As always, I am so thankful for the generous advice and experiences shared on the RS Forum!
From Carol, NYC Librarian and Pam (apologies if I didn't also include your trip report) I learned of Hidden Hebrides, and have just completed their memorable Outer Hebrides Highlights week. It's a small family company and I can wholeheartedly recommend them!
Here is the link:
https://www.hiddenhebrides.co.uk
Would it be a good fit for you? I'm a sturdy and fast walker, at home, and one way or the other I walk about 5 miles daily and deal with some very steep hills on my way. I also love to hike but at 69 I am very cautious about falls. Loose or slippery rocks are not my thing. And, I am afraid of heights!
A caveat with this tour is how subjective “easy” or “moderate” actually is, for any particular hike. Of the 8 of us, several were challenged, particularly climbing steeper grades. They were intrepid! But they also felt the “easy” rating wasn't accurate.
If you prefer or need level, well- groomed and defined paths this particular option may not be a good fit. Most of the “easy” days included some steep terrain, leaving some in the group huffing and puffing.
Also, the weather is/was always a factor in the walks. Early September brought the expected mix of rain, very strong wind and sun breaks. The wind gusted at times SO strongly I needed to crouch down on the trail, and on that walk, despite a rain cover, my backpack was dripping. You will need quality rain/wind pants and same for the jacket! Layers are a must, and waterproof shoes/boots with excellent traction. I was glad I brought my waterproof mitten covers- they really kept my gloves dry.
A plus was no midges, although one time we experienced a few, when the wind died down and the sun came out as we ate our picnic lunch.
The last day the weather devolved into an absolute storm, and the guide was advised to not take us-or the van- out. We ventured forth only for lunch and dinner but otherwise stayed cozily in the bed and breakfasts.
I loved this tour! Perfectly organized, learned a vast amount about the islands, enjoyed traveling with a small and congenial group of non- Americans (Scottish, Irish and a family from Australia) and supporting a small local business that in turn supports others on the islands.
Thank you again to those who submitted their previous trip reports! The islands are stunning and I gained such appreciation for the landscape’s shaping of the culture- Harris Tweed’s colors evoke the misty, muted and ever- changing hues!
Posted by
United States
793 posts
Hi Bon Voyage, thank you for this link and your review. I just got back from a week trip w my two adult kids and I am already thinking about where next to go in Scotland. I have just quickly browsed the HH website and there are some wonderful looking options, but it is very hard to judge what “easy” and “moderate” means, so your advice is well taken. I read on their website they say island walking distance amounts to about double of regular walking because of the terrain. That is something for me to consider, as I generally just do neighborhood walking- 3-4 miles a day, not much hiking. I also noticed this past trip, even though we averaged 18k steps/day, that I was more tired than our last trip together 3 years ago when we did more. Maybe I should consider just the ones they tag as “Easy”.
Did you go a few days early to be ready for the tour? I’m wondering if for an active trip like this, it might be a good idea. I was a zombie that first day after the overnight flight from the East Coast. Didn’t sleep a wink unfortunately.
Thanks again for sharing your trip experience!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
16073 posts
"The last day the weather devolved into an absolute storm, and the guide was advised to not take us-or the van- out. We ventured forth only for lunch and dinner but otherwise stayed cozily in the bed and breakfasts."
You have to know that the weather is bad when the guide is advised not to take the van out! On my birding tour it was windy as heck and the guide said he needed to keep us on the East side of the island where the wind was less strong. I know what you felt like when you had to crouch down and I am a sturdy girl, not likely normally to be blown off my feet!
Thanks so much for the report on your walking adventure. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Posted by
United States
793 posts
Just coming back into say I am now definitely down the rabbit hole! Just read carol’s trip report, and NYC Librarian’s. This part of Scotland, and these tours, sound incredible!
Posted by
OP
West Coast
358 posts
Thank you for your responses, MustLoveDogs and Pam!
Absolutely arrive at least a day early- because you must meet the tour at Inverness Train Station and then you are off in their little bus. I flew from the US on a Wednesday, arrived via LHR to Inverness mid-afternoon Thursday. That gave me two nights and all day Friday to acclimate, somewhat. There's a pretty walk along the Ness River.
I did post a packing list on the Forum prior to leaving. I wore/used everything, except the small binoculars. Staying in only two locations lodgings over the 6 days made it easy to handwash unders and even my t shirt.
You might look at:
https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/
Most of those on this trip are repeat customers of this company and reviewed it favorably. Apparently each day two levels of hikes are offered, easier and more challenging.
One day we climbed a nice, grassy hill, but it was very long and steep, with rain and wind along the way. OTOH, previously we had walked on wide, gorgeous hard packed white sand for more than an hour with dolphins leaping along in the waves offshore.
Posted by
New York
188 posts
Bon Voyage!, thank you for sharing your trip report--it sounds like you had a wonderful time! Wow, dolphins--I am impressed! I am also glad to support a local tour operator, and I thought our guides on the "Gentle Rambles in the Outer Hebrides" tour were excellent. I hope to be in a financial position to take their Orkney tour next year.
I walk 2-4 miles daily, but I do it on flat, paved city sidewalks. The terrain of the Hebrides challenged me because I am not used to rocky paths and changes in elevation. We had no steep ascents, but I found even the gentle descents a bit disconcerting. That is probably because several years ago I broke my foot falling down stairs, and I still have anxiety about walking downhill.
Before my trip I emailed the tour organizers and asked if they had a spare set of walking poles that I could borrow; I travel with a carry on backpack so I could not pack my own poles. I used their poles a couple days and found that they helped my confidence.