5-Day Outer Hebrides Tour from Edinburgh: Lewis, Harris & Luskentyre Beach
Luskentyre Beach, the Callanish Stones and two nights on Lewis, with Loch Ness and Glencoe
- Max 16 travellers
- Storytelling guides
- 25% deposit
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- Two nights on the islandsA full day on Lewis, plus time on Harris’s beaches.
- Ferries includedThe Ullapool–Stornoway crossings are part of the tour, so there’s nothing extra to book.
- Storytelling guidesYour guide shares the stories of island life, ancient communities and Highland history.
“I can confidently say it was an experience I will never forget. … the magical Isles of Lewis & Harris were even more breathtaking than I imagined.”
An Outer Hebrides tour from Edinburgh: Lewis, Harris and the Highlands in five days
White sand, turquoise water and mountains beyond the beach: welcome to Harris. On this five-day Outer Hebrides tour from Edinburgh, you cross the Highlands and sail from Ullapool to Lewis, with two nights around Stornoway and time for Luskentyre Beach and MacLeod’s Stone.
Lewis brings the Callanish Standing Stones, traditional blackhouses, Dun Carloway and the Atlantic cliffs at the Butt of Lewis. The mainland journey is just as varied, with nights in Inverness before and after the islands, walks at The Hermitage, Corrieshalloch Gorge and Knockan Crag, and a return through Loch Ness and Glencoe.
- Duration5 days4 nights: Inverness ×2, Lewis ×2
- DepartsEdinburgh, 8:30amback approx. 7–8pm, Day 5
- Group sizeMax 16small scheduled group
- Ages12+younger? ask about a private tour
- WalkingShort walksup to about 1 hour, uneven paths
- FerryIncludedUllapool ⇄ Stornoway
The guide is the part people remember
Over five days, you get to know your guide and the rest of the group. Our guides are storytellers first: the Callanish Stones, blackhouse life, Gaelic and the island communities, and the Highland history on the way there and back.
- They walk the stops with you. Your guide leads the walks, so you’re never left to work out where to go.
- They plan around the ferries. If weather or sailings change, your guide reworks the order of the day so you still see the best of it.
- Everyone’s included. Your guide makes sure everyone, including solo travellers, feels part of the group from the first morning.
“Our guide, Andrew, made the tour truly unforgettable. He was welcoming, informative, passionate and inspiring …”
Your 5-day Lewis and Harris tour itinerary from Edinburgh
Route map: Edinburgh, The Hermitage, the Cairngorms, Culloden, Inverness, Corrieshalloch Gorge, the Ullapool–Stornoway ferry, Harris, Lewis, Knockan Crag, the Falls of Shin, Loch Ness, Glencoe and back to Edinburgh.
Route shown is approximate. Your guide may change the order of stops or the roads taken on the day, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
Day 1Edinburgh to Inverness
The Hermitage · Dalwhinnie · Aviemore · Culloden · Clava Cairns
North through Perthshire and the Cairngorms to the Highland capital.
- The Hermitage
A woodland walk in Perthshire, where towering trees frame the path to the Black Linn Falls.
- Dalwhinnie Distillery
A Highland distillery stop on the road into the Cairngorms.
- Aviemore
Lunch in Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
- Culloden Battlefield
The site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising, in 1746.
Culloden Visitor Centre admission not included
- Clava Cairns
Prehistoric burial cairns and standing stones, close to Culloden.
- Inverness
Your first night, with the evening free to explore the Highland capital.
Day 2Inverness to Lewis & Harris
Corrieshalloch Gorge · Ullapool · Ferry · Luskentyre Beach · MacLeod’s Stone
West to Ullapool and across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides.
- Corrieshalloch Gorge
A short walk above the gorge and its waterfalls.
- Ullapool to Stornoway ferry
Cross the Minch to Stornoway, watching for seabirds, dolphins and other wildlife.
Ferry included; timings set by the ferry operator
- Luskentyre Beach
South into Harris for a walk on Luskentyre’s white sand.
- MacLeod’s Stone
A standing stone above the Harris coast, before returning to Stornoway.
- Stornoway
The main town on Lewis, your base for two nights.
Day 3A full day on Lewis
Port of Ness · Butt of Lewis · Blackhouses · Dun Carloway · Callanish
Island life, Norse history and some of the oldest standing stones in Britain.
- Port of Ness & St Moluag’s Church
Begin around the Port of Ness at the northern tip of Lewis, with St Moluag’s Church nearby.
- The Butt of Lewis
Atlantic cliffs and a lighthouse at the northern end of the Outer Hebrides.
- Eoropie Beach & Clach an Trushal
Past Eoropie Beach to Clach an Trushal, a single tall standing stone.
- The Whalebone Arch & the Norse Mill and Kiln
An arch made from a whale’s jawbone, then a restored Norse mill and kiln.
- Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
A village of restored thatched blackhouses on the edge of the Atlantic.
Entry not included
- Dun Carloway Broch
An Iron Age broch, around 2,000 years old.
- Callanish Standing Stones
A circle and avenues of standing stones, around 5,000 years old, to finish the day.
Entry to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and Arnol Blackhouse isn’t included. Access, weather and operating conditions can change the order of stops.
Day 4Lewis to Inverness
Ferry · Knockan Crag · Falls of Shin · Glenmorangie · Inverness
Back across the Minch into the north-west Highlands.
- Stornoway to Ullapool ferry
Sail back across the Minch to the mainland.
- Knockan Crag
A walk at Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve, with wide views across Assynt.
- Falls of Shin
Woodland and waterfalls on the River Shin.
- Glenmorangie Distillery
A Highland whisky stop near Tain.
Admission not included
- Inverness
Your final night of the tour.
Ferry schedules, seasonal opening and access can change the order of the day.
Day 5Inverness to Edinburgh
Loch Ness · Urquhart Castle · Fort Augustus · Glencoe · Highland cows
South through the Great Glen and Glencoe to Edinburgh.
- Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
Begin beside Loch Ness, with the chance to cruise towards Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness cruise not included
- Fort Augustus
Lunch where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness.
- Glencoe
Travel south through Glencoe, with a stop beneath the Three Sisters.
- A last Highland cow stop
With luck, one final stop to meet some Highland cows on the way back to Edinburgh.
The itinerary is a guide. Ferry schedules, weather, attraction availability and road conditions can change the stops, timings or running order.
Is this tour right for you?
A great fit if
- You want the beaches and standing stones of the Outer Hebrides without driving yourself, with the ferries arranged for you.
- You’d like the north-west Highlands too: Corrieshalloch Gorge, Knockan Crag and the Falls of Shin.
- You’re travelling solo and want to be part of a small group from the first morning.
- You enjoy history, wild coastline and short walks.
Think again if
- You’re already in Inverness. The 3-day Lewis & Harris tour from Inverness starts and finishes there.
- You’d like Skye as well. The 7-day Skye & Outer Hebrides tour includes both.
- You have limited mobility, or you’re travelling with children under 12. A private tour can be planned around you.
What travellers say about our Outer Hebrides tours
Google reviews from guests on our Lewis & Harris tours.
I recently completed the 5-day Outer Hebrides, Lewis & Harris tour with Scotland’s Wild, and I can confidently say it was an experience I will never forget… What truly made this tour exceptional was Andrew. His personal, first-hand knowledge of the islands brought every stop to life — from history and culture to hidden gems only a local would know.
I had a blast on this tour! Five days of fun with Jim on the Outer Hebrides tour in early September. I decided to let someone else do the driving and was not disappointed as I got to look at beautiful Scotland as Jim drove and provided great commentary… Special thanks to Jim to introducing me to the wild side of Scotland, his Scottish playlist and in general for making sure the crazy Canuck didn’t fall off any cliffs.
Our guide Lauren knew all the best spots to take us for our wonderful tour of Lewis and Harris. She arranged for us to visit an accomplished weaver at his house and learn how he makes the famous Harris Tweed. She showed us a great time!
Accommodation: two nights in Inverness and two on Lewis, not included
Four nights along the route: Nights 1 and 4 in Inverness, with Nights 2 and 3 on the Isle of Lewis around Stornoway. Accommodation isn’t included in the tour price, so you choose how to arrange it.
Let us arrange it
- We arrange each stay after your tour booking is confirmed, and send you the details and total price.
- Twin, double, single or family rooms with trusted partners in Inverness and on Lewis; breakfast is normally included.
Book your own
- Contact us before you reserve so we can confirm the right areas.
- Your accommodation should normally be within about 3 km of the group's location, for morning collection and evening drop-off.
| B&B, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £80–£110 per person per night |
| B&B, single room | £100–£160 per night |
| Hotel, double or twin room shared with your travel companion | £100–£160 per person per night |
| Hotel, single room | £155–£255 per night |
These prices are a guide only. They change with the season, demand, special events and how close to departure you book, so we can't guarantee them.
Solo travellers: when we arrange accommodation, we aim for a single room. If availability is limited, we may offer a shared twin with a traveller of the same gender, so tell us beforehand if you'd rather not. Accommodation questions: info@scotlandswild.com
What's included, and what the trip costs
Included
- Ferry crossings between Ullapool and Stornoway
- Expert Scotland's Wild guide and storyteller for all five days
- Transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Guided short walks and active sightseeing stops
- A full touring day on Lewis, plus Luskentyre Beach on Harris
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
Not included
- Four nights' accommodation (see above)
- Meals and snacks
- Loch Ness cruise (optional)
- Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and Arnol Blackhouse admission
- Glenmorangie Distillery admission
- Culloden Visitor Centre admission
Your trip at a glance
- Tour
- From £428 per person, including the Lewis ferry crossings
- Pay today
- From £107 per person (25% deposit). The balance is taken 15 days before departure.
- Four nights: Inverness ×2, Lewis ×2
- Not included. Typically from around £80 per person a night for a double or twin B&B room shared with your travel companion; single rooms and hotels cost more. We can arrange it, or you book your own.
- Optional extras
- Blackhouse, Glenmorangie and Culloden admission, the Loch Ness cruise, meals and snacks.
Which Outer Hebrides tour?
Three ways to see Lewis and Harris with us.
3 days
Lewis & Harris from Inverness
Two nights on Lewis, starting and finishing in Inverness.
From £316 pp
See the 3-day tour →5 days
Lewis & Harris from Edinburgh
Adds The Hermitage, the Cairngorms and Culloden on the way north, and Loch Ness and Glencoe on the way back.
From £428 pp
7 days
Skye and the Outer Hebrides
Two nights each on Skye, Lewis and in Inverness, with both ferries and a free day.
From £556 pp
See the 7-day tour →Good to know before you book
- Days 2 and 4 are long travel days. The drive to Ullapool and the Minch crossing take time, broken up with walks and comfort stops.
- Ferries and weather can change the order. Your guide plans each day around the sailings, with safety first.
- Bring seasickness tablets if you need them. The Minch crossing can be choppy in a strong wind.
- Rain doesn’t stop the day. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers: the islands can be windy even in summer.
Where your five days begin and end
Outside The Jolly Botanist
256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT
Please arrive by 8:15am so your guide can check everyone in before the 8:30am departure. Scheduled tours leave on time and can’t wait for late guests. The tour returns to the same meeting point on Day 5. The meeting point is outside, and the bar may not be open that early.
- Check-in8:15amplease arrive by then
- Departs8:30amtours leave on time
- Backapprox. 7–8pmon Day 5
5-day Outer Hebrides tour from Edinburgh: your questions
How much time do we spend in the Outer Hebrides?
Two nights and the best part of three days. You sail from Ullapool to Stornoway on Day 2 and walk on Luskentyre Beach on Harris that afternoon, spend Day 3 on Lewis visiting the Butt of Lewis, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Dun Carloway Broch and the Callanish Standing Stones, and take the ferry back to the mainland on Day 4.
What does the 5-day Lewis & Harris tour cost?
From £428 per adult, including the Lewis ferry crossings (25% deposit, balance 15 days before departure). Prices vary by departure date. Accommodation is booked separately, and we can arrange it.
Is there a youth price?
Yes. Travellers aged 12 to 17 pay a youth price, from £403, and must travel with an adult. The calendar shows the youth price for your dates when you choose your travellers.
Are the Lewis ferry crossings included?
Yes. The scheduled ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway and the return to the mainland are included. Ferry schedules can sometimes mean the running order or timings change.
Is accommodation included?
No. Your four nights aren’t included in the tour price: Nights 1 and 4 in Inverness, Nights 2 and 3 on the Isle of Lewis. We can arrange rooms with trusted partners, or you can book your own after checking the right areas with us.
Where will I stay during the four nights?
In Inverness and on the Isle of Lewis, around Stornoway. Exact properties vary with availability and departure date. If you book your own, contact us first: it should normally be within about 3 km of the group’s location.
When does the tour run?
It departs every other Monday from 5 April to 18 October 2027. Summer dates fill first, so book as early as you can if you’re travelling between May and September.
Is this tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. You’ll be part of a small group from the first morning, and if we arrange your accommodation, we aim for a single room.
How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 16 travellers on every scheduled departure.
Will the tour run if only a few people book?
Each departure needs at least 4 travellers to run. If we have to cancel your tour for any reason, we’ll offer you another tour or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
16 or more days before departure: 90% refund of the total tour cost. 15 days or less before departure, or a no-show: 100% of the tour cost is payable. Full terms & conditions.
Can I take this Lewis & Harris tour from Glasgow?
Yes. There’s a 5-day Lewis & Harris tour from Glasgow, which starts in Glasgow and finishes in Edinburgh.
Can I start in Inverness instead?
Not on this tour, but our 3-day Lewis & Harris tour from Inverness covers Lewis and Harris in three days, starting and finishing in Inverness.
Which attraction tickets aren’t included?
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Arnol Blackhouse, Glenmorangie Distillery, the Culloden Visitor Centre and the Loch Ness cruise. Opening dates are seasonal and can change.
Where and when does the tour start and finish?
Check in at 8:15am outside The Jolly Botanist, 256–260 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT, for an 8:30am departure. The tour returns to the same place at approximately 7–8pm on Day 5; traffic and weather can affect this, so avoid tightly timed onward travel.
How much walking is there?
Short walks are built into every day. You should be comfortable walking for up to about an hour on island, coastal, woodland and historic-site paths, which can be rough, wet or slippery.
Can weather or ferry schedules change the itinerary?
Yes. Island travel depends on ferries, weather, attraction availability and roads. Safety and ferry connections come first, so your guide may adjust the order, timings or stops. Rain alone doesn’t cancel the tour, but strong winds can disrupt ferry sailings.
I get seasick. Will I be OK on the ferry?
The Minch crossing takes about two and a half hours and is often smooth, but it can be choppy in a strong wind. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring tablets and take them before you board.
What should I bring?
Waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes or boots, warm layers, and a hat and gloves in colder weather. Midge repellent is useful from roughly April to September, and sun cream on brighter days.
How much luggage can I bring?
One suitcase or travel bag up to 15 kg (33 lb), about 56 × 43 × 25 cm (22 × 17 × 10 in), plus a small personal bag. You need to be able to lift your own bag, and you may need to carry it between the vehicle and your accommodation. Luggage information.
Are meals included?
No. There are chances to buy food throughout the Highlands, Lewis, Harris and Inverness, and your guide will recommend places to eat. Evening restaurants on the islands may need booking ahead in busy periods.
Are there age limits?
The minimum age is 12. Travelling with younger children? Ask us about a private tour instead.
Are there regular bathroom breaks?
Yes. There are comfort stops throughout each day, and there are toilets on the Lewis ferries.
Ready for five days in the Outer Hebrides?
Check live dates and prices, secure your place from £107 per person, and we’ll help with your four nights’ accommodation.
Questions first? Call +44 131 241 8292 (7am to 9pm UK time, every day) or email info@scotlandswild.com.
Prefer to start in Glasgow? The same tour departs from Glasgow →
Comparing island trips? See all our Scottish island tours →
