Outer Hebrides Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions, must-try food and drinks, places to stay, and transportation options in Outer Hebrides, Scotland.


Introduction to Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, is a chain of islands located off the west coast of Scotland in the United Kingdom. This picturesque archipelago is made up of over 100 islands, with the largest being Lewis and Harris. The Outer Hebrides is a popular tourist destination due to its fascinating history, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Outer Hebrides

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

1. Callanish Stones

The Callanish Stones, located on the Isle of Lewis, are believed to have been erected over 5,000 years ago and are considered one of the most important prehistoric sites in Scotland. The site features over 50 large stones arranged in a cross shape, surrounded by a circle with a diameter of 130 feet.

2. Museum nan Eilean

The Museum nan Eilean, located in the town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, showcases the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides. The museum has exhibits on everything from Viking invasions to traditional Gaelic music.

3. Arnol Blackhouse

The Arnol Blackhouse, located on the Isle of Lewis, is a preserved traditional thatched cottage that gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the Outer Hebrides in the 19th century.

Natural Attractions of Outer Hebrides: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

1. Luskentyre Beach

Luskentyre Beach is a stunning white sand beach that stretches for three miles on the Isle of Harris. This beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

2. St. Kilda

St. Kilda is a remote archipelago located 41 miles west of North Uist. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a variety of seabirds, including one of the largest gannet colonies in the world.

3. Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed is a high-quality woolen cloth that is hand-woven in the Outer Hebrides. Visitors can learn about the history of Harris Tweed and witness the weaving process at the Harris Tweed Hebrides Visitor Centre in Shawbost on the Isle of Lewis.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Outer Hebrides

1. Hebridean Way

The Hebridean Way is a 156-mile cycling and hiking route that runs from Vatersay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north. This route takes visitors through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Outer Hebrides, including stunning beaches, rugged hills, and peaceful lochs.

2. The Clisham

The Clisham is the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, standing at 2,621 feet tall. This mountain provides spectacular views of the surrounding islands and is a popular spot for hikers.

Best Things to Do in Outer Hebrides: Activities and Tours

1. Whale Watching

The waters around the Outer Hebrides are home to a variety of marine life, including whales. Visitors can take a whale watching tour from the town of Stornoway, where they are likely to see minke whales, orcas, and dolphins.

2. Sea Kayaking

Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the coastline and sea lochs of the Outer Hebrides. There are several guided sea kayaking tours available, or visitors can rent a kayak and explore on their own.

Week-Long Itinerary for Outer Hebrides

Day Activity
1 Visit the Callanish Stones and the Arnol Blackhouse
2 Explore the beaches of Harris and take a guided tour of a Harris Tweed weaving facility
3 Take a whale watching tour from Stornoway and visit the Museum nan Eilean
4 Hike to the summit of the Clisham
5 Visit the remote archipelago of St. Kilda
6 Sea kayaking around the sea lochs
7 Relax on the beach and enjoy the local food and drink

Food and Drink Scene of Outer Hebrides

Must-Try Dishes

1. Stornoway Black Pudding

Stornoway Black Pudding is a type of blood sausage that has been made in the Outer Hebrides for centuries. The pudding is made with beef, oatmeal, and spices, and is best enjoyed when fried and served with a traditional Scottish breakfast.

2. Smoked Salmon

The Outer Hebrides is home to some of the best smoked salmon in the world. This delicious fish is smoked over peat fires, giving it a unique flavor that is best enjoyed on its own or with some Scottish oatcakes.

Local Beverages

1. Hebridean Whisky

The Outer Hebrides is home to several whisky distilleries, including the Isle of Harris Distillery and the Abhainn Dearg Distillery on the Isle of Lewis. Visitors can take a tour of these distilleries and sample some of their award-winning whisky.

2. Isle of Harris Gin

The Isle of Harris Gin is a premium small-batch gin made with locally sourced botanicals, including sugar kelp and sea thrift. This gin is best enjoyed in a classic gin and tonic served with a slice of grapefruit.

Where to Stay in Outer Hebrides: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Outer Hebrides offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular options include:

  • The Harris Hotel - a luxurious hotel located on the Isle of Harris with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Camping Pods - budget-friendly pods located throughout the Outer Hebrides that provide a unique camping experience.
  • The Heb Hostel - a cozy hostel located in the town of Stornoway that offers affordable accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Outer Hebrides: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Harris Tweed

Harris Tweed is a unique and locally made souvenir that is both stylish and practical. Visitors can buy Harris Tweed jackets, bags, and accessories at various shops throughout the Outer Hebrides.

Seafood

The seafood in the Outer Hebrides is some of the freshest and most delicious in the world. Visitors can bring home smoked salmon, kippers, and fresh shellfish from local fishmongers.

Local Culture and Customs of Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides has a rich history and culture that is still very much alive today. Some important customs and traditions include:

  • Gaelic language - many people in the Outer Hebrides still speak the traditional Scottish Gaelic language.
  • Music - traditional Scottish music is a big part of the culture in the Outer Hebrides, with many local musicians performing at ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dances).
  • Crofting - crofting is a traditional way of life in the Outer Hebrides, where small-scale farming is practiced on small plots of land.

Best Time to Visit Outer Hebrides

The best time to visit the Outer Hebrides is from May to September, when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, be prepared for occasional rain and wind throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Outer Hebrides

Do:

  • Explore the remote beaches and natural beauty of the Outer Hebrides.
  • Try the local seafood and other traditional dishes.
  • Learn about the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides by visiting museums and historical sites.

Don’t:

  • Leave litter on the beaches or in the countryside.
  • Disturb the wildlife or take souvenirs from St. Kilda or other protected areas.
  • Ignore signs and warnings about navigating the waters around the Outer Hebrides.

Safety and Health

Safety in Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides is a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety, such as wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities and being aware of the weather conditions.

Health in Outer Hebrides

Visitors to the Outer Hebrides should ensure they have adequate travel insurance and any necessary vaccinations before traveling. In case of emergency, there are several hospitals and medical centers located throughout the islands.

Getting to Outer Hebrides: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Outer Hebrides

The main airport in the Outer Hebrides is Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis. Flights to Stornoway are available from major cities in Scotland, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Bus Stations Near Outer Hebrides

Citylink operates bus services to the Outer Hebrides, with services from Inverness, Glasgow, and Edinburgh to Stornoway and other towns in the islands.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a ferry to the Outer Hebrides from several ports on the mainland, such as Ullapool and Oban.

How to Get Around in Outer Hebrides

The best way to get around the Outer Hebrides is by car, either by hiring a car or bringing your own. There are also bus services available throughout the islands, although these can be infrequent and have limited routes.

Where to Go Next from Outer Hebrides: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is a short ferry ride away from North Uist and offers breathtaking landscapes, including the world-famous Fairy Pools and the Old Man of Storr.

Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands are a remote archipelago located north of the Scottish mainland. Visitors can take a ferry from the Outer Hebrides to the Shetland Islands to explore their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Outer Hebrides is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or learning about traditional Scottish culture, the Outer Hebrides has something to offer for every traveler.

A ferry leaving Lochmaddy, North Uist. A ferry leaving Lochmaddy, North Uist. Inner Harbour, Stornoway Inner Harbour, Stornoway Outer Hebrides relief map and location Outer Hebrides relief map and location Inside Blackhouse Museum at Arnol Inside Blackhouse Museum at Arnol


    Barra
    Benbecula
    Eriskay
    Harris
    South Uist
    St Kilda