This tour incorporates the Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay, Abhainn Dearg and Isle of Harris distilleries, which are spread across the isles of Skye, Raasay, Harris and Lewis, otherwise known as the Western Isles. We’ve allowed six days despite there being five distilleries, as travel time is a little longer than on other tours and includes the two-hour ferry journey from Skye to Harris.

The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by bridge, so we recommend a distillery route of Pràban Gaelic Whisky and Torabhaig on Skye, then over to the Isle of Raasay Distillery for a night in their luxury accommodation at Borodale House.

Then back to Skye for the Talisker Distillery (check out their dedicated page to find out more about the oldest working distillery on Skye) before heading north to Uig to catch the ferry to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. On Harris, the Isle of Harris Distillery is closest to Tarbert, with an hour and a half's drive further north to the Abhainn Dearg Distillery on the Isle of Lewis.

A short look at any blog about the Western Isles and you'll see phrases like 'absurdly beautiful', 'epic mountains', 'stunning around every bend' and 'transported into an epic fantasy novel'. And they're not kidding - in addition to the Western Isles’ five distilleries, you’ll not want to miss out on the incredible scenery and walking opportunities.

Fairy Pools

But if you’re not the rambling-aimlessly kind and need a destination for a well-deserved dram from your hipflask, why not walk to the insanely romantic Fairy Pools on Skye? Don't forget your bathers, but be prepared for it to be a bit chilly: Fairy Pools

Fairy Pools

Skye Boat Trips

The islands boast a fantastic range of wildlife, with dolphins, seals and sea eagles in abundance for you to see on a boat trip. Leaving from Portree Harbour on Skye, both the Portree Bay and Sound of Raasay trips last around two hours – and bookings are taken from the Fish & Chip shop in Portree, so you can round off your journey with a locally caught dinner.

Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens on Skye are a lovely way to spend a morning before visiting one of the distilleries after lunch. Occupied by the same family for 800 years, the Castle has been open to the public since 1933!

Dunvegan Castle

Raasay House

The Raasay House Hotel on Raasay has a long and interesting history dating back to the early 1500’s. It also offers a brilliant range of activities, both for water-lovers – coasteering, sea kayaking, sailing, loch kayaking – and those more comfortable on dry land – archery, crating, rock climbing and more.

Once you’ve spent time on Skye and Raasay, Harris and Lewis are a two-hour ferry ride away, setting off from Uig on the west coast of Skye, and arriving at Tarbert on Harris.

Beaches

The Isle of Harris is one of the best places in the UK to experience everything the effects of the Gulf Stream, with some of the most stunning beaches around. Luskentyre Beach – around a 20 minute drive south west of Tarbert – and Scarista Beach further round the coast are both magical, sandy beaches with incredible views and dramatic skies.

Callanish Standing Stones

The Western Isles are rich in prehistoric remains, and the Callanish Standing Stones are the best example. Dating back more than 5,000 years, Callanish contains around 50 stones in a cross-shape, the tallest of which is 4m high. Afterwards, the visitor centre includes a Story of the Stones exhibition, café and gift shop with paintings and hand-made crafts from local artists.

Callanish Standing Stones

An Lanntair Theatre

The town of Stornoway on Lewis boasts the An Lanntair theatre, which has a full programme of live music, cinema, workshops, comedy, talks and visual arts exhibitions, as well as a café/bar with excellent food. If you’re coming to Stornoway we recommend trying to coincide with the Dark Skies Festival at An Lanntair for stargazing, or the Heb Celt Festival across Lewis.

Accommodation

In addition to being a wonderful place to stay, The Three Chimneys restaurant on Skye is a consistent award winner, is formally graded by Visit Scotland and the AA, and has rooms to match. Take the opportunity to stay in a working distillery and book into the luxury accommodation of Borodale House, part of the Isle of Raasay Distillery. Raasay House mentioned above is also a spacious hotel offering flexible accommodation. Stornoway on Lewis has an abundance of B&Bs and hotels, we like the Stornoway Bed and Breakfast for their outstanding customer service, and The Crown Inn for their excellent bar restaurant and dog-friendly but immaculately clean rooms.