What to See in the Outer Hebrides: Lewis, Harris, Barra and Itinerary

White sand beaches with turquoise waters, ancient standing stones, handwoven tweed, and Gaelic spoken daily: the Outer Hebrides, The Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland, are one of Europe's wildest destinations. Here's what to see in the Hebrides, how to get there, and our suggested itinerary. Based in the UK since 2012, we organize tailor-made trips throughout Scotland.

In short: In the Outer Hebrides, don't miss the standing stones of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, Luskentyre Beach on Harris, the traditional house village of Gearrannan, Harris Tweed, and landing on the beach at Barra Airport. Access is by ferry from Ullapool, Uig (Skye), or Oban, or by plane. Allow 5 to 7 days to travel the length of the archipelago from north to south.

What to see in the Outer Hebrides

Lewis and the Callanish Stones

In the north of the archipelago, the island of Lewis is home to the Callanish standing stones, a megalithic complex dating back approximately 5,000 years, arranged in a cross around a central circle. Nearby, the village of Gearrannan preserves blackhouses, traditional thatched-roof dwellings, and the Dun Carloway broch, an Iron Age stone tower.

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Your ideal coastal spot?

Cliffs and sweeping panoramasBeaches, harbors and small villages

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On foot along a pathBy car with several stops

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Need a break?

A beautiful viewpointA cafe or pub by the water

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What appeals to you most?

The wild sideThe atmosphere of the villages

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The perfect end to the day?

A sunsetA good local dinner

Harris, its beaches and its tweed

Although it forms a single island with Lewis, Harris has a very different character: mountains in the north, idyllic beaches in the south. Luskentyre Beach, with its turquoise waters, is among the most beautiful in the UK. Furthermore, Harris is the birthplace of the famous Harris Tweed, still handwoven by the locals.

The Uist and Benbecula

Further south, North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist are linked by causeways. These flat islands, dotted with lochs and long beaches, are a paradise for birdwatching.

Barra and its airport on the beach

Further south, the island of Barra is famous for its airport: planes land directly on Traigh Mhor beach at low tide. Finally, Kisimul Castle, perched on an islet, overlooks Castlebay Harbour.

How do I get to the Outer Hebrides?

• By ferry : from Ullapool to Stornoway (Lewis), from Uig on the Isle of Skye to Tarbert (Harris) or Lochmaddy (North Uist), and from Oban to Castlebay (Barra).
• By plane : flights connect Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness to Stornoway, Benbecula or Barra.

In summer, book your car ferry tickets well in advance. More information is available on the company's website. CalMac.

Good to know before you leave

• Sunday, On Lewis and Harris, many shops and services are closed, due to religious tradition.
• Gaelic is very present: bilingual signs and place names in Gaelic.
• The weather Change quickly: pack warm and waterproof clothing, even in summer.

Our 6-day Hebrides itinerary

• Day 1: ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway.
• Day 2: Lewis: Callanish, Dun Carloway and Gearrannan.
• Day 3: Harris: mountains, Luskentyre beach and tweed.
• Day 4: ferry to North Uist, then Benbecula.
• Day 5: South Uist and ferry to Barra.
• Day 6: Barra, then back by ferry to Oban.

Finally, the Hebrides combine perfectly with the Isle of Skye and the North Coast 500. Also read our guides to most beautiful islands of Scotland and must-sees on the Isle of Skye, and discover our trip Orkney and Skye.

Also read: What to do in Oban

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hebrides

What is the difference between the Inner and Outer Hebrides?

The Inner Hebrides are close to the coast, such as Skye, Mull, Iona, and Islay. The Outer Hebrides, further offshore, form a long chain of islands from Lewis to Barra.

How many days does it take to visit the Outer Hebrides?

Allow at least 5 days to travel around the archipelago from north to south, and a week to really enjoy it.

What is the best time to go?

From May to September, the days are long and there are more ferries. May and June are often the sunniest months.

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