The Best Things to Do in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Few places in the UK are more remote and beautiful than the Outer Hebrides islands. Here you can tap into your adventurous spirit by sea kayaking from Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris or admire the ancient Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. For more, check out this guide to the top things to do in the Outer Hebrides.
While many flock to the Highlands to experience the beauty of Scotland, far fewer travellers venture to the remote islands. Just 40mi (64km) off the northwest mainland, you’ll find the Outer Hebrides, home to wild beaches, ancient stone circles, whisky distilleries and an abundance of wildlife. It’s made up of a handful of islands – namely Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Barra and St Kilda.
Spend your days exploring this archipelago, but do leave time for a day trip to the Inner Hebrides – the Isle of Skye is the most famous of these, home to the Quiraing and Fairy Pools. To ensure you experience the best of both the Outer and Inner Hebrides, join Culture Trip on a week-long adventure with a local guide leading the way. Otherwise, here’s what you can do if you’re bound for these beautiful islands.
1. Learn about Harris Tweed
Building, Architectural Landmark
Carloway Mill on the Isle of Harris is the oldest of the three remaining Harris Tweed textile factories. Tour the workshops, in which artisans use centuries-old techniques, virgin wool and Victorian machinery to produce the fabric that bears the renowned Orb trademark. You’ll learn about every step of the process, from the washing and dying of the wool to the intricate business of warping, in which thousands of threads are wound onto large beams, ready for delivery to the weavers’ homes.
3. Sea kayaking on the Isle of Harris
Natural Feature
Sea kayaking is an unbeatable way to explore the Isle of Harris shoreline, a rocky playground of sea lochs, coves and Caribbean-style, white-sand beaches. You can book guided day trips or camping excursions on the island – or go there with Culture Trip as part of our seven-day tour of the Hebrides Islands – offering plenty of opportunities to admire the coastline and the Harris machair wildflowers, which are at their best during May and June.
4. Walk the Isle of Scalpay
Natural Feature
The Isle of Scalpay is connected to the Isle of Harris by bridge, and can be circumnavigated by an undemanding walk of 5.3mi (8.5km). Highlights of the route include views of the Harris mountains from the 341ft (104m) tall Beinn Scorabhaig, the highest point on the island, and the distinctive red-and-white Eilean Glas lighthouse, the first such structure to be built in the Outer Hebrides. The path also passes through Kennavay, the main town in Scalpay – stop here for refreshments.
5. Visit the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
Architectural Landmark
Stay in a traditional Hebridean blackhouse at Gearrannan Village, a 15-minute drive north from the Calanais Standing Stones, on the Atlantic coastline of Harris. Consisting of drystone walls and thatched roofs, the houses were inhabited until the early 1970s and now offer self-catering accommodation in a communal dorm that sleeps 14, or in private cottages with room for up to five guests. The village has a café, Tweed mill and gift shop, plus you can hike, fish and cycle in the surrounding countryside.
6. Spot puffins on St Kilda
Natural Feature
7. Surf at Eoropie Beach on Isle of Lewis
Natural Feature
Surfers’ haven Eoropie Beach (also called Traigh Shanndaigh or Traigh Sanda) is located on the northwestern tip of Harris, close to the picturesque villages of Ness. It’s an exposed stretch of sand, onto which waves break from both left and right, pushed by strong Atlantic swell. Eoropie Dunes Park – a 4-acre (1.5ha) outdoor play centre – also makes this a popular spot for families with young children. Top tip: avoid swimming when the winds are up, as they generate a strong undercurrent and the beach has no lifeguards.
8. Visit the Talisker Distillery
Distillery
9. Take photos of the spectacular Quiraing
Natural Feature
10. Explore Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye
Natural Feature
For more inspiration on what to do, discover our guide on the most remote Scottish whisky distilleries you can visit.
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