YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION: Crannag, isle of Barra At Bragar, on the west coast of Lewis All the flights and flight- inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions on page 24 for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate Holidays using car/ferry travel only are protected by Early morning light over Point Peninsula, Lewis. Harris mountains in the distance. Total Payment Protection (topp) Policy cover. HISTORY AT YOUR CATCH THE BEST Please see our booking conditions on page 24 FINGERTIPS LIGHT FOR PHOTOS for more information. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Fascinating relics are close wherever you travel OFF SEASON - WITH ATOL and Topps protection does not replace in the Outer Hebrides. This is history that’s up personal holiday travel insurance, which we close and personal - you can touch, feel and UP TO 25% OFF recommend to cover losses due to missed visualise the past for yourself. connections, weather interruptions or inability to There are ancient stone circles, Iron Age SUMMER PRICES take your holiday because of illness, etc. settlements, chambered burial cairns and Expert photographers generally agree that Many bank and credit card accounts include blackhouses restored to reflect the way crofters holiday insurance, so it may be worth checking there’s a special quality to the light here before really lived in the 1950s. Museums, large and before you buy elsewhere. Check in the small print and after the summer. small, impart the story of a population that has that weather delays are covered. been here for over 5,000 years. A number of our hosts have joined with us to offer a full 25% off the cost of accommodation Explore those aspects that are clearly provable (sorry, not ferries) before 30th April and from OUR ADVISORS KNOW and be enchanted by the stories that are full of 1st October. Sheer relaxation mystery and conjecture - formulating your own WHAT HOLIDAYS HERE opinions about what is real and what is legend. By taking advantage of this great offer, you could save enough to buy some large framed ARE REALLY LIKE ENJOY THE FRESH AIR prints of your 2014 holiday photos. There are All of our advisors live locally, know the islands, more details on page 19 and on our web site. All our staff actually live in the Outer Hebrides, so ON A BICYCLE To learn more, please call 0845 230 1236. our intimate knowledge of the islands means and are ready to share their expertise with you, we’re well placed to suggest places to go, things TOURING HOLIDAY to do and sights to see. to ensure you enjoy the holiday you deserve. GOING TO GLASGOW Our leisurely end-to-end island cycling holidays, IN 2014? WHY NOT Our advisors continually increase their local include fully equipped hybrid touring bikes, or, knowledge, to have the information you ask for. at a modest extra cost, it’s even easier with an EXTEND YOUR TRIP? eco-friendly electrically assisted bike. Whether you want to know about fitting accommodation around a trip to St. Kilda or iscover the magical, mysterious eagles, otters, corncrakes, whales, puffins or at first hand. Collect your bikes in Stornoway or Barra for a If you’re sepnding a where to find the Outer Hebrides’ only whisky Hebridean islands, an area of great dolphins, while others are content to sit on a All of our advisors live locally, know the islands, leisurely 8 night holiday, meandering around few days at the D contrast, perched right at the very deserted beach, with a good book to read. and are ready to share their expertise with you, 140 miles to the other end of the Outer Commonwealth distillery, we can help. edge of Europe - next stop, America! So much space also means those seeking a to ensure you enjoy the holiday you deserve. Hebrides - then leave the bikes and travel home. Games, you’ll Find vast tracts of moorland, some virtually already be nearly higher energy holiday need not disturb you. Every hotel, inn and guest house in this Relax and enjoy the views at close quarters, SOMETHING SPECIAL unvisited and occupied only by flora and fauna, here, so it makes sense to visit us then. They will not be disappointed, either, with brochure has been selected because we believe following our ready made route-plans or one of thousands of freshwater lochs and lochans, and The Outer Hebrides are just a short ‘hop’ from Following another successful year with the Select kayaking through silent waters or cycling the you will be well looked after by the owners or your own. mile after mile of soft shell-sand beaches, where Glasgow’s international airport. Collection, we continue to offer a limited number islands’ tracks and quiet roads. Or, perhaps, managers and staff - in the true tradition of Prices start at £499 per person (8 nights), for 2 of holidays based in accommodation that we tropical plants and seeds are often washed Our travel advisors would be happy to organise experiencing some of the most consistent surf Hebridean hospitality. sharing in a mix of group 1 and 2 regard as extra special - for a complete itinerary or ashore by the Gulf Stream. accommodation - including all your ferries, bed your flights from Glasgow, a flydrive car, ferries in Europe; climbing sea-stacks or kite surfing Our holiday itineraries are foundation stones on an add on to a more modest holiday. Wide open space is everywhere, so it’s hardly and land-sailing. and breakfast and bike hire (e-bikes add £18.00 and accommodation for an unforgettable start which we can build your own holiday The accommodation may be more luxurious, in a surprising that most visitors come to find peace per night). If you prefer a shorter holiday, or to or conclusion to your holiday of a lifetime. Whatever your interests,we bring you a programme - personal to you and designed to unique location or perhaps offer more facilities and quiet. Some arrive in the hope of seeing bring your own bikes, just ask and we’ll quote With a flight into or out of Barra’s amazing convenient, high quality and good value for fit your wishes. than some of the others we list. rare and wonderful creatures at close hand - sea you. See pages 11, 21 and the complete details money opportunity to experience the Hebrides airport - the only beach airport in the world that We’ll book all your accommodation for you, your that are on our web site. handles scheduled flights. See page 17 for more information. ferries, air travel if required, and even help you What did you enjoy most about find a programme of activities. What did you enjoy most about your holiday? If you want your holiday to include a hire-car or your holiday? a rental bicycle (even electric-assisted) we can help; we’ll even point you in the right direction “The great people we met, the for the public bus network, if you wish. “The peace and quiet.” breathtaking scenery and the history of What’s more, a made-to-measure holiday need “The amazing wildlife and cost no more than an ordinary trip. Our price your country.” promise guarantees it. wildflowers.” - Mr. and Mrs K. from Canada. Explore the brochure and then “The visitor attractions, museums, visit our website at “It was magical. The scenery superb. www.hebrideanhopscotch.com, etc., well laid out and informative.” to see what we have to offer you “The friendliness of everyone we met.” All arrangements went so well.” - then call us for a no obligation A full Scottish breakfast is included each day - quote and itinerary - you’re with lighter alternatives also available. - Mr. and Mrs N. from Ayrshire. welcome. Scan code for tablet or phone - Mr. T. from Worcestershire. 2 INTRODUCTION www.hebrideanhopscotch.com 0845 230 1236 INTRODUCTION 3 MV Loch Bhrusda, sails between MV Eilean Leodhais (Isle of Lewis), arrives A Loganair Twin Otter arrives at Barra Beach Airport Fully equipped for a picnic Barra and Eriskay into Stornoway harbour on a crisp winter day. Beach runway Helpful, friendly staff Cruise to the isles Land on the beach Bring your own car, relax, take your time Cut down your journey time and explore and enjoy the scenery as you sail over to our island paradise the Outer Hebrides with one of our Flydrive cars he many improvements of recent years, children’s play area - and some of the finest familiar comforts, and you can bring as much njoy speed, comfort and convenience Subject to satisfactory completion of the hire ‘Weekender’ air holidays normally include a have made the road to the isles a great views in Scotland. baggage as you like - even your mountain bikes! on a Flybe flight, operated by Loganair documents, fully comprehensive insurance budget price car from a reputable local hire T deal more convenient than it once was, Or take the scenic route to Oban or Skye and Your inter-island ferry crossings are all included E direct from Glasgow to Stornoway’s covers UK/EU drivers between 21 and 75. Older fleet, though you can upgrade for a modest and Scottish Government ferry subsidies cross with another of CalMac’s large, modern in the holiday package on purpose built ferries modern air terminal or to Barra - the world’s or non-EU drivers may be insured without extra charge.