Start your Independent Premium subscription today. At the bottom of the Outer Hebridean islands lies Vatersay, the filming location used during the production of the film ‘Whisky Galore’. 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. The Outer Hebrides is surely on everyone’s list as a must see at some point in their lives? Afterwards munch on cake and enjoy a coffee at the Ravenspoint visitor centre in Kershadar. It was home to a medieval castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeods who were said to be descended from the 12th century Norseman, Olav the Black, King of Man and the Isles. 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. A wonderful natural habitat, be on the lookout for the island’s wide array of wildflowers that prosper on the island. The site dates back 5,000 years and its provenance remains uncertain, though most likely was tied to lunar activity. Lochmaddy is the main town on the island, home 300 people North Uist inhabited by humans as far back as the 3rd century. Whisking you back in time to the Iron Age period, the Norse Mill at Shawbost is a faithfully recreated slice of island life practised thousands of years ago. 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. Before I knew it Vicky had booked our ferries and a few places to stay and we were on our way up to Scotland. Follow us on Facebook or on Instagram @DCThomsonTravel. Setting off on an ultimate Scottish island-hopping adventure, here are 7 beautiful Outer Hebridean islands you need to experience. 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. One of the biggest islands in the Scottish Western Isles, South Uist is the jewel in the Outer Hebrides crown. Read the reviews and book. Got a travel suggestion or story you want to share, email us at holidayenquiries@dcttravel.co.uk. Today, visitors can see one of the few remaining surviving bottles of whisky salvaged from the incident in Eriskay’s only pub. 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. 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. 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. It can also … To name them all would be a bit of a mouthful. Here’s a breakdown of the tour and a proper look at some of the best walks in the Outer Hebrides. Also found on the island is the invaluable RSPB reserve at Balranald, providing a crucial safe haven. The best times to visit Outer Hebrides for ideal weather are. Outer Hebrides Covid-19 Advice. 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. Scotland is now operating a 5-level Covid-19 system on a local basis. Placed thousands of years ago, the Standing Stones of Callanish Stones have stood since the Bronze Age – over three thousand years! Alternative points of interest to consider include Beinn Sciathan, the highest point on the island, and St Michael’s Catholic Church. Education: The Outer Hebrides has a close knit community of schools, with many being amongst the most remote in all of the UK. Preserved where possible, the ruins offer the chance to observe grand ancient architecture in what is a crucial site on this remote island. In 1942, the SS Politican struck rocks to the north of the island. 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. Read below for more weather and travel details. 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. ... Hidden in the sand for the best … Which publication, if any, do you normally read? 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. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. Best known for the impressive Standing Stones of Callanish, alternative highlights to consider include the Norse Mill and Shawbost, Lews Castle and Museum and St Columba’s Church. Steve Olley runs Croft 36, a kind of seaside shack serving crab ravioli, pasties and mouthwatering cakes. 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. The largest island in the Outer Hebrides hosts a troop of tantalising pubs, restaurants and local delicacies. 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. MorningAfternoon. Telephone: 01224 338000, ‘Scotland in Miniature’ – The Wonders of Arran. 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. Look out for porpoises, puffins, gannets, skuas and golden and white-tailed eagles. Here Charles Edward Stuart or ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ landed on the beach in the summer of 1745 just before the ‘Forty-Five Jacobite Rising’. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. 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 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. The charming hill offers views of up to (depending on the weather) multiple nearby islands and is a true natural beauty spot. Hillwalking, whale-watching excursions and boat trips to weird Fingal’s Cave on uninhabited Staffa are top activity choices. Inside the recently restored castle, notable decorations include beautiful murals and intricately created plaster ceilings. Just 124m high, it rises abruptly from sea level to give extraordinary views up and down the Outer Hebrides. The island’s capital, Stornoway, is one of the best natural harbours in the Outer Hebrides. The Best Hiking in the Outer Hebrides. 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? Both were based on the true travails of opportunistic islanders who indulged in some low-level law-breaking after the SS Politician, laden with 260,000 bottles of whisky, sunk nearby in 1941. ---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 ? Often referred to as the ‘Castle in the Sea’, the castle rests out on a rock in Castle Bay. Land on Lewis, and explore these diverse and interconnected islands from Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay to Barra. This is perfect cycling territory with gently undulating roads exploring a coastline every bit as indented as Norway’s. Callanish is like Stonehenge without the crowds, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. 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. These include shells, rocks, seaweed, fishing nets and even washed-up glass – which gives a watery rockpool effect to her bowls. 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. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. Callanish is Stonehenge without the crowds or the timed ticket entry – or indeed any ticket whatsoever. A return foot passenger ticket is a bargain at £6.90. 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”. And that’s where you’ll find the best hotels on the Outer Hebrides. The fish has usually been caught the same morning by Steve. The wildlife, too, is breathtaking: deer to dolphins, otters to golden eagles are all easily spotted. Hike the Cliseum horseshoe or climb An Cliseum itself, at 799 metres it is the highest point in the Outer Hebrides with incredible views of the Hebridean chain, Skye and beyond. From a crowd-free ‘Stonehenge’ to local whisky, here's why Scotland’s Western Isles are an irresistible prospect, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. 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. The Outer Hebrides are home to many artists and on a remote road by Loch Euphort on North Uist you’ll find Shoreline Stoneware, a studio run by the sculptor Louise Cook. 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. 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. The uniquely designed treehouse cabins are nestled amongst the forest with views out to long sandy beaches, Vallay island … Key attractions include beautiful Loch Euport and Trinity Temple the ruins of which could possibly be the site of Europe’s oldest university. ‘The gateway to the Uists’, Benbecula is beautiful, lying between bigger neighbours with its own airport bringing supplies to the island. You’ll find precious few Hebrides holidays outside the main season, but some do operate, for instance photography holidays around Islay and Jura in March allow you to capture the islands’ dramatic scenery at the cusp of spring. The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. Accessible via a number of causeways skirted by water, the island is an archaeological gold mine. And equally dazzling are the shell sand beaches. A visit to Benbecula would not be complete without stopping by Gramsdale Standing Stones. Beautiful and sparsely populated, like many of the islands making our list, Eriskay has a strong fishing heritage with nearby waters offering rewarding fishing territory. If you climb just one hill in the Outer Hebrides, make it Rueval on Benbecula. #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. Thank you. The enchanting holy island of Iona just offshore is another huge attraction, while Mull’s main town, Tobermory, with its row of colourful houses and excellent pub, is one of the Hebrides’ most characterful settlements. Isle of Lewis Food. So here’s just a taster. The best time to go to the Hebrides is between April and October when the weather is most stable and mild, and almost all trips operate only in this window. There’s a strong case to be made for the UK’s top 10 beaches all being located in the Outer Hebrides or Orkney. Feel free to provide any feedback you may have using the form below. Mark Rowe is the author of Outer Hebrides, The Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra, published by Bradt. After being stuck at home for months, I was 100% in. 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. Holding a crucial role in ancient rituals once performed at the site, the exact purpose of the stones are still shrouded in a degree of mystery to this day. 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. The UK her bowls please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates offers self-catering... 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