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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Pounds Sterling.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Carry a combination of UK Sterling cash, ATM and credit cards.
Where to Exchange: Your tour leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATM’s are widely available in main towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: Widely accepted.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers Cheques are easily exchanged at banks and exchange offices.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Scotland | UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.20 | £1.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.80 | £1.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.80 | £1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.50 | £3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £10.00 | £15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £18.00 | £20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £10.00 | £14.50 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling within the UK although insurance cover for holiday cancellation, curtailment and personal effects is strongly recommended.
For all non UK nationals travel insurance is necessary and must cover medical and repatriation expenses.
Do you need to organise travel insurance for your holiday? If so, you can arrange Explore Travel insurance - which covers you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us on 0844 499 0901 for a separate quote.
If you have purchased Explore Insurance you should carry the Master Certificate leaflet with you, which outlines the conditions of the policy together with a copy of your Confirmation Invoice, which is your proof of purchase of insurance. Explore Worldwide are an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority.
Visas not required by U.K. citizens, E.U. nationals, CAN, Aus, NZ & USA. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory but we recommend protection against Typhoid, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis and Polio. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThe UK has a variable climate and the weather can change significantly from day to day. In the Scottish Islands the months of early summer and autumn can present some of the best weather for walking, with the added bonus of the changing colours of the seasons and the prime nesting times for seabirds. Temperatures tend to be moderated by the Gulf Stream, so the seasonal variations remain fairly constant, with highs around the low teens centigrade. The exposure to the Atlantic does mean that the climate can be cool and moist though, so you should be prepared for wind and rain at any time of year.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage – so don’t overload yourself.
Back to topWind/water-proofs (jacket and trousers), gaiters, a warm fleece, hat, scarf and gloves are all essential because of the potential for changing weather conditions. For the evenings you may like to bring a set of smarter clothes.
Back to topGood, well broken in walking boots, plus something for relaxing in of an evening.
Back to topA torch, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection are all useful. You may also wish to bring a blister kit with you, just in case. You may find walking poles helpful.
Back to topArea: Scottish Highlands & Islands: 15,000 sq miles.
Population: Approximately 400,000.
Religion: Mainly Christian: Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Scottish Episcopal Church, Roman Catholic.
Local Time: GMT.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 240V 50Hz.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topRecommended Maps: Ordnance Survey (Landranger Maps): North Harris & Loch Seaforth. West Lewis / Taobh Siar Ledhais
Recommended Books: Donald MacDonald: Tales and Traditions of the Lewis, Margaret Bennett: Lewis: The Story of an Island, Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands & Islands, Hamish Haswell- Smith: The Scottish Islands, James Shaw Grant: Discovering Lewis & Harris.
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