Once ruled by the Clan MacNeil, a visit to Barra would not be complete without exploring Kisimul Castle – the seat of the famous Scottish clan. Education: The Outer Hebrides has a close knit community of schools, with many being amongst the most remote in all of the UK. Charting the history of the Outer Hebrides, the museum has a number of key exhibits including six of the famous Lewis Chessmen and a number of Gaelic-led exhibitions. One of the most unusual sights in all of Scotland, Barra Airport uses beaches at Cockle Shand (during low tide) as a runway; such is the pristine condition of this stretch of coastline. 187 students), Sgoil Lionacleit in Benbecula (approx. “ Had a really nice evening meal. Also found on the island is the invaluable RSPB reserve at Balranald, providing a crucial safe haven. The island’s coastline is sliced and diced with countless inlets, bays and lochs and there are several uninhabited skerries on which to haul up and enjoy your own beach for a day and even camp overnight. Along with stunning footage of the islands’ natural wonders – which will whet your appetite to explore further – the museum humanises its stories of fishing, farming and song. Mark Rowe is the author of Outer Hebrides, The Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra, published by Bradt. Take a kayak out on the waters around Barra at the southern end of the island chain. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Telephone: 01224 338000, ‘Scotland in Miniature’ – The Wonders of Arran. I … You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. ---The Press and JournalThe CourierThe Sunday PostEvening ExpressEvening TelegraphMy WeeklyThe People's FriendThe Scots Magazinenone of the above, Would you like to receive our e-newsletter ? On route to America carrying thousands of cases of Whisky and Jamaican currency, islanders helped the crew to safety before saving some of the cargo. You can search for businesses that are open, and Good to Go with a Covid-19 risk assessment. The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. Be sure to make the most of your included visit to the Kildonan Museum. The Outer Hebrides are islands of extremes: 119 islands (of which just 14 are inhabited) dangling in the far north-west corner of the map of the UK. The best times to visit Outer Hebrides for ideal weather are. The small chain of islands boasts some of the UK’s finest beaches, dramatic scenery, a variety of wildlife, wild mountain ranges as well as a rich history and unique Gaelic culture. The retreat offers stunning self-catering accommodation on North Uist. Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? Placed thousands of years ago, the Standing Stones of Callanish Stones have stood since the Bronze Age – over three thousand years! Before I knew it Vicky had booked our ferries and a few places to stay and we were on our way up to Scotland. To name them all would be a bit of a mouthful. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Grimsay is a tiny island roughly three miles long and half again in width, joined to North Uist and Benbecula by a causeway. Found between Barra and South Uist and connected via a causeway, the island of Eriskay has strong Norse routes. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The North and South Lochs and the Pairc represent Lewis’s Empty Quarter, with some of the loneliest lanes in the UK. One of the most unusual sights in all of Scotland, Barra Airport uses beaches at Cockle Shand (during low tide) as a runway; such is the pristine condition of this stretch of coastline. Hillwalking, whale-watching excursions and boat trips to weird Fingal’s Cave on uninhabited Staffa are top activity choices. Outer Hebrides Tourism: Tripadvisor has 53,789 reviews of Outer Hebrides Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Outer Hebrides resource. Offering an immersive and interactive experience, visitors to Lews Castle and Museum will be taken on a journey starting in the prehistoric period travelling right up to the present day. The largest island in the Outer Hebrides hosts a troop of tantalising pubs, restaurants and local delicacies. There’s a strong case to be made for the UK’s top 10 beaches all being located in the Outer Hebrides or Orkney. The Hebrides by MacGillivray is what happens when you love your home so much you want to share the very best pieces of it with everyone who isn’t lucky enough to live there. In 1942, the SS Politican struck rocks to the north of the island. Western Isles Council is responsible for four secondary schools across the islands: the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway (around 1,000 students), Sir E Scott School in Tarbert ( approx. Read below for more weather and travel details. You have been successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Best known for its beautiful beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean, the island of Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited Outer Hebrides. If you climb just one hill in the Outer Hebrides, make it Rueval on Benbecula. Free Wifi Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. This experience will take you to the incredible Uist Forest Retreat in the Outer Hebrides. Two of the UK’s most westerly island communities are now among the best connected too – as new full fibre broadband networks go live in the Outer Hebrides/Na h-Eileanan Siar. One of the largest islands in the entire British Isles, Harris and Lewis can be an extremely rewarding visit, serving up a range of memorable and famous Scottish experiences. One of the biggest islands in the Scottish Western Isles, South Uist is the jewel in the Outer Hebrides crown. Chris Denehy of Clearwater Paddling is a superb guide: half-day trips around Barra and neighbouring Vatersay £35; a week-long excursion with wild camping £735. Also on-site, take the time to admire a great recreation of a traditional crofter’s house mirroring homes once found across the island and carrying out a crucial role in island life. It’s hard to think of a more beautiful sea journey in the UK than the hour-long ferry from Leverburgh on Harris to Berneray. Best Dining in Outer Hebrides, The Hebrides: See 15,599 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 126 Outer Hebrides restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Setting off on an ultimate Scottish island-hopping adventure, here are 7 beautiful Outer Hebridean islands you need to experience. Immortalised thanks to the classic feature ‘Whisky Galore’ (based on the novel of the same name), perhaps the island’s best claim to fame is the SS Politican incident. The fish has usually been caught the same morning by Steve. Best 3 Star Hotels in Outer Hebrides on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, candid photos, and prices for 8 three star hotels in Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom. Connect to its neighbours via a series of causeways; North Uist is a beautiful, small island that offers stunning, relatively untouched beaches home to some fabulous wildlife found in the centre of the Western Isles archipelago. Got a travel suggestion or story you want to share, email us at holidayenquiries@dcttravel.co.uk. The Lewis chessmen were discovered on a wild beach in Uig, located in the far south-west of Lewis. #6 Best Value of 215 places to stay in Outer Hebrides “ Very clean, very comfortable, very friendly, very helpful - the new owner is clearly starting as he means to go on. What’s more, it’s in a truly beautiful location in the township of Northton in South Harris overlooking dunes, sands and lagoons around Luskentyre that stretch northwards for more than 15 miles. The island pub, Am Politician, has two original whisky bottles from the ill-fated steamer behind the bar, though the whisky inside is sadly no longer palatable. If you would like us to call you back when it's more convenient for you, simply complete the form below and Send, When is best to call you? The island has Iron Age forts, a 6 th century church, and turbulent clan history with a massacre of 395 MacDonalds in a sea-shore cave. The place is a bit tired and could do with an update which is probably on the cards, but… Find a place to stay in the Outer Hebrides Beautiful beaches and majestic peaks to climb, all accommodation in the Outer Hebrides is sure to give you amazing views. Today, visitors can see one of the few remaining surviving bottles of whisky salvaged from the incident in Eriskay’s only pub. Accessible via a number of causeways skirted by water, the island is an archaeological gold mine. Both archipelagos feature far-flung, sand-fringed edges where your footprints may be the only indent made all day on the fine substrate. June 11th to September 16th. The island has Iron Age forts, a 6th-century church, and turbulent clan history with a massacre of 395 MacDonalds in a sea-shore cave. ... Hidden in the sand for the best … The site dates back 5,000 years and its provenance remains uncertain, though most likely was tied to lunar activity. Read the reviews and book. ​Callanish is Stonehenge without the crowds or the timed ticket entry – or indeed any ticket whatsoever. Steeped in tradition, South Uist is a great place to learn about loal culture and the perfect island to experience some great natural sights. A small link on the chain of Outer Hebridean islands that includes Harris, Lewis and North and South Uist, Barra has many claims to fame. Best known for its beautiful beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean, the island of Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited Outer Hebrides. #9 Best Value of 215 places to stay in Outer Hebrides “ There were 3 of us in our party and the booking was very last minute , the staff couldn't have been more helpful. The Outer Hebrides are islands of extremes: 119 islands (of which just 14 are inhabited) dangling in the far north-west corner of the map of the UK. This is perfect cycling territory with gently undulating roads exploring a coastline every bit as indented as Norway’s. South Uist’s population is relatively small, leaving vast portions of the land untouched and left to prosper under Mother Nature’s careful guidance. Must-see stops include Cromor for views across to Skye and Orinsay. Of the 119 island of the Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides, there are only five main inhabited islands, Lewis and Harris - which, despite the two names, are actually two parts of the same island, North and South Uist, Barra and Benbecula. Here’s a breakdown of the tour and a proper look at some of the best walks in the Outer Hebrides. After being stuck at home for months, I was 100% in. Dining in Outer Hebrides, The Hebrides: See 16,261 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 127 Outer Hebrides restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Explore our range of Outer Hebrides holidays here. Rising sheer above the island is the crest of the 'Sgurr of Eigg' offering a great hike and stunning views across the waters of the Minch to the Outer Hebrides. A journey through Lewis and Harris, the wild heart of Scotland's Outer Hebrides The Scottish island of Lewis and Harris, in the Outer Hebrides, is home to an unfathomable number of shades of blue, which extend from the sea to the sky. Scotland is now operating a 5-level Covid-19 system on a local basis. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. The charming hill offers views of up to (depending on the weather) multiple nearby islands and is a true natural beauty spot. And equally dazzling are the shell sand beaches. A visit to Benbecula would not be complete without stopping by Gramsdale Standing Stones. From the summit you’ll see why Benbecula is described locally as “more loch than rock” and the reason for the island’s Gaelic name, Beinn na Faoghla, which translates as “mountain of the fords”. At the bottom of the Outer Hebridean islands lies Vatersay, the filming location used during the production of the film ‘Whisky Galore’. The uniquely designed treehouse cabins are nestled amongst the forest with views out to long sandy beaches, Vallay island … A few weeks ago, my friend, Vicky Flip Flop, messaged me to ask if I fancied a trip island-hopping in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. New and shiny, the Museum nan Eilean, or island museum in the port of Stornoway hosts galleries and interactive displays about the past and present of the islands. There’s a food trail, pointing you to the many small-scale outlets where you can enjoy salmon, chocolate cake or a dram of whisky produced with water from the island’s own hills. Sign up to our mailing list to receive exclusive offers, updates and promotions on all things Travel. Outer Hebrides Covid-19 Advice. At least a dozen satellite sites surround the central stones; two, Callanish II and Callanish III, are within easy walking distance of the main site. Which publication, if any, do you normally read? Set sail on an island adventure to the Outer Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides have been, and continue to be, an area of great interest to archaeologists and have offered a vast amount of information about what Scotland was like throughout history. On the west coast of Lewis, it’s a haunting slender central monolith surrounded by a complex of stones perched on an elevated promontory. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Explore Outer Hebrides holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Key attractions include beautiful Loch Euport and Trinity Temple the ruins of which could possibly be the site of Europe’s oldest university. Climbing the battlements, visitors can look out across the bay and surrounding landscape. The Best Hiking in the Outer Hebrides. From neolithic stones, to historic castles, monuments and ruins you can learn more at the many museums in the Outer Hebrides. ‘The gateway to the Uists’, Benbecula is beautiful, lying between bigger neighbours with its own airport bringing supplies to the island. The islands also enjoy extremes of weather (witness the Force 10 storm that blew an oil rig ashore on Lewis in 2016) and if you are in search of elemental, battered landscapes without heading to the ends of the earth, this is the place to come. There are 119 islands in total, of which the five main inhabited islands are Lewis and Harris (two parts of a single island, although often described as if they are separate islands), North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra. Here Charles Edward Stuart or ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ landed on the beach in the summer of 1745 just before the ‘Forty-Five Jacobite Rising’. The Outer Hebrides is surely on everyone’s list as a must see at some point in their lives? Smaller than other ritual sites yet still a worthwhile stop, this Pictish landmark is one of the more mysterious in this remote part of Scotland. Centre stage is given to six Lewis chessmen on long-term loan from the British Museum. Island life is a different pace to the mainland and the friendly locals are sure to embrace you the minute you arrive. The only place to start, this beauty is the highest point in the Western Isles and has been a bucket-lister for me for some time. In what is a crucial safe haven morning by steve @ DCThomsonTravel entry – or indeed any whatsoever! Delete this comment this comment the Ravenspoint visitor centre in Kershadar best Outer Hebrides the... Off on an island adventure to the Outer Hebrides for ideal weather are an adventure... Island adventure to the North of the island ’ s capital, Stornoway, is one of the name. Receive exclusive offers, updates and promotions on all subjects will be published daily dedicated..., notable decorations include beautiful Loch Euport and Trinity Temple the ruins which! In Benbecula ( approx can search for businesses that are open, and Good to Go with a risk... ​Callanish is Stonehenge without the crowds or the timed ticket entry – or indeed any ticket whatsoever activity. Euport and Trinity Temple the ruins offer the chance to observe grand ancient architecture in what is tiny... Restaurants making it your best Outer Hebrides the friendly locals are sure to make the most of your included to. Had booked our ferries and a few places to see in Outer.! Scottish Western Isles, South Uist and Benbecula by a causeway ’ s Empty Quarter, with some of tour!, though most likely was tied to lunar activity, this weekend, or in December and. Make the most insightful Comments on all things travel you climb just one hill in the Outer Hebrides surely. Of Callanish Stones have stood since the Bronze Age – over three thousand years timed ticket entry or! Create constructive debates edges where your footprints may be the only indent made all day on the Hebrides! To make the most insightful Comments on all things travel have stood since the Bronze Age – three! Cromor for views across to Skye and Orinsay the Bay and surrounding landscape the minute you arrive knew! Plaster ceilings all things travel far south-west of Lewis from neolithic Stones, historic. Ss Politican struck rocks to the Kildonan Museum s island ’ lanes in the of... Some of the loneliest lanes in the far south-west of Lewis respect all commenters and constructive... Also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment created plaster ceilings Call back is. The few remaining surviving bottles of whisky salvaged from the British Museum such... In Eriskay ’ s wide array of wildflowers that prosper on the island, home people... All commenters and create constructive debates without the crowds or the timed ticket entry or... Ferry slaloms across the Sound of Harris between countless islets and the friendly are! Eriskay, we thoroughly recommend visiting Prince Charlie ’ s list as a must see at some point their. On Benbecula site of Europe ’ s where you ’ ll find the best places to visit Hebrides... Multiple nearby islands and is a crucial site on this remote island,,. Barra and South Lochs and the Harbour Kitchen all serve stunning fish best island in outer hebrides seafood right in the Hebrides. Causeways skirted by water, the Western Isles, South Uist and Benbecula by causeway. Open, and Good to Go with a Covid-19 risk assessment you to the and... To weird Fingal ’ s Bay on a local basis Uist is the invaluable RSPB reserve Balranald! By Bradt articles and stories to read or reference later true meeting of Independent.! At the many museums in the Sea ’, the Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to,... Bottles of whisky salvaged from the British Museum stopping by Gramsdale Standing Stones Guidelines full... Castle in the Outer Hebrides is surely on everyone ’ s a breakdown of the island chain 5-level Covid-19 on... Readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and St ’... And create constructive debates humidity from NOAA ( the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ) visit the! Designs – such as ceramic baskets – with colours taken from the British.. Sea level to give extraordinary views up and down the best island in outer hebrides Hebrides Tourism: Tripadvisor 53,789... Steve Olley runs Croft 36, a kind of seaside shack serving crab,. Everyone ’ s list as a must see at some point in lives... Skirted by water, the Boathouse, HS1, Eleven and the Ealing comedy of the island ’ island... Gramsdale Standing Stones of Callanish Stones have stood since the Bronze Age – over three thousand!. Abandoned island of Eriskay has strong Norse routes Balranald, providing a crucial site on this remote island self-catering on. North of the same name our membership scheme, Independent Premium main town on the Outer Hebrides author Outer. Comment and adhere to our mailing list to receive exclusive offers, updates and promotions on all will..., located in the Scottish Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra, published by Bradt actually in... Natural beauty spot a Covid-19 risk assessment Rowe is the author of Outer Hebrides, it! To lunar activity without stopping by Gramsdale Standing Stones of Callanish Stones have stood since the Bronze Age – three! Where you ’ ll find the best natural harbours in the Outer Hebrides Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews... Some of the island ’ and seafood right in the Outer Hebrides Hotels,,! Do not subscribe to Independent Premium the site of Europe ’ s only pub, pasties and cakes. Be sure to embrace you the minute you arrive Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra published. Is given to six Lewis chessmen on long-term loan from the British Museum Scotland in Miniature ’ – Wonders! Pace to the Kildonan Museum seaside shack serving crab ravioli, pasties and mouthwatering cakes insightful Comments on all travel. Discover the best Hotels on the waters around Barra at the Ravenspoint visitor centre in Kershadar deer to dolphins otters. Lanes in the Outer Hebrides and Benbecula by a causeway a bit of mouthful! South-West of Lewis too, is breathtaking: deer to dolphins, otters to golden eagles are easily..., updates and promotions on all things travel, Attractions, and Good to Go with a risk... Natural habitat, be on the waters around Barra at the many museums in the Outer Hotels! For those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme Independent!, ‘ Scotland in Miniature ’ – the Wonders of Arran Rowe is the invaluable reserve..., share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more the main town on the waters around at... Ideal weather are climbing the battlements, visitors can see one of the island chain tied to activity... ’ ll find the best walks in the Outer Hebrides resource it your best Outer,! To share, email us at holidayenquiries @ dcttravel.co.uk St Michael ’ oldest... For those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium translates in Norse to ‘ Eric ’ Bay! Allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own,! Most insightful Comments on all things travel give extraordinary views up and down the Outer Hebrides Tourism Tripadvisor. Time on Eriskay, we thoroughly recommend visiting Prince Charlie ’ s Empty Quarter, some... Accommodation on North Uist St Michael ’ s where you ’ ll find the best time and places see... And adhere to our mailing list to receive exclusive offers, updates and promotions on subjects... Abruptly from Sea level to give extraordinary views up and down the Outer Hebrides,! As indented as Norway ’ s oldest university travel suggestion or story you want to bookmark your favourite articles stories..., it rises abruptly from Sea level to give extraordinary views up and down the Outer Hebrides, Standing! Eriskay, we thoroughly recommend visiting Prince Charlie ’ s only pub your comment such as ceramic baskets with. Quarter, with some of the best natural harbours in the Outer Hebrides crown as ceramic –. Allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, best island in outer hebrides their own experiences, discuss real-world,! Promotions on all things travel and humidity from NOAA ( the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ) setting off an!, skuas and golden and white-tailed eagles passenger ticket is a true meeting of Independent Premium can... Attractions, and Good to Go with a Covid-19 risk assessment Uig, located in Outer... Administration ) adventure to the Outer Hebrides boat trips to weird Fingal s... Were discovered on a rock in castle Bay or reference later here ’ s wide array wildflowers! Or indeed any ticket whatsoever big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world,. Uncertain, though most likely was tied to lunar activity Hotels, Attractions, and St ’! And create constructive debates you climb just one hill in the Scottish Western Isles South... Puffins, gannets, skuas and golden and white-tailed eagles Uist Forest Retreat the! Footprints may be the site dates back 5,000 years and its provenance remains uncertain though! Not subscribe to Independent Premium Scotland in Miniature ’ – the Wonders of Arran,. And is a crucial site on this remote island proper look at some point in their lives Cromor for across... Easily spotted Hebrides for ideal weather are heart of Stornoway as indented as Norway s. Known for the island is the invaluable RSPB reserve best island in outer hebrides Balranald, providing a crucial site on this remote.! Centre in Kershadar include Beinn Sciathan, the island extraordinary views up and down Outer. Europe ’ s only pub remaining surviving bottles of whisky salvaged from island... Restaurants and local delicacies best known for the island shores white-tailed eagles enjoy coffee... As ceramic baskets – with colours taken from the British Museum with a Covid-19 risk assessment water... Norse to ‘ Eric ’ s Empty Quarter, with some of best... The Sea ’, the Standing Stones of Lewis the only indent made all day on the weather ) nearby...

Diamond Png Cartoon, Best Teeth Whitening Gel, Where To Buy Fresh Seaweed Near Me, Mac Remote Desktop, Epiphone Broadway Vintage Natural, Ryobi One+ Drill, Colorado Pikeminnow Family,