Journey through Western Isles Traveller Reviews

A trip from Barra in the south, northwards through the Outer Hebrides via Uist, Harris and Lewis. We stayed two nights in four different locations (three B&B, one hotel) and used a hire car to see as much as possible. Amazing beaches, scenery, machair and we can see why it is a paradise for artists and photographers. Loved the remoteness and slower, more appreciative pace of life. Would happily return.

McKinley Kidd : excellent choice of itinerary which we left to them as the area was completely unknown to us. Very efficient booking of accommodation and ferries and everything worked like clockwork. They provided us with additional maps, local recommendations and an app that allowed us to get updated local weather. Talking to the B&B owners where we stayed, they liked working with MKK and appreciated the fact that the company regularly came and inspected the properties.

Having visited already many islands and archipelago’s in the North Atlantic we decided it was time to visit the lesser known islands and after an intensive search on the internet we ended up at McKinlay Kidd. Their ‘Journey through the Western Isles’ was exactly what we were looking for: self-drive so that we could bring our own bicycles and visiting as many islands as possible staying in small scale guest houses, B&B’s and hotels. Tooled with Paul Murtons ‘Outer Hebrides’ and ‘Cycling the Hebrides’ we set off. And what a fantastic holiday it was! We have learned a lot about the history of the Hebrides and were surprised to experience that the Gaelic past is still so tangible here. Besides we were extremely lucky with the weather and we drove or cycled as much single track roads as possible. On one of the last days of our holiday we met a young women who -like we- cycled on the isles. When we tried to explain to her what we liked so much on the Hebrides she summarized: 'a feast for the eyes'. And that's what is was. A feast, not only for the eyes, but a feast altogether!

A small-scale tour operator who knows exactly what their customers like and they are able to offer that!

A great experience, enjoying the significant differences between the Hebridean Islands, and Hebridean hospitality - great food and accommodation

This is our third consecutive year holidaying with McKinlay Kidd, each time a tailor made holiday. Their agents are very pleasant to deal with and they know the areas well. We have always been very happy with the varied accommodation choices they offer, and the arrangements they have made on our behalf. If anything outside their control goes wrong, they are on the ball, managing outcomes to ensure that you are happy. If you are interested in the kind of holidays they offer, I don't think you will find anyone better.

My wife and I with two female friends decided to explore a part of Scotland we had not been before. We would be traveling by car which meant we would be using ferries. It was early September so the weather was an issue but as we were all ex scouts and guides we were prepared. We were not disappointed, the scenery and the friendliness of the people was excellent. We walked, did the usual tourist sites shops and pubs. We had a great holiday, great food, great folk and off course the Harris Gin!

It is a pleasure to praise and recommend McKinlay Kidd for organising our holiday to the Outer Hebrides. The organisation of our travel and accommodation was outstanding. The standard off our accommodation was excellent.

The whole holiday was amazing. From the quality of the B/B's to the directions to the next B/B were spot on.

They were so helpful and freindly nothing was to much trouble. As mentioned the directions were precise I found every thing easy and no hassle. The food was excelent and each B/B did packed lunches so did not need to find food for the walks. IT WAS BRILIANT. So much so I will be going again A.S.A.P.

We had a great time during our trip to Outer Hebrides and Isle of Sky. We met friendly people and we enjoyed breath-taking scenery. We had the chance to relax and to free ourselves from worries. We came back full of energy and lots of pictures.

McKinlay Kidd planned a very well organized trip for us. We received all the information that was needed, even in the smallest detail. We enjoyed the pace of the trip - spending two nights in every location was a very good idea, as we had enough time to discover the places at a relaxed pace. We also were very happy with the accommodations chosen for us. Very different places, each with a distinctive charm and nice people as hosts.

A SELF DRIVE ISLAND HOPPING HOLIDAY IN THE WESTERN ISLES OF SCOTLAND; A WEEK SPENT GOING FROM THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH, USING THE CAR FERRIES AND STAYING AT TOP CLASS ACCOMMODATION.

McKinlay Kidd who clearly demonstrated their experience in this kind of holiday and in that part of the world. Can be thoroughly recommended. Were prepared to discuss our particular requirements and design the trip around them.

Spent 10 nights in the Outer Hebrides, starting in Castlebay, Barra, and staying 2 nights on each "island", finishing up in Lewis and returning to mainland at Ullapool. We'd started our holiday in Oban where we drove on to the ferry to Castlebay. All our ferries and accommodation (BandB) were included in the package from Kidd McKinlay. The arrangements worked superbly and the accommodation was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Very responsive, efficient and friendly. A pleasure to deal with!

I have long wished to explore the Western Isles - and McKinley Kidd enabled myself and my partner to do this in style. The programme they organised for us enabled us to see as much as possible in a limited timespan, and to enjoy excellent accommodation along with enjoyable walks and views.

McKinley Kidd made it possible to enjoy our holiday to the full; all was superb, from the hired car through the ferries and the accommodation. On the last score, we were so pleased to stay two nights at Lews Castle, only recently open for travellers. It also offered a superb museum, walks and views - we could have stayed so much longer.

A self-driving tour from Barra through the Outer Hebrides to Lewis and then returning to the Scottish mainland through Skye. We stayed 2 nights in each of 5 well chosen, and excellent Bed and Breakfast/Hotels. Planning, advice and documentation provided by McKinlay Kidd was exemplary. Well done

A great job, well done. Friendly, helpful and knowledgable.