Lewis & Harris Guided Walking with Sightseeing

• Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s) 
• Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
• Daily packed lunches
• Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
• Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
• All transport to and from walks where necessary 
• Luggage transfers
• Return flights including hold baggage and airport transfers

Harris and Lewis is graded 3, with most walks/hikes on paths, although these can be faint, rough, boggy and rocky at times. Ascents and descents are generally fairly gradual with only a few steep sections. Weather can be unpredictable. Good walking boots, waterproof jacket and trousers and warm layers including hat and gloves are essential. Walking poles are useful on rough ground. You will require a good level of fitness as you will be walking every day. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant fitness and equipment required to join this holiday. A sustained effort is required to complete each walk and provision cannot be made for anyone who opts out. Some sections of the walk are across remote country and the terrain can be rough underfoot in places. Please be sure you can manage the mileage and ascent detailed in the daily itineraries. Each walking day on this holiday will vary between approximately 6 and 7 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace. It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some on hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina. 

Your fitness

Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge:

• Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before your holiday
• Build your distance gradually and get a number of 6-8hr hill days in
• Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
• Take the stairs every time
• Train on different terrain
• Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensure they're well worn in before your holiday
• Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which will build your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
• Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.