Scotland Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides

Strabo will announce the suggested Logan Air flight schedule for today, taking you from Glasgow to the Outer Hebrides.

The Outer Hebrides are at the northwest edge of Europe, comprised of a one hundred fifty-mile-long chain of islands. Harris divides neatly into three areas and has a different character to the much larger Lewis.

Great Bernera is an island that has been linked to the mainland by bridge since 1953. There are notable archaeological remains on the island consisting of standing stones, and the Iron Age roundhouse Dun Baravat in Loch Bravat. At the southeast corner of Harris is the little township of Rodel.  There is a lovely little harbor still used by a few fishing boats, and best known is the St. Clements Church, which is looked after by the Scottish Heritage and is the most impressive example of church architecture in the Hebrides.

One day heading north from our base, we may visit The Butt of Lewis, which is the northernmost point of the island. The sea is always dramatic here, as the waters of The Atlantic meet The Minch. In contrast, the Port of Ness, nearby, is a small scenic fishing port. The Arnol Black House is a Scottish Heritage site where both ‘black houses’ and a ‘white house’ have been preserved as a small museum. White houses were in use well into the second half of the twentieth century, while previously black houses were the traditional home for hundreds of years. Everybody lived in one space with a peat fire in the middle of the floor, while livestock were kept at one end of the house.

Carloway is a large village by Lewis standards, best known for the remains Carloway Broch, a once fortified impressive round stone structure. Heading south from our base at Breascleate, the world-famous standing stones of Callanish are just a few miles away. In fact, there are three standing stone remains at Callanish. The main one is a particularly impressive, well-preserved ancient site, set in spectacular surroundings. We will certainly photograph here in the twilight, as well as by day. Stornoway, on the east coast, is the island’s capital and lifeline to busy harbor life. Overnights Outer Hebrides (D; B; B; B)

Leave Lewis and Harris today, taking the ferry from Tarbert to the port town of Uig on the Isle of Skye. Your guides will take into consideration the interests of the group, and weather conditions to determine the most opportune photo stops along the drive to your accommodations.

The Trotternish Peninsula, which consists predominantly of a long basalt outcrop, giving rise to the dramatic cliff and mountain scenery roundabout. Driving around the “North End” of Trotternish, we will make a number of varied photo stops along the way. Photographing the strange and dramatic rock formations of the Quiraing is a highlight along with one of Skye’s best-known sights, The Old Man of Storr.  It is a pinnacle of rock, 160 feet high, visible from much of the east coast of Skye. Overnight Isle of Skye (B, D; B; B)

The group will depart very early this morning to capture the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Afterwards continue on through the Highlands and Glencoe region. In the Highlands, the past is all around. Ancient cairns, brochs (defensive round towers), and mysterious carved symbol stones have all left their faint traces on the landscape.

Depending on the weather and the interests of the group you will photograph some of Ron’s favorite places. Signal Rock is where in the past, bonfires were lit to warn of imminent danger. From Rannoch Moor there are distant views to the surrounding mountain ranges, Blackmount to the west, and the almost perfectly shaped mountain, Buachaille Etive Mor. There are fine views from beside the road at various points, and even better views can be gained with some relatively short walks. The Devils Staircase is a short uphill stretch of The West Highland Way and offering even better views from higher viewpoints.

You will continue on until arriving at the group airport hotel for the evening. After checking in to the hotel you can rest and re-pack for your flight home tomorrow, or perhaps join Ron at the hotel dining room or bar. Overnight Glasgow Airport hotel (B, L).