The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, are a collection of islands off the west coast of Scotland stretching for around 130 miles. From north to south, they consist of Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra.
To visit the Outer Hebrides a little more planning is required. There is only one large town on these islands and for much of even recent history the sea has been the main method of transport. The largest town is Stornoway, the capital of Lewis and Harris, which has a population of around 7000.
There is a specific tourist information resource for the islands Visit Outer Hebrides.
Getting there
By ferry
Caledonain MacBrayne from Ullapool to Stornoway (Lewis) See our Guide to Ullapool.
The ferry to Lewis departing Ullapool is usually the MV Loch Seaforth. Passengers enjoy fine views of the Highland shoreline as the ship sets out on the 2 hours 45 minutes journey to Lewis. There are two sailings in each direction daily.
By plane
Stornoway Airport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Benbecula
Getting around
If staying for a while and wishing to explore, a bike is ideal, although car hire is available for the less energetic. The quiet roads are ideal for both cycling and driving. There are also some bus services on the island.
Lewis is linked by land with Harris.
Stornoway
The town is medium sized and has all the services a visitor requires, and a good selection of shops. The main attraction is Lews Castle which houses a museum on the history of the Isle of Lewis and Gaelic language, as well as a cafe and shop.
The island has a unique feel with Gaelic still spoken, peat cut, and an observance of Sunday as a day off. As such some shops and services will close on Sunday.
Of particular interest to visitors venturing into the countryside are the golden eagles that live on the island.
You may wish to make your way through Lewis and onto Harris by bike or bus and then return via the Harris to Uig (Skye) ferry and coach link to Inverness. Regular buses operate between the ferry terminals on Lewis and Harris.
South Beach, Stornoway
Stornoway Town Hall
Lews Castle
View from Lews Castle
Inside Lews Castle
Ceiling in Lews Castle
Getting there by ferry
Caledonian MacBrayne from Uig (Skye) to Harris. See our Guide to Skye.
The Uig to Harris route is usually covered by the MV Hebrides. The ship’s timetable usually allows two sailings each way on both routes daily, with one route having a single sailing in one direction on some days.
The times change from day to day so that every route has a selection of sailing times offered at least some days each week. The crossing time is around one hour forty minutes.
To make best use of any day trips from Skye you are probably best to stay overnight in Uig. Check IsleofSkye for details of places to stay.
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry between North Uist and Harris
Getting around
If staying for a while and wishing to explore, a bike is ideal, although car hire is available for the less energetic. The quiet roads are ideal for both cycling and driving.
There are also some bus services on the island. Harris is linked by land with Lewis.
You may wish to make your way through Harris and onto Lewis by bike or bus and then return via the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry and coach link to Inverness. Regular buses operate between the ferry terminals on Harris and Lewis.
The island is home to the Isle of Harris Distillery. Founded in 2015, they produce The Hearach single malt whisky and Isle of Harris Gin. The gin uses Sugar Kelp seaweed harvested by hand in the Outer Hebrides.
They offer the Isle of Harris Gin Experience (45 minutes) and The Hearach Experience (1 hour 15 minutes), and are winners of multiple awards including the Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year 2024.
Isle of Harris
Photo credit: “Isle of Harris” by kroszk@, CC BY 2.0
Isle of Harris
Photo credit: “Isle of Harris” by kroszk@, CC BY 2.0
Getting there by ferry
Caledonian MacBrayne from Uig (Skye) to North Uist. See our Guide to Skye.
The Uig to North Uist route is usually covered by the MV Hebrides. The ship’s timetable usually allows two sailings each way on both routes daily, with one route having a single sailing in one direction on some days.
The times change from day to day so that every route has a selection of sailing times offered at least some days each week. The crossing time is around one hour forty minutes.
To make best use of any day trips from Skye you are probably best to stay overnight in Uig. Check IsleofSkye for details of places to stay.
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry between Harris and North Uist
Getting around
Uists, Benbecula, Berneray and Eriskay Bus Timetables
North Uist is linked by road (causeway) with Benbecula to its south.
North Uist
Photo credit: “North Uist” by Scottish Rural Network, CC BY 2.0
Getting there by plane
Benbecula Airport from Glasgow and Stornoway (Lewis)
Getting around
Uists, Benbecula, Berneray and Eriskay Bus Timetables
Benbecula is linked by road (causeway) with North Uist to its north and South Uist to its south.
Distilleries
The island is home to two distilleries.
Founded in 2024, they produce single malt whisky using bere barely from local crofts, grown on soil fertilised with seaweed from nearby beaches. Production marks the revival of a 130-year-old recipe.
They offer 45 minute tours, and have a visitor centre, restaurant and shop on site.
Founded in 2017, they produce the Downpour range of gins with ingredients including wild Hebridean heather. They also have a whisky in production which is using heritage bere barley grown by local crofters.
Named Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year three years running, they are housed in the historic Nuneaton Steadings building which dates from the 1700s.
They offer tours and tastings: Distillery Tour (40 minutes), Distillery Tour & Tasting (1 hour), Downpour Gin Tasting (1 hour 15 minutes), Downpour Cocktail Masterclass (1 hour).
Benbecula
Photo credit: “Benbecula” by Lindy Buckley, CC BY 2.0
Getting there by ferry
Caledonian MacBrayne from Mallaig to South Uist. See our Guide to Mallaig on the West Highland Line.
Caledonian MacBrayne from Oban to South Uist. See our Guide to Oban on the West Highland Line.
Getting around
Uists, Benbecula, Berneray and Eriskay Bus Timetables
South Uist is linked by road (causeway) with Benbecula to its north and Eriskay to its south.
Buses continue right through South Uist and onto the Island of Benbecula and, by changing, on to North Uist.
South Uist is one of the larger of the Western Isles, some 22 miles long by 7 wide. Its geography is interesting with the west coast being one continuous sandy beach, bordered by grasslands followed by lochs, while the east coast consists of a series of mountains.
The lochs are so numerous that on a map those areas of the island appear to be made up more of water than land, which is probably true. The most notable mountains are Beinn Mhòr at 620 metres and Hecla at 606.
Lochboisdale itself is a very small but attractive village with the main role being that of ferry terminal. Visitors most often come to South Uist for the excellent beaches and the two mountains. With the remote location you may even find the beach to yourself, even in summer!
The island has a website Explore South Uist.
South Uist beach
Photo credit: “South Uist beach” by gailhampshire, CC BY 2.0
Getting there by ferry
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry between Barra and Eriskay
Getting around
Uists, Benbecula, Berneray and Eriskay Bus Timetables
Eriskay is linked by road (causeway) with South Uist to its north.
Eriskay
Photo credit: “Eriskay” by Odd Wellies, Public Domain Mark
Getting there
By ferry
Caledonian MacBrayne from Oban to Barra. See our Guide to Oban on the West Highland Line.
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry between Eriskay and Barra
By plane
Barra Airport from Glasgow. Barra Airport is situated on the beach at Tràigh Mhòr, which in English means the big beach. The sands are large enough to accommodate three runways. Barra is one of only two airports in the world which uses a beach for a runway.
Getting around
The Island of Barra is a paradise of hills, beaches and big open skies, with a surprising amount to do. Beyond the many opportunities for walking and cycling around the paths and roads (cycle hire is available) there is fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, kite buggying, surfing and more.
The entire Island is only 23 square miles but if you don’t feel like walking there are some local bus routes around the island.
Castlebay
Ferry passengers arriving at the small village of Castlebay passengers immediately see the Island’s main formal attraction, Kisimul Castle. The castle was closed for conservation work during the 2025 season. Boat trips were offered around the castle.
Known locally as ‘the castle in the sea’, Kisimul is situated on a tiny island off the shore from Castlebay which it literally covers the entire area of, rather like a lighthouse. The Castle consists of a central tower with is surrounded by a curtain wall inside which are various ancillary buildings.
It dates mostly from the 15th century. The property is open from April until September weather permitting due to the boat trip to reach it.
Also in Castlebay is Barra Heritage and Cultural Centre which tells the history of the islands of Barra and Vatersay.
The island has an excellent website Isle of Barra.
Castlebay, Barra
Photo credit: “Castlebay, Barra” by John Knight, CC BY 2.0
Kisimul Castle
Photo credit: “DJI_0075” by Conor Lawless, CC BY 2.0
Page last updated 20 October 2025