The Hebrides
The Hebrides
The Hebrides, a vast archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland, is a captivating destination for any sightseer. Comprising the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the region is home to an array of islands that each possess their own distinct charm and attractions, from the whisky of Islay to the windswept grasslands of Lewis.
Geographically, the Hebrides lie in the North Atlantic Ocean where they’re divided into the Inner Hebrides, closer to the mainland, and the Outer Hebrides which lie further west. The Inner Hebrides include Skye (Scotland’s single largest island), Mull, Islay, and Jura, among others, while the Outer Hebrides consist of a chain of islands stretching over 130 miles that includes Lewis and Harris at its northernmost point, moving south to North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra.
The landscape of the Hebrides is a mesmerising blend of remote mountain peaks, rolling peatlands, flower-covered machair (a rare coastal grassland), and pristine white sand beaches that contrast dramatically with the azure waters of the Atlantic, especially in the Outer Hebrides which boasts beaches like Luskentyre – frequently voted one of the world’s most scenic places.
Many of the Hebrides’ towns and villages are steeped in history and tradition. Portree, the largest town on Skye, boasts a picturesque harbour that’s equally used by fishing and tour boats while Tobermory on Mull, with its colourful waterfront buildings, is famed for its boutique shops and fresh seafood.
Stornoway, by far the largest town in the entire Hebrides, offers a blend of Gaelic culture and history as well as a pretty harbour and attractions like Lews Castle. It’s the home of Stornoway black pudding – an award-winning savoury sausage that can be used in a variety of dishes.
When it comes to tourist attractions, the Hebrides doesn’t disappoint. On Skye, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools offer breathtaking hikes, while the historic Dunvegan Castle provides a glimpse into the island’s past.
On Islay, whisky enthusiasts can taste some of Scotland’s finest spirits on a number of tasting tours before heading to beautiful locations like the Oa peninsula, the 5-mile Strand beach, and the gobsmacking Loch Gruinart (visit when the tide’s out for the best views).
Meanwhile, the Outer Hebrides are home to the prehistoric Callanish Standing Stones on Lewis, mile after mile of golden beaches on South Uist, and unique places like Traigh Mhor on Barra, which is the world’s only beach airfield.
The Hebrides also boast a wealth of cultural attractions including traditional music festivals, crofting museums, and opportunities to learn about Gaelic language and culture. The islands are also renowned for their local produce with seafood, lamb, venison, and, of course, whisky, being highlights.
Subcategories
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Isle of Benbecula Visitor Guide
The Isle of Benbecula is located between the islands of North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Due to its location, Benbecula is an ideal base to explore the Uists but it has a number of attractions of its own including Reuval (the solitary hill in the middle of the island), and several large…
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Isle of Coll Visitor Guide
The Isle of Coll lies on the edge of Scotland’s west coast, directly north of Tiree and west of Mull. This stunningly pretty island is surrounded by miles of pristine golden beaches and has vast swathes of unspoilt countryside at its centre. Coll is also pleasingly free of tourism, making a visit to this gem…
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Isle of Eigg Visitor Guide
The small but beautiful Isle of Eigg is part of the Small Isles chain which lies 10 miles (16.09 km) off Scotland’s west coast next to the Morar Peninsula. Access is via a one-hour ferry from the port village of Mallaig on the mainland, which makes it ideal for day trippers, especially cyclists who can…
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Isle of Eriskay Visitor Guide
The Isle of Eriskay is situated to the immediate south of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides where it is connected to its much larger neighbour by a 1-mile causeway. In addition to its spectacular coastline, Eriskay is best known for its indigenous Eriskay ponies, of which only 400 are left on earth.
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Isle of Harris Visitor Guide
The Isle of Harris is situated in the Outer Hebrides where it borders the Isle of Lewis on its northern side and faces the isle of North Uist to the south. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland’s Western Isles, primarily because it’s home to some of the best beaches in…
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Isle of Islay Visitor Guide
The Isle of Islay is one of the largest West Coast islands in the Southern Hebrides. Islay is a popular tourist destination thanks to its diverse wildlife, attractive country villages and stunning coastline, but it’s most famous for the distinctive whisky that’s flavoured with locally-sourced peat. Discover this mesmerizing isle with this complete guide, which…
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Isle of Jura Visitor Guide
Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides close to the Isle of Islay. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island’s 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around…
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Isle of Lewis Visitor Guide
The Isle of Lewis is the northern half of Lewis and Harris which is the northernmost island in the Outer Hebrides. Lewis covers an area of 683 square miles and has a landscape that’s much flatter than Harris, mostly comprising moorland surrounded by a rocky and sparsely populated coastline. Visitors to Lewis will find some…
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Isle of Lunga Visitor Guide
The Isle of Lunga lies west of Mull and east of Tiree on the west coast of Scotland. This remote volcanic island is the largest of the Treshnish Isles, yet it’s only 81 hectares in size. Visitors can explore Lunga as part of an organized tour to see the island’s famous colonies of puffins, as…
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Isle of Mingulay Visitor Guide
Discover the untamed beauty and rich history of the Isle of Mingulay. Once inhabited but now reclaimed by nature, this remote island offers breathtaking landscapes and a wealth of wildlife that make it an essential destination for any visitor to the Outer Hebrides. From the towering sea cliffs teeming with seabirds to the remnants of…
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Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa Visitor Guide
Nestled on the edge of the southeast corner of the Isle of Mull is the luxurious Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa, a haven for travellers looking to escape the stresses of everyday life. This extensive hotel offers guests an unforgettable experience of relaxation and indulgence thanks to its superb spa facilities and unparalleled oceanside…
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Isle of Mull Visitor Guide
The Isle of Mull is the second-largest island in the Inner Hebrides and features famous attractions including Tobermory village, Ben More, and Iona Abbey. The island is a popular alternative to Skye as it offers almost as many attractions but is less busy and is easier to get to from Oban. Discover this stunning west…
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Isle of North Uist Visitor Guide
North Uist is an island in the Outer Hebrides, situated between the islands of Benbecula and Harris. At 117 square miles it is the 10th-largest island in Scotland and has a population of around 1,300 people, most of whom are employed in the fishing and crofting industries. The island is well known for its rugged…
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Isle of Raasay Visitor Guide
The Isle of Raasay is located immediately north of Skye on the west coast of Scotland. This beautiful island in the Inner Hebrides is just 24 square miles in area yet is home to one of the world’s most geologically diverse landscapes. Visitors to Raasay can explore rolling hills, forests, lochs, golden beaches, and some…
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Isle of Rum Visitor Guide
The Small Isles on the west coast of Scotland include Canna, Muck, Eigg, and Rum. Rum is the largest of the archipelago at 182 square miles, yet it is inhabited by just 40 people. Getting to Rum involves a short ferry ride from the neighbouring Isle of Skye, after which visitors are free to explore…
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Isle of Scalpay Visitor Guide
The Isle of Scalpay is located on the southeast corner of Harris and Lewis. At just 2.5 square miles in total, Scalpay is one of the smallest isles of the Outer Hebrides yet it has a thriving community of crofters, fishermen and artisanal crafters. Highlights of a visit to Scalpay include the stunning 14 miles…
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Isle of Skye Visitor Guide
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 600,000 sightseers annually. People travel from all over the world to explore this west-coast island’s beautiful landscapes and attractions like the Storr, the Fairy Pools, and the Quiraing are essential places to visit for anyone touring Scotland. Discover this beautiful island…
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Isle of South Uist Visitor Guide
At 124 square miles, South Uist is the second-largest island in the Outer Hebrides, yet it’s home to less than 2,000 people. Visitors to the island will quickly find themselves lost in a hauntingly beautiful landscape where nature thrives across mile after mile of white powder beaches to the west and thickets of purple heather…
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Isle of Tiree Visitor Guide
The Isle of Tiree is the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Known as the ‘Hawaii of the north’, Tiree is famed for its clear blue seas and wide golden beaches, as well as the annual Tiree Music Festival and Surf Wave Classic events. Discover Tiree with this guide which includes an overview, good-to-know visiting advice, and a…
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Isle of Vatersay Visitor Guide
The Isle of Vatersay is the most southerly inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides with a population of around 90 permanent residents. Vatersay is best known for its two half-mile white sand beaches – Traigh Shiar and Traigh a Bhaigh – that are set within shallow bays in the middle of the island. The island…
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Kildonan Museum Visitor Guide
Kildonan Museum is part of the cultural centre on the island of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The Museum collection includes over 10,000 exhibits from South Uist’s past across a wide range of themes from religion to fishing, crafting, and everyday life. In addition to the museum, the centre has a cafe and a…
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Lews Castle Visitor Guide
Lews Castle is a Victorian-era castle situated in the heart of historic Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The castle is a popular tourist destination thanks to the extensive landscaped gardens as well as the on-site cafe and gift shop. The main point of interest though, is the museum which explores the history of Lewis,…
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Lochbuie Visitor Guide
The village of Lochbuie, nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Isle of Mull, is a genuine hidden gem that offers visitors a taste of the island’s natural beauty far away from crowds of visiting tourists. Lochbuie lies at the head of Loch Buie on the south coast of Mull in a landscape that features…
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Luskentyre Beach Visitor Guide
Luskentyre is located on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides. This pristine golden sand beach is frequently voted among the top beaches in the UK thanks to its spectacular mountain backdrop and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
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