Outer Hebrides
Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, are a chain of islands off the northwest coast of mainland Scotland. The archipelago comprises more than 70 islands, of which 15 are inhabited, and spans approximately 130 miles from north to south. The larger islands include Lewis and Harris (which is a single island despite the separate names), North Uist, South Uist, and Benbecula, along with much smaller but equally scenic islands like Barra, Vatersay, and Eriskay.
The islands are known for their white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, particularly on Harris which has been compared to the Caribbean thanks to beautiful beaches like Luyskentyre. The terrain of Harris is a tapestry of moorland, peat bogs, and a scattering of mountains, the highest being Clisham, which, at 2,621 feet (799 metres), presents a challenging but rewarding hike for any outdoor adventurer.
The main towns in the Outer Hebrides are Stornoway on Lewis, the largest town and the administrative centre of the island chain, and Tarbert on Harris. Both settlements offer a range of services and amenities including shops and restaurants, but Stornoway is far and away the best place to stock up on supplies as it has big-name supermarkets as well as boutique shops.
Villages like Gearrannan and Arnol on Lewis, meanwhile, offer a glimpse into the past with their preserved blackhouses (traditional island stone dwellings), as does Castlebay on Barra with its castle positioned on an outcrop in the middle of the harbour.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Outer Hebrides are an absolute paradise. The archipelago is home to a wide range of animal species including red deer, otters, and seals, and each island is a crucial breeding ground for many types of birds including golden eagles, corncrakes, and puffins.
Offshore, the waters are home to dolphins, porpoises, orcas, and even minke and humpback whales. There are too many wildlife-spotting sites to mention here, but a big recommendation is given to Tiumpan Head on Lewis where there are sightings of whales and dolphins on most days.
Tourist attractions in the Outer Hebrides are as varied as the islands themselves. The Callanish Standing Stones on Lewis are one of the most significant and well-preserved Neolithic monuments in Europe and are even older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The St Kilda archipelago, meanwhile, is the westernmost point of the UK and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting these remote and desolate islands is an unforgettable experience, even though getting there involves a long boat trip. Known as the ‘islands at the edge of the world’, St. Kilda is home to Europe’s largest seabird colony, and it’s also the site of settlements that were inhabited more than 2,000 years ago.
Subcategories
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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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Pairc Peninsula Visitor Guide
The Pairc peninsula – also known as the Parish of Lochs – is situated on the southeast corner of the Isle of Lewis between Loch Eireasort and Loch Shiphoirt. This vast and almost entirely uninhabited area covers over 68,000 acres of rolling hills and rugged coastline, pockmarked by countless freshwater lochs. Visitors to Pairc will…
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Reuval Visitor Guide
The 124-metre summit of Reuval is the highest point on the Outer-Hebridean island of Benbecula. Though the walk up the hill is short it’s undeniably one of the highlights of a visit to this remarkable isle as the top offers gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding sea, beaches, and mountains.
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Traigh Mhor Visitor Guide
Traigh Mhor on the Isle of Barra is one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches. The pristine white sand of Traigh Mhor is flanked by long banks of flowering machair to the north, south, and west, while turquoise waters frame the scene to the east. This beach is also famous for being an airfield which can…
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Uidh Peninsula Visitor Guide
Welcome to the serene, untouched beauty of the northeast peninsula of the Isle of Vatersay, where the grass is greener, the air is fresher, and the scenery is beyond compare. Vatersay, an enchanting island with a population of just over 90 people, is a place where time slows down and the hustle and bustle of…
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