Tourists are naturally attracted to Outer Hebrides due to its hiking, food, beaches, and romance.
Due to the Outer Hebrides being so remote, their incredible ancient history has been well preserved over the centuries, making it one of the best places to explore Scotland's history. Start the exploration on South Uist, home to the Cladh Hallan Roundhouses where prehistoric mummies were found. From here, head to the Trinity Temple on North Uist, a historic ruin which is thought to be Scotland's oldest University. The Isle of Lewis offers a large number of historical ruins and sites to explore, including the Standing Stones near Callanish, the Carloway Broch, and Lews Castle. If you're around in the summer, take a jetty out to Kisimul Castle located on a rocky island just off of of the Isle of Barra. Here, you'll have beautiful views of Barra and get to explore the 1,000-year-old castle.
Islands and Cities
Islands and Cities
With over 100 islands comprising the Outer Hebrides, there are countless places to explore. With that in mind, there are a few key islands that offer the majority of food, accommodation, and attraction options:
Isles of Lewis and Harris: These Isles are actually connected and make up the two islands where you'll find the majority of accommodation and food options. Both of the islands offer incredible archeological sites to be explored along with diverse landscapes to wander through.
North Uist: Located in the center of the Outer Hebrides, the north part of Uist offers miles of sandy beaches and great landscapes to explore on long walks or cycling adventures.
South Uist: the southern part of Uist includes breathtaking scenery from the Beinn Mhor mountans and the white sand beaches.
Benbecula: Situated between North and South Uist, it is one of the most populated islands in the area as it is home to the local schools, the hospital, and the community center.
Barra: Considered to be the "jewel of the Outer Hebrides", the island offers beautiful landscapes and traditional Gaelic culture.
The Outer Hebrides offer great opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, including cycling, canoeing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. At the Harris Outdoor Centre on the Isle of Harris, you can book kayaking, canoeing, and cycling tours that include all the gear you'll need. Enjoy a scenic boat ride with Lewis Boat Trip located on the Isle of Lewis where you'll get the chance to fish for your dinner or just watch the dolphins and whales pass by. The Outer Hebrides are known for their beautiful beaches, especially on the Isle of Harris and Vatersay Island, who feature shell sand beaches. On the Isle of Lewis, spend a day at Garry Beach where you can relax in the sand then explore the many sea caves and sea stacks throughout the beach.
Beaches:
A significant number of tourists come to Outer Hebrides to lounge at the beach. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.
Hiking:
The hiking trails near Outer Hebrides are amazing. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.