The Outer Hebrides are Scotland at its most remote and most beautiful. A chain of islands on the Atlantic edge, connected by causeways and ferries, with beaches that rival the Caribbean (in colour if not temperature), standing stones older than Stonehenge, Gaelic culture that is still living, and a pace of life that forces you to slow down.
Lewis and Harris
Lewis and Harris are actually one island, the largest in the Outer Hebrides. Lewis is flatter, with peat moorland and the town of Stornoway. Harris is more mountainous, with some of the finest beaches in Europe.
Callanish Standing Stones
The Callanish Standing Stones on Lewis date from around 3000 BC, making them older than Stonehenge. A cruciform arrangement of stones overlooking Loch Roag, they are atmospheric and far less crowded than their English equivalent. Free to visit, open year round.
Harris beaches
Luskentyre is the showstopper. White sand, turquoise water, mountains rising behind. It is regularly voted among the best beaches in the world and on a clear day it is hard to argue. Scarista is equally beautiful and quieter. Northton and Seilebost complete a stretch of coastline that is extraordinary.
Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed is still hand-woven on the islands by individual weavers. You can visit a weaver's workshop and see the craft first hand. The fabric has a global reputation and buying it at source is one of the special experiences of a visit.
The Uists and Barra
South of Harris, the islands of North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay are connected by causeways. The landscape is low-lying, watery and full of wildlife. Barra at the southern end has Traigh Mhor, a beach that doubles as the airport runway. The plane lands on the sand at low tide. Eriskay is where the SS Politician ran aground in 1941, inspiring the novel and film Whisky Galore.
Getting there
CalMac ferries from Ullapool to Stornoway (about 2.5 hours) or Uig on Skye to Tarbert/Lochmaddy (about 1.5 hours). Flights from Inverness to Stornoway take 45 minutes. We can arrange a transfer to Ullapool for the ferry connection. See our full Outer Hebrides guide for detailed planning.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Outer Hebrides?
CalMac ferries run from Ullapool to Stornoway (Lewis) and Uig on Skye to Tarbert (Harris) or Lochmaddy (North Uist). Flights from Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow land at Stornoway or Benbecula.
How long do you need in the Outer Hebrides?
Three days minimum to see Lewis and Harris. Five to seven days lets you explore the Uists and Barra as well. The islands reward slow travel.
Is Luskentyre really that good?
Yes. Luskentyre on Harris is regularly ranked among the best beaches in the world. White sand, turquoise water, mountains behind. On a good day it is genuinely stunning.
Can you visit in winter?
You can, but ferries run less frequently, some accommodation closes and the weather is harsh. The islands have real character in winter though, and you will have them almost to yourself.
