Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides run from Barra and Vatersay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north, linked by causeways and ferries. Beaches here are white sand, there are Neolithic stones at Callanish, and the roads are quiet. Plan for around five days, and book the Calmac ferries early in summer.

The stops

1. Start

   Castlebay, Barra

2. Worth a look

   Kisimul Castle (Castlebay)

   Castle on a rock in the bay

3. Viewpoint

   Eriskay causeway

   Connects Eriskay to South Uist

4. Beach

   Howmore beach

   Machair and beach on South Uist

5. Town

   Benbecula

   Island between South and North Uist

6. Viewpoint

   Berneray causeway

   Link to Harris

7. Beach

   Luskentyre Beach

   One of the famous Harris beaches

8. Worth a look

   Callanish Standing Stones

   Stone circle on Lewis

9. Viewpoint

   Butt of Lewis

   Lighthouse at the northern tip

10. Finish

    Butt of Lewis

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Lochboisdale, South Uist

  B&Bs

• Night 2

  Tarbert, Harris

  Harris Hotel

When to go

May–Sep

On the road

Ferry crossings between islands; fuel stations are sparse so top up