The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands off the north-western coast of Scotland in the United Kingdom. They are also known as the Western Isles and the 'Long Island'. Fifteen of the islands are inhabited, with a further 50 accessible but uninhabited.
Explore the best of the Hebrides on an island-hopping holiday and experience a Scottish adventure! The Isle of Lewis (Eilean Leodhais) is the largest and is scattered with ancient sites of world renown such as the Neolithic 'Callanish Stones', the Norse Mill House and the Pictish Carloway Broch which is a roundhouse. Visitors to the island can enjoy the thrill of adventure activities abseiling, kayaking and surfing whilst dolphins, seals, whales and sharks are often seen in the harbour.
The Isle of Harris (Na Hearadh) offers diverse landscapes ranging from rocky to gently beautiful, with sloping sandy beaches and imposing mountains as a backdrop! The Harris Hills are where you'll find great fishing, golfing, cycling and adrenalin sports.
The Isle of North Uist (Uist a Tuath) is a destination of rolling hills, freshwater lochs and stunning beaches. This beautiful small island has a thriving community linked by a causeway from the Island of Berneray. If you're a bird enthusiast, this is the spot for you. The RSPB reserve on the west coast attracts diver and wader birds and the many lochs make it an anglers' paradise. The views are spectacular and great for walking, cruising, kayaking and wildlife. Other islands to explore in the Outer Hebrides include the Isle of Benbecula, South Uist, Barra and St Kilda's.
Why not check beaches nearby as we have 23 beaches in Outer Hebrides, or have a look at our list of Outer Hebrides dog friendly beaches, or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.
Outer Hebrides Coast Search Bar
Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:
Want some ideas on where to visit?
Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, places to stay and eat:
- Little Bernera is to the north of Great Bernera. A very small island with a magical white sandy beach. If you want remote then this is the place to visit as it is only accessible by boat.No facilities , you will need to bring and take everything back with you.
- Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is a large private country house, completed in 1867 for the 7th Earl of Dunmore, the then owner of the island, and was originally named Fincastle. This is a Scottish hideaway offering outstanding accommodation and sporting facilities.
- The Barra Heritage & Cultural Centre can be found in Castlebay on Barra and is home to a fascinating collection of photos and mementoes which record the history of the island. The centre also features a craft shop and a restored thatched house, all run by the local historical society. In the summer, art exhibitions are held here and you can enjoy refreshments and home-baked goodies in the café. Other places of interest in Castlebay include Kisimul Castle and Barra Golf Club. The centre is open Monday to Saturday from April to October.
- South Bay is also known as Bagh a Deas (Deas Bay). This beach is a great unspoilt white sandy beach on the Isle of Vatersay backed by dunes and rolling hills. The south beach is more remote than the other Vatersay main beaches which is saying something when the whole island is remote.
- Traigh Eais is a sandy beach backed by sand dunes just to the west of the airport. The beach faces out onto the Atlantic and this can give some good rolling waves. Park near the airport terminal and walk across the machair covered dunes.
- Craigston beach is an unspoilt sandy beach with interesting rocks to explore on the isle of Barra, Roadside parking available.
- Rosamol beach is a large remote white sandy beach with dunes. At low tide you can walk for miles around to Luskentyre beach. Car park in a cemetery but can also park by the side of the road.
- Clisham is on the Isle of Harris, is the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides and at 799 metres (2,621 ft) has some magnificent views. Walkers have a few options; a popular direct ascent from the A859 road between Tarbert and Ardvourlie, or a full day walking around the Clisham horseshoe, crossing Mulla Fo-Dheas (743 metres, 2,438 ft), Mulla Fo-Thuath (720 metres, 2,362 ft) and Mullach an Langa (614 metres, 2,014 ft).
- West Bay or Bagh Siar on the Isle of Vatersay is an unspoilt white sandy bay. The Annie Jane, a three-masted immigrant ship out of Liverpool bound for Quebec, struck rocks off West Beach during a storm in September 1853. In spite of the conditions, islanders tried to rescue the passengers and crew, but only a few survived. A small cairn and monument mark the wreck site, an inscription reads: “On 28th September 1853 the ship Annie Jane with emigrants from Liverpool to Quebec was totally wrecked in this bay and threefourths of the crew and passengers numbering about 350 men women and children were drowned and their bodies interred here.” As well as this beach you can walk to Vatersay Bay (East) beach. Facilities at the beach include car parking, toilets and campsite.
- Huisinish Beach is on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. You’ll find it at the end of a 12-mile single track road you come across the beautiful Huisinish Beach in a secluded bay. This is a white sand beach overlooking the uninhabited Isle of Scarp and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Cockle Strand acts as Barra’s airport when the tide is out. and you are not allowed on the upper beach when the red windsock is flying as flights are taking off and landing. As the name also suggests this bay is famous for it’s cockles. Roadside parking available.
- Tangasdale Beach can be found on the western coast of the Isle of Barra. This is a stunning white sandy beach which is great for surfing and close to the Isle of Barra Beach hotel with views over the Atlantic. Nearby facilities including car park, small shop and cafe/restaurant at Isle of Barra hotel.
