The Outer Hebrides: Our Favourite Hikes, Heights & Haunts
The Outer Hebrides – a string of islands off Scotland’s west coast – are a wild, untamed paradise, perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and serenity in stunning surroundings. From ancient historical trails to challenging mountain climbs and stunning coastal rambles, these islands offer a diverse array of experiences to line your Hebridean travels with, and they’ve inspired us to create this hiking guide!
We’re especially restless on our road trips, eager to pack as many adventures and detours into our itinerary as possible. There’s no better way to explore the Outer Hebrides (in our opinion) than off the beaten track, as this ancient archipelago’s endless diversity can never be truly appreciated from behind a windshield or a B&B’s garden fence – you need to get out there and take on the trails!
So park up your bike/car/campervan, dust off your hiking boots, and get ready to explore five of our favourite hikes, complete with nearby camping spots for your wild camping or campervan adventures!
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis
Step back in time with a historical ramble around the mystical Callanish Standing Stones. This isn’t a strenuous mountain trek, but rather an immersive journey through history. The iconic main stone circle, dating back over 5,000 years, is truly awe-inspiring.
The landscape itself, often windswept and open, adds to the sense of timelessness. This hike is perfect for those who love to combine gentle walking with an atmospheric deep dive into Scotland’s prehistoric past. The interpretive centre also provides excellent context, but the iconic silhouette of the stones against the vast Lewis sky is always unforgettable!
Keen for more historical wanderings? You should visit the Barpa Langais chambered cairn on North Uist, a Neolithic marvel still standing after several millenia of weather, warfare and woe. While it is no longer safe to enter, try heading out to the Pobhull Finn stone circle for stunning views over Loch Langais and the surrounding landscape!
Nearby Campsite/Campervan Park-up:
Eilean Fraoich campsite, Isle of Lewis: A well-equipped site offering pitches for tents and campervans, with facilities. It’s a short drive from Callanish, making it a convenient base.
Clisham, Isle of Harris
For those seeking a more rigorous challenge, Clisham (An Cliseam) on Harris is the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, standing proudly at 799m.
This isn’t a walk in the park, but the panoramic views from the summit are an incredible reward. The ascent can be steep and rocky, requiring good navigation skills, especially in poor visibility. You’ll traverse rugged terrain, passing through a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. From the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view stretching across Harris, Lewis, and out to the Atlantic. On a clear day, you can even see St Kilda on the horizon!
This hike is suitable for experienced walkers seeking a challenging mountain adventure. Keep an eye out for eagles!
Nearby Campsite/Campervan Park-up:
Huisinis Beach Aire, Isle of Harris: A truly stunning, wilder option near Huisinis beach, offering basic facilities but unparalleled views. It’s a drive from Clisham, but the beauty of the location makes it worthwhile.
Alternatively, look for wild camping spots in the North Harris hills (adhering carefully to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code) or head south to Lickisto Blackhouse campsite for all your camping, glamping or campervan needs!
Ready For The Ultimate Road Trip Resource?
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
While not a “hike” in the traditional sense of gaining elevation, a walk along Luskentyre Beach is too iconic to miss – this vast expanse of white sand and turquoise water often features in lists of the world’s best beaches!
The sheer scale allows for miles of uninterrupted walking, with the opportunity to feel the soft sand between your toes and breathe in the fresh sea air. The views across to the mountains of North Harris are spectacular, and the ever-changing light creates a dynamic landscape. You can walk for hours, exploring the dunes and watching for wildlife. It’s a truly invigorating coastal walk, perfect for stretching the legs and enjoying the idyllic beauty of the Hebrides.
Nearby Campsite/Campervan Park-up:
Ardvourlie Estate, Isle of Harris: Although not a designated campsite, informal wild camping opportunities are often available in the vicinity of Luskentyre (please check local signage and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code).
Alternatively, the West Harris Trust has designated campervan overnight parking spots for a fee, offering stunning views and basic facilities.
In Need of a Hebridean Steed?
Vatersay Loop, Isle of Vatersay
At the southernmost tip of the inhabited Outer Hebrides lies Vatersay, connected to Barra by a causeway. The Vatersay loop offers a fantastic coastal walk, showcasing the island’s dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. The route often combines stretches of sandy beach with rocky headlands, offering varied terrain and incredible views. You’ll encounter remnants of the island’s crofting history and enjoy the tranquillity of this remote outpost. The highlight for many is the incredible Vatersay Bay itself, with its twin beaches back-to-back. This hike provides a wonderful sense of island exploration, with rugged vistas and endless sky.
Nearby Campsite/Campervan Park-up:
Barra Sands Campsite, Eoligarry, Barra: Situated on the northern tip of Barra, this campsite provides direct access to a stunning beach and is well-equipped for tents and campervans. It’s a drive from Vatersay, but it offers a good base for exploring both islands. For Vatersay itself, carefully chosen wild camping spots are available, especially near the beaches; however, be mindful of private land and residents.
Isle of Mingulay (Boat Trip Required)
For the truly adventurous, a trip and hike on the uninhabited island of Mingulay is a special experience. Accessible only by boat from Barra, Mingulay offers a raw, untamed landscape of towering sea cliffs, crumbling ruins, and a thriving bird population. The hike involves exploring the abandoned village – a poignant reminder of island life – and then traversing the dramatic coastline, packed with incredible geological formations and the cries of thousands of seabirds!
This track is a challenging hike due to the uneven terrain and potential for boggy sections, but the solitude and wild, timeless beauty of the island are well worth the trudge!
This is a full-day adventure and requires careful planning and booking a boat trip in advance.
Nearby Campsite/Campervan Park-up:
Barra Sands Campsite, Eoligarry, Barra: As Mingulay is uninhabited, you’ll need to base yourself on Barra. Barra Sands Campsite remains the most convenient and well-equipped option for overnight stays before and after your Mingulay adventure.
Happy Hiking!
The Outer Hebrides are a hiker’s dream, offering a spectrum of experiences from gentle landmark-laden strolls to challenging mountain ascents and spectacular coastal trails. There’s something for every day of your itinerary, every forecast, every mood.
We hope this Hebridean hiking guide has awoken your wanderlust – we can’t wait to get back to those coastlines, cliffs and castle ruins!
So pack your waterproofs and sturdiest boots, grab your midge net and hiking snacks, and prepare to be captivated by the magic of these incredible far-flung islands!
But remember always to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, leave no trace, and respect the local environment and communities as you go – let’s make sure our adventures always leave these idyllic Isles better than how we found them.
Safe travels!
