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 Outer Hebrides beaches. You can even take a look at our list of Outer Hebrides dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Outer Hebrides Map

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:

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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:

Sports

Barra Golf Club

Barra Golf Club was set up in 1992 and is the most westerly located golf course in the United Kingdom. Just 6 miles from Castlebay, where you can visit Kisimul Castle, the golf club has spectacular views over the Atlantic. The natural turf of this region gives the course a fantastic playing surface and the 4th hole is said to Read more…
Tiumpan-Head-Lighthouse

Tiumpan Head Lighthouse

Tiumpan Head Lighthouse is located on the most easterly point of the Isle of Lewis and the headland juts into the waters between the island and the Scottish mainland. Built in 1900 by the Stevenson brothers, the white-painted lighthouse is 21m in height. The light is now automated and two white flashes are exhibited every 15 seconds and they have Read more…
lifeboat

Stornoway lifeboat station

Stornoway lifeboat station was established in 1887 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Station and shop open all days except Sunday although restricted times. Read more…
Rosamol-beach

Rosamol Beach

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. Read more…
Cliff-beach

Cliff Beach

Cliff beach is a remote white sandy beach on the Isle of Lewis. All you have here is a great isolated beach with just a few holiday cottages overlooking. The beach has no facilities, just a parking spot at the end of a single track road. Read more…
Garry-beach

Garry Beach

Garry Beach is packed with character! There’s a great scenic walk on the Heritage Trail here and Garry Beach is where you can start off on this 10 mile walk along the coast to Ness. Featuring sea stacks and caves (which you can walk through if the tide is out) this beach has lots to fascinate and enthrall you with. Read more…
Clisham-mountain

Clisham

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, Read more…
Borve-beach

Borve Beach

Borve Beach, soak up the beauty of the Hebrides by strolling along the white sandy beach at Borve, one of the loveliest in the Outer Hebrides. If you want a fantastic view, climb the grassy slope behind the beach, past Macleods Stone and up to the top and you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning views! Facilities Read more…
Traigh-Eais-beach

Traigh Eais Beach

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. Read more…
Little-Bernera-beach

Little Bernera Beach

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. Read more…
Seilebost-beach

Seilebost Beach

Seilebost beach is a white sandy beach with dunes that juts out into the estuary. Gentle slope to the water and at low tide all you can see is beach and dunes. Read more…
Barra-Island-lifeboat-station

Barra Island lifeboat station

For nearly 75 years the Barra Island lifeboat station has had an all weather lifeboat launched from Castlebay on the Isle of Barra Read more…
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Some more seaside locations in Outer Hebrides

Ardroil Isle of Barra Isle of Benbecula Isle of Harris Isle of Lewis Isle of North Uist Isle of South Uist Isle of Vatersay St Kilda