles, fantastic food, and invigorating sea swims.
12 days
2 adults, 1 room
Starting in Bristol
The Trip
We jumped on the 5.30 train from Bristol to London Paddington and made our way to Euston to board the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William. It was excellent closing the blinds at Watford junction and waking up in the mountains with deer outside.
After arriving in Fort William ready for adventure, next stop: coffee! We went back to the station to board the Jacobite Steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct. We had a delicious lunch at The Cabin and wandered to the harbour ready to cross the Sound of Sleat to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. We picked up our hire car in Armadale and made our way to the hotel.
Two nights of luxury at Kinloch Lodge to celebrate a big birthday was a lovely way to start the holiday! We explored the rugged southern area of Skye and paid a visit to the famous fairy pools.
Next, we made our way north across the island to Uig, where the Calmac Ferry took us across The Minch to the Isle of Harris. We spent our first two nights in Tarbert - Harris Distillery and Harris Tweed were the highlights, the charity shop also has local hand knitted goods.
We experienced all kinds of weather on Harris, including an incredible double rainbow. From Tarbert we drove into the countryside to stay on the shores of Loch Shiphoirt near the border with Lewis - the views from the B&B were amazing! We loved a morning stroll on Luskentyre beach (we had the place to ourselves!) and also a walks at Eilean Glas Lighthouse and Huisinis beach. The Calanais standing stones and Blackhouse Village were great spots for learning about local history. We also went to Stornoway (as it's on the shipping forecast!) and Lews castle museum is great.
After the ferry crossing back to Skye we spent two nights at The Glenview on the Trotternish Peninsula in northern Skye, swinging by the impressive Dunvegan Castle on the way. The B&B was beautifully decorated and the breakfast baskets were amazing! They have a lovely wool shop which is worth visiting (don't leave it to the last minute like us!), it's also in a great location for a lot of things to do in Skye.
Portree is fab - lots of shops and restaurants, as well as pubs and lovely views over the water. We hiked up to the Old man of Storr and enjoyed the Quiraing walk (it gets a bit hairy but is a well trodden route!) - the photos don't do it justice, it's spectacular!
The journey home was slightly different to what we’d planned as there was unexpected strike action on the journey from Fort William back to London. Fortunately Byway sorted an alternative route and we spent our final night in Glasgow rather than Glenfinnan, travelling home in style on the six hour train back to Bristol in first class. Going back to work on Monday was a struggle!
Top recommendations
Coffee and pastries at Rain bakery in Fort William
Lorna's larder, Sam's seafood shack for lunch on Harris
Delicious dinners at the Anchorage on Harris
If you’re going to Scotland, pack your waterproofs!
Superb dinner at Scorrybreac in Portree - it's a taster menu and one of the best meals we've ever had!
It was a fantastic holiday, slow travel is such a fun way to travel. Thank you, Byway!