Where is hebrides island

Travel south and you cross the majestic and very rugged hills of North Harris before descending towards the shores of West Loch Tarbert. The southwest of Harris by total contrast is dominated by magnificent white shell sand beaches and flower cover machair. Crossing the sound of Harris you arrive on the wonderful Isle of Berneray which has a mix of rocky little bays on the east coast and extensive machair and sandy beaches on the west. A short drive across the causeway and you arrive on North Uist.

Seen from the air North Uist appears to be more water than land, but a journey around the north and west of the island reveals a fabulous mix of machair, sands and active crofting. The more rugged east coast of the island has many intriguing archaeological sites and is heavily indented with very scenic sea lochs and sheltered natural harbours.

The stunning Isle of Benbecula is by contrast a very flat island, with just one hill, and home to the majority of Uists population and businesses. It is also home to a great deal of birdlife on the machair and croftland. South Uist is a long narrow island with some very rugged hills on the east and almost continuous magnificent machair with an array of wildflowers and 20 miles of white beach on the wes t. The picturesque island of Eriskay is reached by a causeway from South Uist and is a rocky little island with a strong fishing tradition.

Barra is often referred to as the jewel of the Outer Hebrides and certainly has a delightful blend of rugged hills, rocky coves and flower covered machair. Vatersay is the full stop at the south of the chain and is a beautiful little island dominated by machair and wonderful shell sand beaches. The largest island of the Outer Hebrides, Lewis offers amazing opportunities to explore all the elements life on the edge in the Atlantic Ocean — with history, heritage, wilderness, wildlife, arts, crafts, crofting culture and even adrenaline fuelled adventure all here for the taking on your Hebridean holiday.

The Outer Hebridean island of Harris is one that has offered inspiration for generations. With its rich traditions, stunning coastal scenery and strong sense of community, Harris offers a unique introduction to island life. If it is relaxation and a feeling of getting away from it all is what you are looking for, then Uist, the collective name for the islands of Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay, is the place you want to be.

Each of the 6 islands are connected by causeway, and also connected to Barra and Harris by ferry, which make Uist a great base for exploring. With hills to the east and miles of lowlying machair and white sand beaches to the west and a watery landscape in between, Uist is a haven for wildlife and perfect for nature lovers.

Majestic stone carvings and crosses from this outpost of early Christianity dignify several of the islands, most notably Iona. But these are modern architecture compared to the Dun Carloway broch of Lewis, some years old, and the Callanish standing stones, weighing in at some four and a half millennia, roughly contemporary with the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The castles studded across the islands are relative newcomers, built by various clan chiefs — including the Lords of the Isles, who ruled the whole of the Hebrides and some of the Scottish mainland in the 14th and 15th centuries. Stellar seafood and brilliant birdwatching are other reasons to come. The adjacent island of Jura provides the spectacular scenery, with its brooding twin hills, the Paps, providing habitat for an enormous deer population.

The ferocious Corryvreckan whirlpool churns away at the north of the island, near where George Orwell wrote Islay and Jura are short on accommodations for the number of visitors they receive in spring and summer, so always book ahead. Get the best of Islay seafood and whisky, as well as seriously comfortable Victorian accommodation, at the Port Charlotte Hotel. There are two ferry terminals: Port Askaig on the east coast, and Port Ellen in the south.

Ferries are run by CalMac. There is no direct car-ferry connection to the mainland. Scenically stunning, with a mountainous backbone dropping to limpid waters, Mull has some of the finest Scottish scenery in a small, varied package, culminating in the spectacular angular hills dropping almost sheer into Loch Na Keal. One of our favorite Scottish hostels is Iona Hostel , a working sheep croft.

For something fancier, Highland Cottage in Tobermory is enchantingly intimate. An ethereal light squeezes through the clouds and bathes a rugged splendor that reaches sublime levels with the Cuillin Hills. Skye is one of Scotland's most popular tourist areas, and it offers a wide range of accommodations, from basic campsites and hostels to luxury hotels.

The latest trend is glamping luxurious camping , and in the last few years many places have installed distinctive timber camping "pods. For country hospitality, the Toravaig House Hotel offers the warmest of welcomes, while Three Chimneys combines stellar food with comfortable accommodations. The Isle of Skye became permanently tethered to the Scottish mainland when the Skye Bridge opened in The crossing is free.

Travelling to the Outer Hebrides is all part of really experiencing the islands. Perhaps you'll choose to fly to Stonorway or Benbecula with Loganair , or land on the world's only beach airport on the Isle of Barra? Or take a ferry from the mainland. Travel to the Outer Hebrides by ferry. Travel to the Outer Hebrides by plane. Sail to the Outer Hebrides by boat. Check out Loganair Fly Safe simple steps to healthy flying and safer travel with Calmac.

Driving is the most popular way for people exploring the Outer Hebrides, but often people will explore the islands on a cycling holiday. Follow the Hebridean Way Cycling Route and pedal over 10 islands in the archipelago, passing some incredible attractions and scenery along the way.

Local bus services connect major villages, and there are plenty of great organised tours and taxi services that you can take advantage of. Make saving on ferry journeys between islands and take advantage of HopScotch tickets issued by CalMac.

Travel around the Outer Hebrides by bus. Travel around the Outer Hebrides using inter-island ferries.

Car hire in the Outer Hebrides. Taxis in the Outer Hebrides. Bike hire in the Outer Hebrides. You can find out more about where to visit in the Outer Hebrides, how to get around and plan the perfect break. Find out more at Outer Hebrides. Get friendly and helpful advice for your trip at Stornoway iCentre, just a five minute walk from the ferry terminal. Visit Stornoway iCentre. Our iKnow partners offer local information and there are currently 10 partners throughout the Outer Hebrides.

Visit our iKnow partners in the Outer Hebrides. Visit advice page. The Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides. Home Map of Scotland Outer Hebrides. Latest Covid info See the latest changes to the current Covid restrictions and plan and book your next trip. Visiting the islands Find out more about the latest Outer Hebrides Covid Advice and the recommendation to take two lateral flow tests before visiting a Scottish island.

The Hebridean Way Opens a new window. From stunning landscapes, spectacular coastlines and thrilling outdoors adventures to rare wildlife, ancient secrets and first class food, there are some great things to do in the Outer Hebrides. See all things to do.