Inside our itineraries: Discussing the Highlands and Hebrides with Joe

Get the inside track on what to expect on our Hebridean Island Adventure and why this part of Scotland is so special as we talk to our marketing executive, Joe.  

It’s no secret that some of Europe’s most enchanting landscapes are in the British Isles, and of those landscapes, some of the best can be found in Bonnie Scotland. From its rugged Highland valleys and colourful city centres to the unspoilt wonders of the Western Isles, there’s a lot to love, and our Marketing Executive, Joe, was recently lucky enough to experience it all first-hand. We chatted to him about his overall thoughts on the area and what he made of one of our most popular tours, Hebridean Island Adventure. Here’s what he had to say. 

1. What was a wish-list moment of your trip? 

There are almost too many to choose just one, but if I had to pick, I think it’d be Dunvegan Castle. The building itself is a must-see in its own right, with a remarkable selection of galleries, antique displays and ornate interiors, and the castle grounds were just as good. There was such variety in each garden, and the blooms had mostly kept their colour even though we were visiting in September.  

2. How did this trip change the way you see the destination? 

I wasn’t sure what to expect initially, as this was my first visit to Scotland, but this trip really did exceed whatever preconceptions I had. The Hebrides feel genuinely remote compared to the mainland cities, but each community offers such a warm welcome, and the local culture is absolutely fascinating to learn about.

3. Was there an unexpected experience that turned out to be a highlight of the trip? 

I knew the channels and straits between the islands were known for their marine species, so this wasn’t unexpected per se, but seeing a pod of dolphins and a minke whale on one of our ferry crossings is something I won’t forget. Back on dry land, there were so many smaller coasts, coves and communities to discover, and they often proved to be some of the best parts of each day’s already stellar itinerary.  

4. Who do you think would absolutely love this destination, and why? 

For me, the Hebrides feel a world away from city life, and there’s something really charming about that. I think those who are looking for something completely different, without the need for long-distance travel, would enjoy this tour most. While the itinerary does involve a fair amount of walking, the highlights of each stop are accessible and reward those who make the effort to see them up close.  

We also had several solo travellers in our tour group, including myself, and I couldn’t recommend the experience highly enough. Our tour manager, Annie, helped everybody feel included, the rest of the group were friendly and welcoming, and we had greater freedom to explore the way we wanted to!  

5. Did any of the hotels or experiences stand out? 

They were all good for different reasons, in my opinion, but the Gairloch Inn was a favourite of mine. The décor was warm and cosy, the food was appetising, and the staff members couldn’t have been friendlier. I felt that it was the perfect spot to retreat to after a busy day exploring Wester Ross.  

6. What local dishes or culinary moments impressed you the most? 

I very much travel with my stomach, and so I was pleasantly surprised to find so many local delicacies to try. I discovered a love for haggis on this trip and have taken a recipe for Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) home with me. One of the more unexpected moments came at a local distillery on Benbecula, where we were fortunate enough to be offered samples of Hebridean gin and rum. It was, as you might expect, absolutely delightful! 

7. What cultural traditions or local encounters added something special to your journey? 

During our visit to the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, we were treated to some Gaelic folk singing from one of our group’s guides, and shortly after, had the chance to watch a traditional Harris Tweed-weaving demonstration. The intricacy of the production process was a marvel to watch and really did change the way I look at fabrics that I otherwise would have taken for granted.  

8. What new insights or practical tips would you share to help others plan the perfect trip here? 

I’d highly recommend bringing a raincoat that’ll protect you from the elements. The Hebrides can get extremely windy, so keeping warm is a must. Comfortable footwear is another essential, as the trails leading up to the very best views can be uneven in places. 

9. If you could sum up the feeling of this place in one word, what would it be? 

Timeless. 

10. Would you go back, and if so, what would you do next time? 

I’d love to return to this part of Scotland, but perhaps in the summer next time, so that I could make the most of the islands’ magnificent beaches. I’d also love to spend more time exploring the northern part of Skye and soaking up more of the island’s coastal landscapes. I might also take the plunge and commit to bringing a kilt home with me! 

Discover this spectacular part of Scotland with Newmarket Holidays 

Whether you’re hoping to rediscover the beauty of the British Isles or are yet to witness the wonders of Scotland’s west coast, our ever-popular tour, Hebridean Island Adventure, is sure to transport you in every sense of the word. For more information on this exquisite itinerary, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today and start planning your next wish-list escape. 

If your heart lies elsewhere, we also have over 100 holidays, spanning six continents, across our escorted touring collection, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.