Our pilgrimage opens with ease and shared anticipation. We’ll gather at the Holiday Inn EXPRESS , where our private mini-bus awaits to carry us north into the wild heart of Scotland. Leave the driving to us, settle into the rhythm of the road, and let the landscape begin its quiet work on your spirit.
On our way to the Isle of Skye, we will visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most recognizable castles in Scotland and a landmark featured in photographs around the world.
After time exploring the castle, we'll cross the Skye Bridge and begin our stay on the Misty Isle (the Norse name for Skye), settling into our ensuite accommodation at the Sligachan Hotel for a three-night stay (8–11 May), with breakfasts included.
The location(s) for our evening meals are yet to be announced. Each attendee will receive a £45 allowance per evening meal, included within their pilgrimage fee.
During our time on Skye, we will visit each of the following sites as a group. After a brief gathering at each location, individuals will have time to explore at their own pace before meeting back up with the group at a designated time:
The Fairy Pools
Nestled beneath the dramatic Black Cuillin mountains, the Fairy pools are renowned for their crystal-clear blue waters and breathtaking scenery. Whether you choose to wander alongside the pools, pause for reflection, or simply soak in the landscape, this is one of Skye’s most enchanting natural treasures.
The ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, Dunvegan Castle is steeped in history, legend, and mystery. Alongside its beautiful gardens and coastal setting, the castle is home to the famous Fairy Flag—an ancient heirloom surrounded by centuries of folklore and wonder.
The Old Man of Storr
Rising dramatically above the landscape, the Old Man of Storr is a striking 55-metre basalt pinnacle and one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. All that remains of a 2.8-million-year-old volcanic plug, it stands as a powerful reminder of the island’s ancient geological story.
Duntulm Castle
Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the sea, the evocative ruins of Duntulm Castle offer spectacular coastal views and a tangible connection to Skye’s turbulent past. Few places capture the island’s wild beauty and sense of history quite like this dramatic location.
This remarkable stretch of Jurassic coastline holds a fascinating secret. In 2002, after a storm exposed previously inaccessible rock, a woman walking her dog discovered the imprint of a 168-million-year-old dinosaur footprint. Today, visitors can enjoy both the stunning scenery and a direct connection to Skye’s prehistoric past.
The Fairy Glen
A place that feels as though it has stepped straight out of folklore, the Fairy Glen is a landscape of winding pathways, spiralling labyrinths, grassy knolls, and woodland nemetons. Its unique atmosphere has made it a favourite destination for pilgrims, dreamers, and lovers of the magical alike.
The Quiraing
One of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland, the Quiraing is a vast and otherworldly expanse of cliffs, pinnacles, and rugged rock formations. Shaped by ancient landslips and geological forces, it offers some of the most unforgettable views on the Isle of Skye.
After our time on Skye comes to a close, we will board our bus and travel to Uig, where we'll take the ferry across to Tarbert on Lewis and Harris. Our home for the next three nights will be the Royal Stornoway Hotel , where we will be based as we continue our pilgrimage through the Outer Hebrides.
During our time on Lewis and Harris, we will visit the following sites as a group. After a brief gathering at each location, individuals will have time to explore at their own pace before meeting back up with the group at a designated time:
The Callanish Standing Stones
Step into one of the most awe-inspiring sacred landscapes in Britain as we visit the world-famous Callanish Standing stones. Dating back over 5,000 years, this remarkable cross-shaped stone setting has captivated pilgrims, archaeologists, and visitors for generations. We will also have the opportunity to visit some of the lesser-known Callanish stone circles nearby, as well as spend time at the newly refurbished Callanish Visitor Centre, café, and gift shop. (Here's a link to a YouTube video we filmed during a previous visit to the Callanish Standing Stones.)
Consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches, Luskentyre is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. Its vast shoreline of sparkling white sand and breathtaking turquoise waters creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere, offering plenty of time to wander, reflect, and simply take in the magic of this remarkable landscape.
Stornoway & Harris Tweed
We will spend time exploring Stornoway, the cultural heart of the Outer Hebrides. Alongside discovering the town's unique character, there will be opportunities to learn more about the history and heritage of the world-renowned Harris Tweed, one of Scotland's most iconic traditional crafts.
Additional Ancient Sites
Depending on available time, weather conditions, and the group's energy and interest, we may also include additional excursions to some of the area's lesser-visited ancient sites. These could include brochs, settlements, and other archaeological treasures that further illuminate the rich history of the Outer Hebrides.
After our time on Lewis and Harris comes to a close, our bus will transport us via ferry back to mainland Scotland as we spend the day wending our way south, returning to our drop-off location at the Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport.
Throughout our journey together, Denise and Nick will share insights, stories, and reflections inspired by the history, myths, and legends of Skye, Lewis, and Harris, as well as the wisdom found within Celtic spirituality and the natural world. Through occasional group gatherings and while walking among these magical landscapes, there will be opportunities for meaningful conversation, contemplation, and connection.
As always, these experiences will be woven together with Walking Awake's eclectic blend of poetry, song, ceremony, storytelling, and, of course, the simple practice of "walking awake" in all that we do. A more detailed itinerary will be provided closer to the event.
Book both the Orkney Odyssey and the Isle of Skye, Lewis and Harris pilgrimages by September 1, 2026, and receive an additional £70 discount per person (£140 per couple) off the combined cost of both journeys.
To receive the discount, use code WALKINGAWAKESPRING27 at checkout when booking the Isle of Skye, Lewis and Harris pilgrimage. The discount applies to the combined cost of both journeys. The code is available on the Isle of Skye, Lewis and Harris checkout. Both journeys must be booked by September 1, 2026, to qualify.
Walking Awake is also happy to offer suggestions for places you may wish to visit independently during the two free days between the pilgrimages, helping you make the most of your time in Scotland.
from May 9th - May 14th, 2027
With a £45 per person allowance
Required
Not included in base pilgrimage fee: Airfare, any travel or accommodation outside of the dates of our trip, individual travel insurance for all eventualities (proof of travel insurance is REQUIRED), any single room optional surcharges, optional tips for bus drivers, guides or other services, any unforseen additional costs incurred due to travel disruptions or delays within our scheduled pilgrimage, and any other options not listed as included.
In the rare event that we encounter travel delays (such as ferries not running, bus issues, etc.) each individual is responsible for any and all additional costs incurred including but not limited to accommodation and meals. Because of this rare possibility (it has not occurred for our pilgrimages so far!), we also advise when booking air travel or further individually booked land travel to include at least an extra day at the end of the journey.
Walking Awake. Ltd offers Nature and Celtic focused events including: Pilgrimages and Sacred Journeys to the Isle of Iona, Scotland, the Isles of Orkney, Skye, Lewis and Harris, Scotland and other sacred sites across the U.K. as well as, day, weekend and online retreats/workshops. All of our events focus on the inherent gifts available to us if we are 'Walking Awake' with Nature and its seasons and the layers of lessons available within the cyclical spokes of the Celtic Wheel of the Year.
We'd to have you join us for one of our pre-organised group events, or work with you to co-create your dream bespoke pilgrimage. We'll also entertain bringing our workshops to your area. Contact Denise for more details. denise@walkingawake.com