Scotland Photo Tour: Outer Hebrides Lewis Harris to Inner Hebrides Isle of Skye and Mull

Depart home today on an overnight flight to Glasgow International Airport (GLA) and then connect to Stornoway (SYY) on Lewis and Harris. A suggested flight schedule for May 12 will be announced from Glasgow to Stornoway. Nancy will likely arrive to Glasgow a day early. She will stay at an airport hotel, and perhaps explore the city center, and you are welcome to join her. Strabo will reserve a block of rooms should you decide to do so. (Meals on plane)

Arrive today in the Outer Hebrides at the Stornoway Airport where your driver and local guide will meet you and begin your journey. The Outer Hebrides are at the northwest edge of Europe, comprised of a one hundred fifty-mile-long chain of islands. Harris has a different character to the much larger Lewis, which are divided by mountains.

Great Bernera is an island that has been linked to Lewis 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 your 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. 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. Breascleate hosts the world-famous standing stones of Callanish. 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 Lewis Harris, Outer Hebrides (Breakfast, Dinner; Breakfast each morning)

Depart Lewis and Harris from Tarbert today, via ferry to Uig on the Isle of Skye. Your photography locations this afternoon and tomorrow morning will be determined by weather and ferry schedules. Located just a few miles south is Loch Fada, which lends itself to photography because of the island situated in the middle of it and the fact that the backdrop is of the mighty Storr – Skye’s highest peak outside of the Cuillin. The best time to visit is when the air is still to have the best chance of getting a clear reflection on the water. Sligachan is at the crossroads of the island, where you will find the old stone bridge. If there has been a bit of rain, walk up stream and you may find some attractive rapids and small falls within a few hundred meters of the bridge. Given a rainy day you may spend time in Portree to wander around this colorful Scottish village. Overnight Isle of Skye (Breakfast, Dinner)

Leaving Skye this morning you’ll travel via ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on the mainland. Traveling to Oban there will be photo opportunities across the Highlands, such as Glen Finnan Viaduct, where the Jacobite steam train crosses. Built in 1901 it features a curving, 21-arch span and has been showcased in the Harry Potter movies. Additional landscape photography may be of Ben Nevis, Glen Etive and the surrounding mountain range. As you approach Oban, you’ll drive along Loch Linnhe reaching a viewpoint of Castle Stalker, a four-story tower house or keep. It is set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe. Your final destination today is Oban, one of the main towns of the west coast. After checking in to your hotel enjoy a brief walking tour about town with your local guide. Depending on weather, you should be able to take advantage of some early morning and late-night photography of the surrounding landscape over the next few days. There may also be organized walks with Nancy or simply wander on your own as time permits.

The next day travel to Craignuir on the Isle of Mull. Tobermory, the island’s main town sits at the back of a pretty bay and the multi-colored stone houses and old pier present a lovely setting. Spend some time here, perhaps visit the distillery, or indulge in some of the appetizing seafood available at the many restaurants.

The north of the island is different again with glorious views to the Western Isles, fine golden sands at Calgary, deep glens, rocky fortresses and plenty of surprises for photography. Duart Castle proudly guards the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull, while enjoying one of the most spectacular and unique positions on the West Coast of Scotland. The walls range from 5-10’ deep! Photograph outside and the various views of the surrounding landscape.

The following day enjoy more sights in and around Oban. Enjoy a leisurely walk photographing along the harbor and esplanade of this lovely city. St. Columba’s Cathedral is a bit further walk to the north. If a good sunset is promising your guide will take you to McCaig’s Tower. The round, Colosseum-like structure is perched high above Oban and overlooks the town center and its harbor. The structure was built from 1897 to 1902. For those with more energy there is also Pulpit Hill which is an approximate 20-minute walk uphill but worth the views.

Your last full day return to the South end of Mull to visit Iona Abbey on the beautiful Isle of Iona with its white sand beaches. The serene Isle of Iona is home to the oldest and most sacred religious places in all of western Europe. It is one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. Overnights Oban (Breakfast, Dinner; Breakfast each morning)

Your guides will take in to account the interests of the group so you can enjoy additional photography stops as you drive back to Glasgow. This could include castle gardens, loch views, additional landscape photography, as well as a stop for lunch along the route. Arrive late in the day at your airport hotel. Overnight airport hotel Glasgow (Breakfast, Lunch)

The hotel is right across the street from the airport; therefore your return flight can be at any time on the 22nd. (Breakfast given time)