Inner Hebrides

skye fairy rings

Inner Hebrides

The Inner Hebrides is an archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland, comprising a cluster of 79 islands, of which 35 are inhabited. They are divided into two main groups, the Northern and Southern Inner Hebrides, with the Isle of Skye being the largest and most populous island of the Northern group, while the Isle of Mull dominates the Southern group.

The geography of the Inner Hebrides is a diverse mix of towering mountains, serene lochs, and broad sandy beaches, all interspersed with rolling moorland and lush woodlands.

The towns and villages of the Inner Hebrides are as varied as the landscape itself. From the bustling coastal village of Portree on Skye, known for its colourful waterfront houses and stunning sea views, to the remote Dervaig on Mull, there are countless step-back-in-time places to explore.

The Inner Hebrides are dotted with a wide array of tourist attractions. Skye is home to the Fairy Pools, a sequence of stunning pools and waterfalls, as well as the Quiraing, a devastatingly beautiful landscape formed by a series of ancient landslides.

For history enthusiasts, Duart Castle on Mull, a 13th-century fortress with a dramatic cliff-top setting, offers a fascinating insight into the island’s turbulent past, while the Isle of Iona, a tiny island off the southwest coast of Mull, is famous for Iona Abbey – one of Scotland’s oldest religious sites.

A trip to the Inner Hebrides wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its many whisky distilleries. The Isle of Islay (also known as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides’) is famous for its peaty single malt Scotch whisky, and the island boasts nine active distilleries that offer tasting tours, including the renowned Laphroaig and Ardbeg.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Treshnish Isles, a group of uninhabited islands west of Mull, are a paradise. The highlight, in my opinion, is the Isle of Lunga which is home to a variety of seabirds including puffins and guillemots, as well as seals and dolphins, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Islay

Subcategories


  • Quinish Point

    Quinish Point

    The walk to Quinish Point on the Isle of Mull starts at the village of Dervaig on the northern tip of the island and passes through woodland, rolling fields, and a dramatic coastline. Discover this beautiful part of Mull in this complete guide, which includes an overview and a 360° virtual tour.

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  • Scarinish

    Scarinish

    The Isle of Tiree, located on the west coast of Scotland, is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its pristine beaches, unspoiled landscapes, and charming villages, Tiree is a paradise for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a peaceful getaway. One of the most picturesque villages on the island is Scarinish,…

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  • Sligachan

    Sligachan

    Sligachan is an area on the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape at this location is breathtaking as it’s comprised of heather-covered moorland crisscrossed by a number of rivers, with the entire scene framed by the imposing Red and Black Cuillin mountains. Sligachan is a popular destination for photographers as…

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  • The Marble Line

    The Marble Line

    The Marble Line is located a mile south of the village of Broadford in the southern half of the Isle of Skye. This long-abandoned railway line was used to transport marble from a quarry 2 miles further south, but it has now been converted into a footpath that allows visitors to explore the clearance villages…

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  • The Old Man of Storr

    The Old Man of Storr

    The Old Man of Storr is a rock outcrop on the Isle of Skye located in the Trotternish region, around 6 miles north of the island’s main town of Portree. The landmark sits at an elevation of 719 metres and it can be reached via gravel paths, rough tracks and a scramble over bare rock.…

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  • The Quiraing

    The Quiraing

    The Quiraing is an absolutely essential destination for any visitor to the Isle of Skye as it offers one of the most picturesque walks in Scotland. The Quiraing is the remnant of an ancient landslide that has formed a breathtaking series of valleys, gorges and mountainous peaks on the northern tip of the island. Discover…

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  • Tiree Beaches

    Tiree Beaches

    Tiree enjoys the highest number of sunshine hours in the UK, and the beaches are some of the cleanest and most secluded in Britain. The island’s coastline is 36 miles in total so there are lots of places to enjoy watersports, and there are also superb festivals to attend on some of the beaches including…

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  • Tiree Music Festival

    Tiree Music Festival

    The Tiree Music Festival (TMF) is a Scottish folk music event hosted annually on the Inner Hebridean island of Tiree. The TMF was founded by a member of the band Skerryvore and has gained a cult following since the first event was held in 2010. A variety of music styles are played across three days…

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  • Tourist Advice for Visitors to the Isle of Islay

    Tourist Advice for Visitors to the Isle of Islay

    The Isle of Islay on Scotland’s west coast is one of the country’s premier tourist attractions. The island offers visitors a wonderful experience whether it’s wildlife watching, relaxing on a beach, hiking through the countryside or sampling whisky. Discover tips and advice for visiting the Isle of Islay with this article that explains how to…

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