Coast, sea Highlands & Islands –
Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

Hebridean dreams - Eriskay - South Uist - Benbecula - North Uist - Berneray - endless golden summer sands & blooming Machair

4 days

This is a private & personalised 4 day tour with pick up from Edinburgh or anywhere in Scotland for a group of up to 8 & AVAILABLE on any 4 consecutive green* calendar days --- FREE 4 DAYS TOUR 50 MILES PICK UP ZONE includes Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, St. Andrews, Perth, the Scottish Central belt, everywhere along the Fife Coast & in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs nationalpark within 50 miles of our Alloa home base in the heart of the Scottish Central Belt --- FREE ALONG THE WAY PICK UP LOCATIONS free (excess mileage does not apply) pick ups from anywhere along & near to the route from our homebase (Alloa, near Stirling) towards your tour destination we pass along anyway = Free additional pick ups for this private tour also in the Glencoe, Fort William, Mallaig & Skye area & the Uists (Eriskay - S. Uist - Benbecula - N. Uist - Benbecula)) --- EXCESS MILEAGE PAYABLE PICK UPS - The additional pick up mileage supplement applies outwith & beyond the 50 miles free pick up zone more than 50 miles from our Alloa home base --- UNAVAILABLE on red & blue calendar days & during green* "Island based tour days", when our tours start from & finish at our temporary Scottish Islands & regions base further away instead / Subject to vehicle space on the Calmac ferry

4D#2

Tour summary & highlights
  • Island hopping
  • the long chain of glorious unspoilt golden beaches
  • the early summer machair flowers
  • the all round great coastal & island views
  • the Gaelic culture
  • nature, wildlife & walks
  • the picturesque Hebridean houses
  • & a lot more

The Isles of  Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist & Berneray

4 days+ tour to explore & experience

for your private, flexible tailor-made small group sample itinerary 4D#2


 

Highlights of the Outer Hebrides – the Uists & Barra

  • Berneray beaches and the views across the Sound of Harris
  • Berneray / The Uists / Western Isles – Coast, sea, Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland
  • the amazing views from North Uist – at the centre of the Outer Hebrides across many isles and reaching all the way to St. Kilda on a clear day
  • the Hebridean way coastal path along the endless beaches
  • the stunningly wild landscape of the Uists and the high mountain peaks and sealochs of the East
  • Eriskay and the views across the Sound of Barra
  • Barra & Vatersay with its crystal clear beaches and island views all around, incl. Barra airport on the beach
  • Castlebay and island castle Kisimul
  • & lots more

The Uists from Berneray to Eriskay – Unicorn Tours


North Uist – May 2022 – Unicorn Tours

Baile Mor – North Uist

Baile Sear (via bridge from North Uist) beaches with views of the Monach Isles & Benbecula – Unicorn Tours

Loch Euphort – North Uist – Unicorn Tours

Balranald nature reserve – North Uist

Lochmaddy – North Uist – Unicorn Tours

Loch Portnain – North Uist – Unicorn Tours

South Clettraval (North Uist) views ranging from St. Kilda in the West (on a clear day), Berneray & Harris in the North to Benbecula & South Uist in the south – Unicorn Tours

Claddach Chairinis – North Uist with views south to Grimsay – Unicorn Tours

 

Isle of Grimsay & Ceallan/Kallin harbour – Unicorn Tours

 

 

South Uist – Unicorn Tours – 24 May 2022

 

Ardmore – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Viking longhouse & Machair beaches – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Loch Aineort – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Kildonan South Uist museum – Unicorn Tours

Hebridean Way – West coast of South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Hallan roundhouses & Hebridean Way/South Uist west coast – Unicorn Tours

Orosay & South Uist west coast beaches – Unicorn Tours

Tidal Orasay island – South Uist/Westcoast – along the Hebridean Way/ almost uninterrupted beach, sand dunes & machair flowers – Unicorn Tours

Lochboisdale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Pollachar Standing Stone – South Uist – with views of Eriskay & across the Sound of Barra – Unicorn Tours

North Glendale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours


Kildonan South Uist museum & its history & sites / The Uists / Western Isles – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

Flora MacDonald’s birthplace / South Uist / The Uists / Western Isles – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

South Uist / The Uists / Western Isles – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

St. Michael’s church / Eriskay / The Uists / Outer Hebrides – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

Eriskay / The Uists / Outer Hebrides – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

Sunset arrival on the Uists – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland


Eriskay – 25 May 2022 – Unicorn Tours

Eriskay, the Sound of Barra & “the whisky galore” beach – Unicorn Tours

Views south to Eriskay & the Sound of Barra with Barra in the distance from South Glendale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Upon our arrival on the Uists, we will visit these 6 islands, that are all connected via causeway: South Uist – Eriskay – South Uist – Benbecula – Grimsay – North Uist – Berneray:

 



The Uists

1st Eriskay – causeway – 2nd South Uist – causeway – 3rd Benbecula – causeway – 4th Grimsay – causeway – 5th North Uist – causeway – 6th Berneray


1st

Eriskay

  • Eriskay:  The causeway from South Uist to Eriskay is the longest and most beautiful throughout Scotland, Eriskay beach, Eriskay village, The Politiican restaurant “whisky galore”, the Eriskay community shop. The views over the Sound of Barra are truly stunning

Eriskay – facebook photos – Unicorn Tours

Views south to Eriskay & the Sound of Barra with Barra in the distance from South Glendale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Eriskay, the Sound of Barra & “the whisky galore” beach – Unicorn Tours



2nd

South Uist

  • South Uist: The beaches, The Machair way coastal path, Orasaig tidal island, Kildonan South Uist museum, Our lady of the Isles statue & the catholic heritage, Loch Sgiophort, Loch Aineort, Lochboisdale, the wild ponies, dramatic coastal scenery

South Uist – Outer Hebrides – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

South Uist / the Uists / Western Isles – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

Ardmore – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

South Uist – Unicorn Tours

North Glendale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Videos of the Uists (Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist & Eriskay) / Day 3 on the Western Isles – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

Lochboisdale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Tidal Orasay island – South Uist/Westcoast – along the Hebridean Way/ almost uninterrupted beach, sand dunes & machair flowers – Unicorn Tours

Hallan roundhouses & Hebridean Way/South Uist west coast – Unicorn Tours

Pollachar Standing Stone – South Uist – with views of Eriskay & across the Sound of Barra – Unicorn Tours

Loch Aineort – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Viking longhouse & Machair beaches – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Hebridean Way – West coast of South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Kildonan South Uist museum – Unicorn Tours

Bridge from Benbecula to South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Orosay & South Uist west coast beaches – Unicorn Tours

 



 

  • 3rd

  • Benbecula

  • Stunning coastal & island views, lots of beaches and stunning scenery.
  • Benbecula beaches, sealochs/fjords & highlights
  • Stunning coastline and all round views across the Hebrides on the way to St, Peter’s port

 

Isle of Benbecula

Benbecula / The Uists / Hebrides – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

Benbecula – Things to do and see

Benbecula – Outer Hebrides

Benbecula – Western Isles

Benbecula distillery – Spirit of the Hebrides

Museum nan Eilean Lionacleit

  • Nunton cemetery, Nunton beach, harbour & museum nan Eilean
  • The causeway north to Grimsay and North Uist and south to South Uist with a great chance to spot wildlife, otters and see the tide rushing in or out.
  • Balivanich village, shops, cafe, restaurant & Benbecula airport

Westcoast beaches of Benbecula – Unicorn Tours

Views along the road to St. Peter’s port – Benbecula – Unicorn Tours

Bridge from Benbecula to South Uist – Unicorn Tours



  • 4th

  • Grimsay

  • Great all round coastal, island and mountain views when crossing the causeways and watching the tides come and go. There is a good chance to see wildlife, birds, otters and seals.
  • Grimsay – Outer Hebrides
  • Grimsay – Community association
  • Grimsay – Visit Scotland
  • Circular Route – With a circular main road making it easy to take a tour round the island, Grimsay offers an exciting insight into Outer Hebridean life with centuries of history and a strong seafaring tradition. This is perfect place to hire a bike and cycle around the island.
  • History and Heritage – Visit the site of the Bagh nam Feadg Grimsay Wheelhouse – an iron age structure with a central chamber and surrounding cells whose excavation uncovered a number of artefacts that informed our archaeological understanding of the area. Walk to St Michael’s Point which has the ruin of St Michaels Temple and also gives spectacular views out to Rum and Skye.
  • In recent years Uist Wool mill and wool centre opened. Steeped in island traditions, the mill produces artisinal undyed yarns and wool products which are inspired by our Hebridean environment. The mill welcomes visitors to browse the shop, wools centre and mill.
  • Maritime Heritage and Boat Trips – At Kallin visit the bustling harbour, which was built in 1985 for the island’s growing fishing fleet and provides a strong focus for the seafaring community as well as being the base for boat trips. Itineraries include the outlying Monach Islands and Ronay as well as nearby stretches of coast that are home to some wonderful wildlife.
  • The Grimsay Boathaven is open to visitors with regular exhibitions and events, centred around the everyday work of the traditional Grimsay style boatbuilding and repair.
  • Food and Drink – If all the sea air leaves you with an appetite as you travel around Grimsay, then you can experience a little local flavour at the Kallin Shellfish shop and cafe where locally caught fresh and smoked seafood is available to purchase.
  • At the The Creel Yard in Kallin, visit Sea Salt Hebrides for some Hebridean sea salt and head to the Ceann na h-Àirigh community hub and post office for teas, coffees, community and cultural events.



5th

  • North Uist

  • Stunning coastal & island views, lots of beaches and stunning scenery.
  • Balranald Hebridean nature reserve and beach walk with views over to the Monach Isles
  • St. Kilda viewpoint
  • Baile Mor & tidal Baile Sear island with spectacular white beaches and great coastal views

North Uist – Visit Scotland

North Uist / The Uists / Outer Hebrides – Coast, sea Highlands & Islands – Unicorn Tours throughout Scotland

North Uist – Outer Hebrides

North Uist

North Uist – distillery

Balranald Hebridean nature reserve

  • Pobull Fhinn & Beinn Langais walk, Great coastal scenery at Loch Euphort, Lochmaddy & Lochportain, The causeway north to Berneray and the causeway south to Grimsay, Grimsay harbour and the causeway to Benbecula – great chance to spot otters, seals, a lot of seabirds, etc, Hebridean smokehouse, cafes & shops



 

 

Crossing the Sound of Harris to the Isle of Bernerary (the Uists) – 23 May 2022 – Unicorn Tours

Berneray – Western Isles/Outer Hebrides – Unicorn Tours

Berneray & the East beach – Unicorn Tours

360 degrees islands’ views from the top of Berneray

West beach – Berneray – Unicorn Tours

All-round islands view from Ben Leva – Berneray – Outer Hebrides

West beach – Isle of Berneray (the Uists) – videos – Unicorn Tours

 



Hebridean dreams – Eriskay – South Uist – Benbecula – North Uist – Berneray – golden sands – 4 day tour

Basic route:

– Pick up
– Scottish mainland
– Ferry from either Mallaig or Oban to Lochboisdale / South Uist

– The Uists Outer Hebrides tour
covering all islands of “the Uists” from Eriskay in the south to Berneray in the north

– return


Price for a 4 day tour

4 day tour price – Unicorn Tours

(Peak season, based on a group of 8, price per person starts from £153 / standard season, based on a group of 8, price per person starts from £127 for 4 days for the tour)

plus

ferries

(Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from either Mallaig or Oban to Lochboisdale/South Uist – footpassenger return, Unicorn Tours pays for the vehicle rate)

accommodation (option of low budget to 5*), food, entrance fees & your personal expenses

————————————————————————————–

  • Departures/pick ups & drop offs from anywhere in Scotland
  • Stops and route along the way on day 1 and day 4 on the Scottish mainland, but also once on the Western Isles are flexible and personalised depending on your preferences, interests & the weather

 

Day 1 – Scenic journey with stops

Stunning journey with stops along the way to our ferry to Lochboisdale/South Uist

The ferry will either depart from Oban or  Mallaig

Stunning Calmac ferry ride across the Minch to Lochboisdale/South Uist.

Welcome on the Western Isles

The Uists are a lot larger and there is a lot more to do and see than most outsiders can imagine.

The main South – North road alone from Eriskay – causeway – South Uist – causeway – Benbecula – causeway – North Uist – causeway – Berneray stretches for 60 miles or 1 1/2 hours non-stop driving.

How much and what we can still do on the Uists on day 1 is subject to the ferry arrival time.


Day 2 –  Visiting the south: Eriskay, South Uist and Benbecula

Eriskay

The views all around are awesome north across the causeway towards South Uist and its beaches and south across the – on sunny days – turquoise sea – across the Sound of Barra.

South Uist

We offer some stunning off the beaten track routes to the glorious beaches in the East and the rugged hills and sealochs of the East.

We offer stunning beachwalks, including to a tidal island.

The very long day light from May to July brings about an abundance of flowers in the machair zone between the beaches and grazing fields.

We usually stop for a cup of coffee at the Kildonan South Uist museum

The Uists are the very few spots in Scotland where the protestant reformation never took hold and the majority of churches are catholic. Nice views can be had on the hillside top above the Our Lady of the Isles

Benbecula

Apart from its great beaches and its central accommodation, Benbecula is also the largest settlement with more shops to stock up on essentials plus restaurants & cafes.

 


Day 3 – Visiting the north: North Uist, Bernerary & possibly the small isles between Benbecula and North Uist, all of which are connected by causeways.

North Uist

The circular road around the island, the road through the island (including a walk to the standing stone circle) and the many small side roads are an absolute dream.

Around ever corner you have a new and different vista.

views over to the Monach islands

and as far as St. Kilda

 

Berneray

The beaches and views are an absolute dream and magical.

The views all around are stunning north across the Sound of Harris towards the wild, rugged and beautiful mountain peaks of Harris.


Day 4 – How much and what we can still do on the Uists on day 4 is subject to the ferry departure time.

Depending on the time of year the ferry will be from Lochboisdale/South Uist to either Mallaig or Oban.

Beautiful relaxed ferry ride – we regularly spot seabirds, seals & cetaceans (whales, porpoises and dolphins) – back to Ullapool. On board of the ferry is a restaurant, cafe, bar, an indoor & outdoor viewing area, a shop and other facilities.

Journey from Mallaig or Oban south with a few new different stops and a slightly new route.


Barra (37)

Eriskay (38)

South Uist (39)

Benbecula (40)

North Uist (41)

Berneray (42)


 

What to bring?


We would be delighted to run this tour as a private, small group tour  (up to 8 people) 


As per North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra
We are happy to combine itineries of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, incl. Tiree and Coll and



Our 4 day tours

Via our various scenic routes via either Oban (see our West Coast itineraries – to Barra and South Uist), Uig (see our Skye itineraries – to Tarbert/Harris) and Ullapool (see our Northwest and Northcoast itineraries – to Stornoway/Lewis),
do we reach the Outer Hebrides by ferry.

The best and most interesting routes are to travel outbound via one route (for example via Ullapool and Stornoway/Lewis) and return back for example from Barra to Oban.

Please note the Outer Hebrides are linked by ferry or causeway south to north:
Lewis-Harris-Bernerary-North Uist-Benbecula-South Uist-Eriskay-Barra
Our Unicorn Tours can include one or more of the islands of the 1,2 and 3 day tours plus:

Mingulay (35)

Vatersay (36)

Depending on your preferences and interests, the main places that have been agreed and discussed, the overall time we have left after our stops (especially in the winter months with shorter daylight hours), the places listed above are just a few among other nearby options, that we might be travelling through and see, stopping at and/or visiting along the way as on each of our friendly, flexible and personalised tours we maximise and offer you the best tour experience given the conditions on the day (for example if it is pouring down with rain on one side of a mountain range, we believe in offering you the alternative sunny route on the other side of the mountains, etc.)

Subject to availability possible overnight (hostel, bed & breakfast, hotel, camping) options do all exist for your 3 days+ tour. As there are too many possible places to stay at, we can check room availability for your preferred option at the time of your enquiry/booking.

0044-(0)7429251980 – contact@unicorntours.co.uk

3 days+ Highlands & Islands adventure tours
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other local pick ups)

2 days Highlands & Islands adventure tours
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other pick ups possible)

1 day Highlands & islands adventure tours
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other pick ups possible)

Short one day tours info
(2/3 day = 7 hours, 1/2 day = 5 hours, 1/3 day = 3.5 hours) Highlands tours info
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other pick ups possible)

during July the coastal machair flowers are in full blossom

 

Tour itinerary

Personalised private tours are tailored to suit your own interests & preference and are also flexible, for example on a rainy or sunny day you might opt to alter the discussed route

Private tour price for the 8 passenger seater mini-bus & driver/tourguide, i.e. the tour price for a private group of min. 1 and max 8 passengers

4 day tour prices – Unicorn Tours


Personalised & private small group tours all over Scotland (100+ itineraries: ½ – 7 day tour options & discounted multi-day tours to choose from) – with a set daily tour price for our tour guide driver & 8 passenger seater mini-bus (due to the fixed same overall cost for up to 8 passengers, the cheapest per person price for a private small group tour is if 8, 7, 6 or 5 are travelling together to share the set fixed daily cost, which is the same total cost, no matter if there are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 passengers on a private mini-bus tour)

All of these private & personalised, small group tours of Scotland

are available on any available green calendar days for private tours

5, 6, 7 days 4 days 3 days
2 days Scottish destinations/Tour extensions & add ons 1 day
Activities, special interests & tour themes Walking tours ½ & short day tours

 

 

 

 

 

  • Choose any private & personalised tailormade 1/2 day tour on any available green calendar day.
  • Choose any private & personalised tailormade 1 day tour on any available green calendar day.
  • Choose any private & personalised tailormade 2 day tour on any 2 consecutive available green calendar days. Any private 2 day tours will already show a 2.5% discount.
  • Choose any private & personalised tailormade 3 day tour on any 3 consecutive available green calendar days. Any private 3 day tours will already show a 5% discount.
  • Choose any private & personalised tailormade 4 day tour on any 4 consecutive available green calendar days. Any private 4 day tours will already include a 7.5% discount.
  • Choose any private personalised & tailormade 5 day tour on any 5 consecutive available green calendar days. Any private 5 day tours will already include a 10% discount.
  • Choose any private personalised & tailormade 6 day tour on any 6 consecutive available green calendar days. Any private 6 day tours is discounted by 12.5%.
  • Choose any private personalised & tailormade 7 day tour on any 7 consecutive available green calendar days. Any private 7 day tour prices already show the 15% discount. 

Additionally from September to May there is a 12.5% student discount, which also applies to seniors over 65 and to children up to 17 travelling as part of a family group.

 

 

Extra costs & ferry info (if applicable)

Caledonian MacBrayne ferry:

 


Accommodation on the Uists

(Berneray – North Uist – Benbecula – South Uist & Eriskay)

Tour links

Some of your private tour options

in the Uists (Berneray – North Uist – Grimsay – Benbecula – South Uist & Eriskay)

& Barra (Barra – Vatersay) region,

including day tour options to Harris, Lewis, Mingulay & the Monach Isles

 


Berneray

Visit Scotland – Berneray

Visit Outer Hebrides – Berneray

Isle of Berneray.com


North Uist

Visit Scotland – North Uist

Visit Outer Hebrides – North Uist


Benbecula

Visit Outer Hebrides – Benbecula

Explore Western Isles of Scotland – Benbecula


South Uist

Visit Scotland – South Uist

Outer Hebrides – South Uist


Eriskay

South Uist and Eriskay


Visit Scotland – Eriskay

Tour options

On some of our longer tours to the Uists, we also offer:

  • optional sidetrip from Eriskay to Baara
  • Optional sidetrip from Berneray to Harris
  • Visit of the Monach Isles
  • Day excursion to St. Kilda

 


Information about tour options for a private tour in general


Private & personalised tailormade tours to suit your group’s preferences

This is your very own private tour for you and your friends and family members of up to 8 people travelling on this tour together.

Before any private tour, we always discuss with you and check for your must-see stops, interests, hobbies, activities, preferences, priorities and any special requests you might have and we ask you about your preferred pace of travel so to tailor make and personalise the tour to suit your needs.

The route, the stops and the itinerary we give on our website for any private tour are for information and guidance only, as in the end it is you, who decides, what you wish to do, where you wish to stop and what you wish to do and see.

Any private tour itinerary can be shortened, extended or amended, if you wish to do so.


Flexibility on private tours

We also like to keep things flexible as our experience is that there are places, once you arrive and see them, you just fall in love with and wish to spend more time and longer.

whereas some other times we arrive at a place and they are different from what you had expected and you are ok to have a shorter stop and to move on quicker.

Flexibility is also good as on a beautiful gorgeous blue sunny day when all colours in nature and the landscapes are sparkling and you have clear and amazing far distant visibility and the scenery and places are at their best, you probably prefer to spend more time outdoors, while on a stormy, wet, dark, grey and cold day, you are likely to prefer more indoor venues during your stops.


Travelling at your own pace on private tours

Some guests are on a whirlwind tour with little time and wish to pack as much into a short time as possible and are ok with just short photo stops,

whereas other tour guests prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace to be able to explore and discover and soak it all in and leaving the tour with a memorable and lasting experience.

All of this is possible within the constraints of your chosen route, the distances involved

and during the winter season the shorter daylight hours we have.


Lunch breaks on private tours

Some guests put a lot of emphasis on a good quality lunch in a good atmospheric restaurant and we can prebook lunch venues,

whereas other guests are ok to just stop at a supermarket for a sandwich to eat on the go

or just need a short lunch stop for some light snack to eat.


Your tour options on any private tour are unlimited and endless

Same place, same route – but one one private tour, the private tour guests would want to visit the castle, while on another tour at the same place, they want a whisky tour instead and yet again same place on the next tour the private tour guests, want to just go for a walk on the beach there, while another time at the same place, they just want to go shopping, visit the museum or stop at the golf course – so same place, but on each private tour at this very same place, we visit different places and the itinerary, stops and experience is different. 

As this is a private & personalised tour to suit your interests, preferences, hobbies and activities, it is up to you and we can either offer our normal tour itinerary for the location with all the many local highlights and sights and be flexible depending on the season, the weather, the time we have and also be fully flexible during the tour (as some places, you will love and stay longer and at other places you come to, you might wish to just take a photo and then leave, so in the end you might on the day of the tour decide to stay longer or shorter at some of the places we visit or you might still decide to add in some additional stops and places you had not thought about before)  and also partially or fully adjust it to suit your interests and preferences or entirely turn it into a specialist interest tour “a whisky tour”, “a castle, cathedral, historic sights tours”, a “walking tour”, a “nature & wildlife tour”, a “golf tour”, an “activity tour”, etc. depending on what you request (also see our full range of  Activities, special interests & tour themes.)

If it says on the tour itinerary, the tour starts in A and ends in Z and on our journey from A to Z we are travelling and can be stopping at B, C, D, E, F…… X & Y,

it might be the same route on every such private tour, but with every private tour group and individuals, it could still be an entirely & very different tour after all,

as there are so many different special interests & tour themes

so that the main focus of some private tour groups could be

  • architecture & charming towns & villages
  • castles, history
  • child-friendly stops
  • churches, abbeys & religious sites
  • dining & and having a great lunch eating out
  • events based, such as visiting the Highland games while on the tour with us
  • family history & genealogy
  • gardens, flowers & parks
  • golf, football or other sports’ venues
  • literature, film or movie fictional based tour, i.e. visiting filming locations of Outlander, Harry Potter, Shetland crime series, Downtown Abbey. etc.
  • nature & wildlife, seabirds, puffins or whale
  • watching
  • the scenery, the coast & beaches
  • snow and wintry landscapes
  • tourist steam train in conjunction with our tour
  • walking
  • waterfalls
  • whisky distilleries, gin and breweries
  • etc.

Pick ups & drop offs anywhere on private tours

As mentioned in the pick up section, on a private tour we can pick up from anywhere and drop off anywhere and offer staggered free pick ups and drop offs, which are dependent on the distance from our Alloa home base near Stirling. Our home base is 30 miles from Edinburgh, Glasgow & Perth in the heart of the Scottish Central belt:

  •  for short & half day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 15 miles of our Alloa home base (which includes Stirling, Falkirk, Dunfermline & Gleneagles)
  •  for 1 day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 35 miles of our Alloa home base (which additionally includes Edinburgh, Glasgow & Perth)
  •  for 2, 3 & 4 day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 50 miles of our Alloa home base (which additionally includes Dundee, St. Andrews & the entire Scottish Central belt)
  • for 5, 6 & 7 day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 75 miles of our Alloa home base

Additionally as stated we sometimes offer free pick ups for places on the route to our destination, even though they might exceed the free mileage zone, so for example for a West Coast tour and we need to head westbound anyway for the tour, we could be pick up at locations west free of charge, depending on the exact route and distances involved.

(During a few weeks every year we are also Shetland, Orkney, Hebridean Isles or regionally based

and the free pick ups will then be based from that local area, such as on the Shetland, Orkney or on some of the Hebridean Isles for example.)


Accommodation on multi-day tours is your choice

Some of our guests are budget travellers, whereas others are luxurious travellers, while others chose a mid-range 3* hotel.

We are happy to give you tips, links and info about your accommodation options for the towns and villages we are staying overnight, but in the end it is up to you, where you would like to stay, at which hotel or guesthouse and for which price.

However much or however little you wish to spend for your overnight accommodation is your choice.

On a private tour we will pick you up from any accommodation in the morning and in the evening drop you off at any accommodation of your choice for your overnight tour accommodation and and chosen location.

 

Free time & activities
Tour pick up/start, drop off/end & joining options near to & along our tour route

Private 4 day tour pick ups & drop offs anywhere throughout Scotland, incl. the Hebridean, Orkney & Shetland Isles


*** for those in your private group, who can’t make it for the full 4 days – Eriskay to Berneray Hebrides tour

(& for those prefer to fly to/from the island quicker

without the need to catch the ferry and include the Scottish mainland tour part to the ferry port) ***

  • We are happy to pick you up from any of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminals (Lochmaddy/North Uist or Lochboisdale/South Uist), if you make your own way to either Oban or Mallaig ferryport on the Scottish mainland (to where you have rail/bus connections)
  • We are happy to pick you up from Benbecula (Barra or Stornoway) airport

  • We are also happy to drop you off at any Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal (Lochboisdale/South Uist or Lochmaddy/North Uist) from where you can get back to the Scottish mainland (either Oban or Mallaig) with onward rail connections
  • We are also happy to drop you off at Benbecula (Barra or Stornoway) airport

 


 

Our standard tour would start from / finish at the Scottish mainland:

Pick up / drop off points for private small group 4 Days Tours, from anywhere as it is your own private tour:

  • within the Stirling/Uni area
  • within the Forth Valley area
  • from within the Scottish Central belt, Edinburgh & Glasgow included
  • from within the Dundee, St. Andrews & Perth area
  • from most locations throughout Scotland

+

  • from places listed along or nearby the route and the stops of this particular 4 Days Tour
Tour booking

To enquire about this tour or to book please email contact@unicorntours.co.uk


As this will be your very own tailormade, personalised, flexible private small group tour, we will discuss:
  • Your preferred travel dates
  • Your preferred route
  • Based on your preferred route, we will give a choice of overnight locations to stay
  • Once you have chosen your preferred overnight location, we would like to know about your preferred type of accommodation, any special requests or a price range and your preferred roomtypes
  • Based on your choice, for example hotel with * ** *** **** ***** star rating, guesthouse/B&B, self-catering or budget hostel accommodation, etc. for each overnight location, we can then give you suggestions and also check the room availability for each night

 


 

Accommodation
  • Unicorn Tours is happy to assist you with your questions regarding your accommodation & accommodation booking
  • The general rule is that you should then book your accommodation yourself, let us know where you are staying during which night, as it is there that we will drop you off at the end of the tour day and pick you up on the beginning of the next tour day

  • The choice of your accommodation, how much or how little you wish to spend for your overnight accommodation is unconnected and separate from your tour with Unicorn Tours throughout the daytime – for the same day and tour, we have picked up guests from 5* hotels and guests from budget hostels, but the tour experience during the daytime with Unicorn Tours remains the same.

 


 

  • When ferries or any other additional costs are involved, we also want to make sure, you are happy with those

 


 

Once the tour details, including

  • tour itinerary & special requests
  • pick up/drop off locations & timings
  • tour duration, passenger numbers and price
  • etc.
  • have been discussed and agreed
  • and you are happy to proceed with the booking
  • we send you an invoice which allows for payment by Paypal / card or by BACS bank transfer

This tour is for a private small group of up to 8 people.

We will personalise & tailor make this flexible tour itinerary to suit your preferences, interests & requirements.

This tour is available on any green calendar day

except during our Scottish Islands based tour days

for a few weeks each year.


Once you wish to book, we send you an invoice with a payment link and also allowing for a UK & international bank transfer.

Once you have paid, we send you your tour confirmation and will mark this day as “red” unavailable/booked out in our tours availability calendar


We can pick up from anywhere, but for a 4 day tour the free pick up zone is within 50 miles from our Alloa home base (which includes does Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Dundee, St. Andrews & places throughout the entire Scottish Central belt and anywhere in between, such Stirling, Falkirk, Dunfermline & Gleneagles)

Pick ups & drop offs anywhere on private tours

As mentioned in the pick up section, on a private tour we can pick up from anywhere and drop off anywhere and offer staggered free pick ups and drop offs, which are dependent on the distance from our Alloa home base near Stirling. Our home base is 30 miles from Edinburgh, Glasgow & Perth in the heart of the Scottish Central belt:

  •  for short & half day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 15 miles of our Alloa home base (which includes Stirling, Falkirk, Dunfermline & Gleneagles)
  •  for 1 day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 35 miles of our Alloa home base (which additionally includes Edinburgh, Glasgow & Perth)
  •  for 2, 3 & 4 day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 50 miles of our Alloa home base (which additionally includes Dundee, St. Andrews & the entire Scottish Central belt)
  • for 5, 6 & 7 day tours the free pick up/drop off zone is within 75 miles of our Alloa home base

Additionally as stated we sometimes offer free pick ups for places on the route to our destination, even though they might exceed the free mileage zone, so for example for a West Coast tour and we need to head westbound anyway for the tour, we could be pick up at locations west free of charge, depending on the exact route and distances involved.

(During a few weeks every year we are also Shetland, Orkney, Hebridean Isles or regionally based

and the free pick ups will then be based from that local area, such as on the Shetland, Orkney or on some of the Hebridean Isles for example.)

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email  contact@unicorntours.co.uk to discuss further

 

 

 

 

 

 

4D#2 – Hebridean dreams – Eriskay – South Uist – Benbecula – North Uist – Berneray – endless golden summer sands & blooming machair – 4 day tour

The Isles of  Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist & Berneray

4 days+ tour to explore & experience

for your private, flexible tailor-made small group sample itinerary 4D#2


 

Highlights of the Outer Hebrides – the Uists & Barra

  • Berneray beach and the views across the Sound of Harris
  • the amazing views from North Uist – at the centre of the Outer Hebrides across many isles and reaching all the way to St. Kilda on a clear day
  • the Hebridean way coastal path along the endless beaches
  • the stunningly wild landscape of the Uists and the high mountain peaks and sealochs of the East
  • Eriskay and the views across the Sound of Barra
  • Barra & Vatersay with its crystal clear beaches and island views all around, incl. Barra airport on the beach
  • Castlebay and island castle Kisimul
  • & lots more

The Uists from Berneray to Eriskay – Unicorn Tours

Crossing the Sound of Harris to the Isle of Bernerary (the Uists) – 23 May 2022 – Unicorn Tours

Berneray – Western Isles/Outer Hebrides – Unicorn Tours

Berneray & the East beach – Unicorn Tours

360 degrees islands’ views from the top of Berneray

West beach – Berneray – Unicorn Tours

All-round islands view from Ben Leva – Berneray – Outer Hebrides

West beach – Isle of Berneray (the Uists) – videos – Unicorn Tours


North Uist – May 2022 – Unicorn Tours

Baile Mor – North Uist

Baile Sear (via bridge from North Uist) beaches with views of the Monach Isles & Benbecula – Unicorn Tours

Loch Euphort – North Uist – Unicorn Tours

Balranald nature reserve – North Uist

Lochmaddy – North Uist – Unicorn Tours

Loch Portnain – North Uist – Unicorn Tours

South Clettraval (North Uist) views ranging from St. Kilda in the West (on a clear day), Berneray & Harris in the North to Benbecula & South Uist in the south – Unicorn Tours

Claddach Chairinis – North Uist with views south to Grimsay – Unicorn Tours

 

Isle of Grimsay & Ceallan/Kallin harbour – Unicorn Tours

 

 

Westcoast beaches of Benbecula – Unicorn Tours

Views along the road to St. Peter’s port – Benbecula – Unicorn Tours

 

Bridge from Benbecula to South Uist – Unicorn Tours

South Uist – Unicorn Tours – 24 May 2022

 

Ardmore – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Viking longhouse & Machair beaches – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Loch Aineort – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Kildonan South Uist museum – Unicorn Tours

Hebridean Way – West coast of South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Hallan roundhouses & Hebridean Way/South Uist west coast – Unicorn Tours

Orosay & South Uist west coast beaches – Unicorn Tours

Tidal Orasay island – South Uist/Westcoast – along the Hebridean Way/ almost uninterrupted beach, sand dunes & machair flowers – Unicorn Tours

Lochboisdale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

Pollachar Standing Stone – South Uist – with views of Eriskay & across the Sound of Barra – Unicorn Tours

North Glendale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

 

 

Eriskay – 25 May 2022 – Unicorn Tours

Eriskay, the Sound of Barra & “the whisky galore” beach – Unicorn Tours

Views south to Eriskay & the Sound of Barra with Barra in the distance from South Glendale – South Uist – Unicorn Tours

 

 

 

 

 


Hebridean dreams – Eriskay – South Uist – Benbecula – North Uist – Berneray – golden sands – 4 day tour

Basic route:

– Pick up
– Scottish mainland
– Ferry from either Mallaig or Oban to Lochboisdale / South Uist

– The Uists Outer Hebrides tour
covering all islands of “the Uists” from Eriskay in the south to Berneray in the north

– return


Price for a 4 day tour

4 day tour price – Unicorn Tours

(Peak season, based on a group of 8, price per person starts from £153 / standard season, based on a group of 8, price per person starts from £127 for 4 days for the tour)

plus

ferries

(Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from either Mallaig or Oban to Lochboisdale/South Uist – footpassenger return, Unicorn Tours pays for the vehicle rate)

accommodation (option of low budget to 5*), food, entrance fees & your personal expenses

————————————————————————————–

  • Departures/pick ups & drop offs from anywhere in Scotland
  • Stops and route along the way on day 1 and day 4 on the Scottish mainland, but also once on the Western Isles are flexible and personalised depending on your preferences, interests & the weather

 

Day 1 – Scenic journey with stops

Stunning journey with stops along the way to our ferry to Lochboisdale/South Uist

The ferry will either depart from Oban or  Mallaig

Stunning Calmac ferry ride across the Minch to Lochboisdale/South Uist.

Welcome on the Western Isles

The Uists are a lot larger and there is a lot more to do and see than most outsiders can imagine.

The main South – North road alone from Eriskay – causeway – South Uist – causeway – Benbecula – causeway – North Uist – causeway – Berneray stretches for 60 miles or 1 1/2 hours non-stop driving.

How much and what we can still do on the Uists on day 1 is subject to the ferry arrival time.


Day 2 –  Visiting the south: Eriskay, South Uist and Benbecula

Eriskay

The views all around are awesome north across the causeway towards South Uist and its beaches and south across the – on sunny days – turquoise sea – across the Sound of Barra.

South Uist

We offer some stunning off the beaten track routes to the glorious beaches in the East and the rugged hills and sealochs of the East.

We offer stunning beachwalks, including to a tidal island.

The very long day light from May to July brings about an abundance of flowers in the machair zone between the beaches and grazing fields.

We usually stop for a cup of coffee at the Kildonan South Uist museum

The Uists are the very few spots in Scotland where the protestant reformation never took hold and the majority of churches are catholic. Nice views can be had on the hillside top above the Our Lady of the Isles

Benbecula

Apart from its great beaches and its central accommodation, Benbecula is also the largest settlement with more shops to stock up on essentials plus restaurants & cafes.

 


Day 3 – Visiting the north: North Uist, Bernerary & possibly the small isles between Benbecula and North Uist, all of which are connected by causeways.

North Uist

The circular road around the island, the road through the island (including a walk to the standing stone circle) and the many small side roads are an absolute dream.

Around ever corner you have a new and different vista.

views over to the Monach islands

and as far as St. Kilda

 

Berneray

The beaches and views are an absolute dream and magical.

The views all around are stunning north across the Sound of Harris towards the wild, rugged and beautiful mountain peaks of Harris.


Day 4 – How much and what we can still do on the Uists on day 4 is subject to the ferry departure time.

Depending on the time of year the ferry will be from Lochboisdale/South Uist to either Mallaig or Oban.

Beautiful relaxed ferry ride – we regularly spot seabirds, seals & cetaceans (whales, porpoises and dolphins) – back to Ullapool. On board of the ferry is a restaurant, cafe, bar, an indoor & outdoor viewing area, a shop and other facilities.

Journey from Mallaig or Oban south with a few new different stops and a slightly new route.


Barra (37)

Eriskay (38)

South Uist (39)

Benbecula (40)

North Uist (41)

Berneray (42)


 

View our Scottish tour photos by region

What to bring?

 

As per North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra
We are happy to combine itineries of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, incl. Tiree and Coll and



Our 4 day tours

Via our various scenic routes via either Oban (see our West Coast itineraries – to Barra and South Uist), Uig (see our Skye itineraries – to Tarbert/Harris) and Ullapool (see our Northwest and Northcoast itineraries – to Stornoway/Lewis),
do we reach the Outer Hebrides by ferry.

The best and most interesting routes are to travel outbound via one route (for example via Ullapool and Stornoway/Lewis) and return back for example from Barra to Oban.

Please note the Outer Hebrides are linked by ferry or causeway south to north:
Lewis-Harris-Bernerary-North Uist-Benbecula-South Uist-Eriskay-Barra
Our Unicorn Tours can include one or more of the islands of the 1,2 and 3 day tours plus:

Mingulay (35)

Vatersay (36)

Depending on your preferences and interests, the main places that have been agreed and discussed, the overall time we have left after our stops (especially in the winter months with shorter daylight hours), the places listed above are just a few among other nearby options, that we might be travelling through and see, stopping at and/or visiting along the way as on each of our friendly, flexible and personalised tours we maximise and offer you the best tour experience given the conditions on the day (for example if it is pouring down with rain on one side of a mountain range, we believe in offering you the alternative sunny route on the other side of the mountains, etc.)

Subject to availability possible overnight (hostel, bed & breakfast, hotel, camping) options do all exist for your 3 days+ tour. As there are too many possible places to stay at, we can check room availability for your preferred option at the time of your enquiry/booking.

0044-(0)7429251980 – contact@unicorntours.co.uk

3 days+ Highlands & Islands adventure tours
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other local pick ups)

2 days Highlands & Islands adventure tours
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other pick ups possible)

1 day Highlands & islands adventure tours
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other pick ups possible)

Short one day tours info
(2/3 day = 7 hours, 1/2 day = 5 hours, 1/3 day = 3.5 hours) Highlands tours info
(everyone welcome – departs from Stirling Uni with other pick ups possible)

during July the coastal machair flowers are in full blossom