10 Amazing Reasons to Visit the Outer Hebrides
The islands of Scotland are Scotland’s best-kept secret. This post lists the best reasons to visit the Outer Hebrides.
There are stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches and a whole lot of culture to explore on the islands.
The Outer Hebrides is a group of islands located on the western coast of Scotland. You can get to the islands by ferry from the mainland, the ferry journey time ranges from one hour and 45 minutes to three hours.
The main administrative centre of the Outer Hebrides and the area which is most popular for tourists is the Isles of Lewis and Harris. However, there are so many parts of the Outer Hebrides that are worth exploring.
South of the Isle of Harris you will find the Uist islands. From north to south, these islands are Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay. All of these inhabited islands are connected by causeways.
The roads connecting the causeways are approximately 60 miles long, altogether, driving without stopping takes approximately 90 minutes.
The two final inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides are Barra and Vatersay.
The Beaches
The beaches in the Outer Hebrides are some of the best beaches in the country. There have been many beaches on the islands that have been confused with the Caribbean and one has even been used to advertise a Thai resort.
The beaches in the Outer Hebrides showcase white sands and clear blue waters. There are plenty of spots which are perfect for kayaking, wild swimming and other water sports.
The coasts have a mixture of sheltered coves, sandy dunes and rocky bays.
However, be aware, the waters will be a lot colder compared to the Caribbean and South Pacific. On Barra, there is a beach which also doubles up as an airport. The flight schedule depends on the tide times.
Some of the best beaches are:
- Ness Beach, Isle of Lewis
- Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris
- Seilebost Beach, Isle of Harris
- West Beach, Bernanay
- Traigh lar Beach, North Uist
- Culla Bay Beach, Benbecula
- Prince’s Bay, Eriskay
- Traigh Siar, Vatersay
- Traigh Mhor, Barra
- Halaman Bay, Barra
The History
There is so much evidence of prehistoric times on the Outer Hebrides. It s believed that humans have lived on the islands since 8500 BC and the Outer Hebrides was one of the first places people lived in Scotland.
One of the oldest Neolithic standing stones is located at Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. These standing stones date back to 3000 BC and are much older and more impressive than Stonehedge.
Also, on the Isle of Lewis is the Iron Age Dun Carolway Broch. This is one of the best-preserved brochs in the country.
At Shawbost, on the Isle of Harris, there are remains of Norse Mill and Kiln. Also, there are traditional 19th-century blackhouse villages at Arnol and Gearrannan.
The Landscape
The landscape in the Outer Hebrides is so diverse. There are no massive peaks like the Isle of Skye, however, the islands are mostly flat so every peak looks a lot bigger and is still very impressive.
Predominantly the east coast is rocky, with mud flats, boggy areas and many small lochs and lochans. You will find many small coves and large bays with white sand and crystal-clear waters on the west coast.
The landscape changes all the time and each island has its own character and owns distinct features. You will want to take your camera with you at all times and you will want to spend hours editing photos.
The Food & Drink
The Outer Hebrides is bursting with local artisan products including the finest food and drink.
The Outer Hebrides has a good selection of places to eat and drink, there are a lot of small-scale local businesses. There is an Eat Drink Hebrides Trail which is a self-guided foodie tour where you can enjoy samples of some of the best food producers, shops and restaurants.
Some of the best places that I have enjoyed was the converted shipping container, Crust, which serves Neapolitan-style pizza. Also, try the Stornoway Black Pudding from Charles MacLeod, salmon smoked over Scotch whisky cask chipping from the Lewis & Harris Smokehouse.
Scotland is well known for the production of whisky and gin. There are a few good distilleries in the Outer Hebrides.
Visit the Abhainn Cearg whiskey distillery on the Isle of Lewis, the Harris Gin distillery on the Isle of Harris or the North Uist Gin Distillery on Benbecula. All the distilleries run tours or tastings.
The Locals
The islanders are super friendly and welcoming. A lot of places in Scotland have lovely locals, however, on the small populated islands, it really does make a difference.
They love sharing stories and tips on the things to see and do on the island. Also, there is a strong sense of community.
The Traditions
Scottish island traditions are still very prominent in the Outer Hebrides. Approximately 60% of the islanders still speak Scottish Gaelic.
Gaelic culture and traditions are rooted in the landscapes and communities of the islands resulting in a unique spirited Hebridean way of life.
In July, there is the Hebridean Celtic Festival. Also, at the An Lanntair Arts Centre, there are traditional fiddle, accordion and pipe musicians.
Things are closed on Sundays and restricted opening times from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Peacefulness
Due to the isolated location, the Outer Hebrides does not welcome as many visitors as other parts of Scotland. You will visit the top locations on the islands and it will feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
The Outer Hebrides has plenty of space where you will not have to travel far to find peace and quiet.
In the Outer Hebrides, you can explore deserted coves coastline, moorland, lochs and acres of countryside. Alternatively, you can climb one of the hills to get epic panoramic vistas.
The Outer Hebrides is the perfect place to go to leave your stresses behind, relax and unwind for a few days. The fresh Hebridean air will help you unwind and slow down to an island pace in no time.
The Creative Arts
As mentioned above, the Hebrides is bursting with local producers, with people producing textiles and arts and crafts.
The Outer Hebrides is well known for Harris Tweed. The luxury fabrics have been made by weavers in their own homes in the Outer Hebrides and are protected by the government.
So many talented artists and craftspeople now lived in the Outer Hebrides.
Also, you can find painters, jewellers, knitters, potters and knitters. There are lots of open studios to explore.
It is not surprising as the landscape in the Outer Hebrides is very inspirational. Peter May’s trilogy of books was based on the Outer Hebrides.
The Starry Nights
As the Outer Hebrides are so remote and sparsely populated, there is little light pollution. The Outer Hebrides can be magical when the sky is clear and there are good conditions to see the sighting of the northern lights.
There are remote beaches and open fields in the countryside where you can get a glimpse of the stars or northern lights. For a truly magical experience, try and catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis over the Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis.
The Wildlife
On the Outer Hebrides, there are plenty of hairy Highland Coos roaming freely. This is an area where there white-tailed eagles soar, red deer roam and otters play.
There are a few obstacles on the roads, make sure to look out for sheep, rabbits and geese. Also, in the crystal clear waters, you can see minke whales, orcas and dolphins.
You might be lucky to see a few otters. Also, Seal Bay in Barra is home to a population of seals.
The Outer Hebrides has plenty of bird species in several RSPB reserves. There are a lot of birds that are extinct on the mainland however, populations still stand in the Outer Hebrides.
There are many areas which provide an unforgettable wildlife-watching experience. From Guided wildlife tours to boat trips and a Bird of Prey Trail.
Getting There and Getting Around
There are two ferry services that run from Oban on the mainland. One of the ferries goes to Castlebay, the main settlement on the Isle of Barra.
The second ferry goes to Lochboisdale, the main settlement on the South Uist. Also, there is a ferry service which connects Lochboisdale on South Uist to Castlebay on Barra.
Barra Airport is located northwest of the Isle of Barra, this airport is located on a beach and the flight schedule is based on tide times. There are regular flights which run from Glasgow.
Causeways connect Eriskay to Berneray. The south of the Isle of Harris is connected to Berneray by a short ferry.
Tarbet on the Isle of Harris can be reached by ferry from the Uig on the Isle of Skye. Also, there are ferries available from Mallaig and Ullapool to the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
The Best Time To Visit the Outer Hebrides
The island has a mild climate, visitors should expect extreme rainfall and wind most of the time. Between April to the far end of June would be the best time to visit the Outer Hebrides.
From the months of May, June and July the days are longer and that means you can see more in your days there. The strikingly beautiful flowers in the Machair grasslands are in full bloom in the months of July and August.
During the summer months, there are more festivals that the locals run so you might get the chance to see them.
It is worth visiting the Outer Hebrides?
Also, the islands are extremely remote, with lovely scenery. One of the best things in the Outer Hebrides is known is the vast white-sand beaches, with gorgeous views across the Atlantic Ocean.
The water is a shimmering shade of blue and the machair are covered with wildflowers in the summer months. In Eriskay, there are the Eriskay ponies.
What is the Outer Hebrides famous for?
There are many things that the Outer Hebrides is famous for. Seafood, gin & whisky distilleries, smokehouses, crofting produce and Harris Tweed.
Why visit the Hebrides?
The Hebrides is a great region of Scotland to visit, there are many traditions that are still held and shown compared to other areas of Scotland. Also, there is so much space, lots of unique wildlife and amazing landscapes to explore.
The Hebrides is a great place for a digital detox, rest and recharge compared to the busy city life.
Final Note
The Outer Hebrides is a place of endless, epic landscapes where there are remnants of the history and the area is steeped in tradition.
The islands are a great place to go enjoy the natural environment and improve your mental and physical well-being.
This lovely destination is a great place to spend time with family and friends. Also, you can have a digital detox, reconnect with nature and make lots of memories together.
Also, the Outer Hebrides are one of the last untouched landscapes in Europe and has some of the greatest wildlife you have ever seen. It is a truly special place which will leave an imprint on your heart.
Coming back to the cities on the mainland will shock your senses.