Inner Hebrides Travel Guide
Discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and travel tips in Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
- Introduction to Inner Hebrides
- List of Places to Visit in Inner Hebrides
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Inner Hebrides
- Isle of Mull
- Isle of Skye
- Best Things to Do in Inner Hebrides: Activities and Tours
- Whisky Tasting Tour on Islay
- Boat Trip to Corryvreckan Whirlpool
- Week-Long Itinerary for Inner Hebrides
- Day 1-2: Isle of Skye
- Day 3: Dunvegan Castle
- Day 4: Staffa
- Day 5-6: Isle of Mull
- Day 7: Mull Museum
- Food and Drink Scene of Inner Hebrides
- Where to Stay in Inner Hebrides: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Isle of Skye
- Isle of Mull
- What to Buy in Inner Hebrides: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Tartan Scarves
- Scottish Whisky
- Local Culture and Customs of Inner Hebrides
- Best Time to Visit Inner Hebrides
- Do’s and Don’ts of Inner Hebrides
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Inner Hebrides: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Inner Hebrides
- Where to Go Next from Inner Hebrides: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Inner Hebrides
Inner Hebrides is a group of islands located off the west coast of Scotland. It comprises roughly 35 inhabited and uninhabited islands, each with its unique landscape and culture.
Visiting Inner Hebrides is like a step back in time. The region is known for its rugged coastlines, enchanting castles, and unspoiled natural beauty. Whether you are looking to relax in a peaceful countryside, explore historic sites and museums or participate in outdoor activities, Inner Hebrides has something to offer.
In this travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and practical tips for visiting Inner Hebrides.
List of Places to Visit in Inner Hebrides
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is one of the most remarkable castles in Scotland, located on the Isle of Skye. It has been the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The castle offers a rich history, gardens, and an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts.
Mull Museum
Mull Museum is located in Tobermory, and it highlights the rich history of the island. The museum showcases items related to geology, maritime, crofting, and island life.
Natural Attractions of Inner Hebrides: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye is a magical place, with picturesque landscapes and rugged coastlines. The island is home to surreal rock formations like the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools. If you like hiking, then the Cuillin Range offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Scotland.
Staffa
Staffa is a small uninhabited island, famous for its unique rock formations known as Fingal’s Cave. Visitors can explore the cave by boat and admire the hexagonal basalt columns.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Inner Hebrides
Isle of Mull
Isle of Mull offers an excellent opportunity for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. The Island has over 300 miles of public paths and single-track roads, offering scenic views of the countryside, coastline, and wildlife.
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye is a haven for hikers, offering a range of hiking trails for all fitness levels. The Cuillin Ridge is the most impressive and challenging hike of all in Skye, but other popular trails include the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools.
Best Things to Do in Inner Hebrides: Activities and Tours
Whisky Tasting Tour on Islay
Islay is home to some of the best distilleries in Scotland, and you can discover them on a whisky tasting tour. Visitors can learn how whisky is made and sample different varieties of the drink.
Boat Trip to Corryvreckan Whirlpool
The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world, located between the Isle of Jura and Scarba. Visitors can take a boat tour to watch the powerful whirlpool and observe the local wildlife along the way.
Week-Long Itinerary for Inner Hebrides
Day 1-2: Isle of Skye
Start your trip by exploring the magical Isle of Skye. Spend the first two days hiking the Cuillin Ridge or exploring the enchanting landscapes of Trotternish Ridge and Quiraing.
Day 3: Dunvegan Castle
On day 3, head to the Isle of Skye to visit Dunvegan Castle. Discover the history of the castle, stroll through the gardens, and view the incredible collections.
Day 4: Staffa
Take a boat ride to Staffa Island to explore Fingal’s Cave and marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns.
Day 5-6: Isle of Mull
Head to the Isle of Mull and spend two days exploring the rugged coastline, wildlife, and trails by bike or foot.
Day 7: Mull Museum
Finish your trip by visiting Mull Museum, which highlights the fascinating history of the Isle of Mull.
Food and Drink Scene of Inner Hebrides
Must-Try Dishes
Haggis
Haggis is Scotland’s national dish, made with sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs. It is typically served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
Cullen Skink
Cullen Skink is a creamy soup made with smoked haddock from the town of Cullen in northeastern Scotland.
Local Beverages
Whisky
Whisky is Scotland’s most famous drink, and Inner Hebrides is home to some of the best distilleries in the world. Islay produces some of the peatiest and smokiest whiskies, while Skye produces the elegant and subtle Talisker.
Ale
Scotland has a long tradition of making ales. The Isle of Skye Brewery produces a range of craft ales, including Red and Black Cuillin.
Where to Stay in Inner Hebrides: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Isle of Skye
The Bosville Hotel
The Bosville Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Portree. The hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with sea and mountain views.
Glenview Bed and Breakfast
Glenview Bed and Breakfast is a charming guesthouse located in Breakish, Isle of Skye. The property offers comfortable rooms and a panoramic view of the Cuillin Mountains.
Isle of Mull
Mishnish Hotel and Inn
The Mishnish Hotel and Inn is a historic hotel located in Tobermory. The inn is known for its traditional Scottish food and lively pub.
Glengorm Castle
Glengorm Castle is a Victorian castle located on the Isle of Mull. The castle offers luxurious rooms and apartments, surrounded by stunning gardens and woodland.
What to Buy in Inner Hebrides: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Tartan Scarves
Tartan scarves are a famous souvenir from Scotland. They come in various plaid designs and are made from soft wool, cashmere, or silk.
Scottish Whisky
Bring back a bottle of your favorite Scottish whisky from one of the many distilleries on Inner Hebrides.
Local Culture and Customs of Inner Hebrides
Inner Hebrides has rich cultural traditions, including music and story-telling. Many festivals and ceilidhs (traditional Scottish gatherings) take place throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Inner Hebrides
The best time to visit Inner Hebrides is from May to September when the weather is milder, and the days are longer.
Do’s and Don’ts of Inner Hebrides
Do:
- Respect the locals’ customs and traditions
- Take your time to explore the countryside and natural beauty
- Try the local food and drink
Don’t:
- Litter the beautiful landscape
- Disturb wildlife or farm animals
- Trespass on private property
Safety and Health
Safety in Inner Hebrides
The Inner Hebrides are generally a safe place, but visitors should be aware of the weather conditions, especially if engaging in outdoor activities.
Health in Inner Hebrides
There are health centers and hospitals in the larger towns, but visitors should take measures to prevent tick bites and wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Getting to Inner Hebrides: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Inner Hebrides
The closest airports to Inner Hebrides are Glasgow International Airport, Inverness Airport and Edinburgh Airport.
Bus Stations Near Inner Hebrides
National Bus Coaches provide services from Glasgow and Inverness to the isles.
Other Options
Visitors can also travel to Inner Hebrides by ferry or hire a private car.
How to Get Around in Inner Hebrides
Car rentals are available at the airports or ferry terminals and can be a great way to explore the region. Public transportation is limited, and visitors may need to hire a taxi or join a tour group to explore the isles.
Where to Go Next from Inner Hebrides: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Inner Hebrides is a gateway to other Scottish islands and the mainland. Visitors can take a ferry to the Outer Hebrides, or visit the historic city of Edinburgh, which is only a few hours away by car or train.
Conclusion
Inner Hebrides offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience of Scotland’s natural beauty, historic sites, and rich cultural traditions. Plan your trip today, and immerse yourself in all that Inner Hebrides has to offer!
