Day-trips & Detours: The Best Things To Do In The Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides: just the name itself conjures images of idyllic beaches, ancient standing stones, and a sense of incomparable serenity. But the Western Isles aren’t just home to windswept bluffs and pristine sands, they’re also packed with cultural attractions, hidden gems and an endless supply of things to see and do!
While the central spine of the A859 and A865 will take you from the southernmost tip of Vatersay to the northern reaches of Lewis, the true magic of these islands lies off the beaten path. Forget rushing; embrace the art of the detour! These aren’t just diversions; they’re the very essence of an authentic Hebridean adventure, filled with ferry trips, epic landscapes, and unforgettable sidequests.
Ready for some inspiration? Let’s go!
The Outer Hebrides: Why Use a Campervan?
Dreaming of exploring the Outer Hebrides? A campervan isn’t just transport; it’s your essential island companion for an unforgettable adventure!
You can wake up to a different breathtaking view each morning, from the white sands of Luskentyre to the dramatic cliffs of the Uists. With a campervan, you dictate your itinerary – chase the sunshine, linger in a charming village, or pull over spontaneously for a wild swim.
You’ll have your own cosy bed, cooking facilities, and hot water on the go, giving you the freedom to truly immerse yourself in the islands’ rugged beauty, without expensive accommodation options eroding your timetable!
Forget fixed schedules and embrace the call of the open road – the wilderness is waiting!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Getting to The Outer Hebrides
Getting there is a quest in and of itself!
Your main gateway will be by ferry with CalMac. They offer several routes, typically departing Ullapool on the mainland (bound for Stornoway, Lewis) or from Uig on Skye (for Tarbert, Harris, or Lochmaddy, North Uist). You can also reach by Barra by ferry from Oban on the mainland, although the crossing takes almost 5 hours!
Booking in advance, especially if you’re bringing a car or campervan, is highly recommended – these routes are popular!
For those short on time, you can also fly to Stornoway (Lewis), Benbecula or Barra! Whichever way you choose, enjoy the odyssey!
Things To Do: Barra & Vatersay
This guide will start from the southern end of the Western Isles to highlight a couple of genuinely unique entry points – maybe you’ve flown in to land on Traigh Mhòr beach (ie, Barra Airport) and picked up your rental car, or you’ve rolled your motorhome off the scenic ferry from Oban. Either way, you’re instantly greeted by true Hebridean splendour.
Vatersay
Connected to Barra by a causeway, Vatersay is a compact marvel.
Drive past the main village and head to Bàgh Bhatarsaigh (Vatersay Bay). This stunning double-sided beach offers brilliant white sands and turquoise waters that could rival any Caribbean postcard, albeit with a slightly chillier breeze. For a poignant historical detour, seek out the Annie Jane Monument, commemorating a 1853 shipwreck – a stark reminder of the islands’ powerful maritime history.
Barra
While Kisimul Castle in Castlebay is a must-see, take the narrow roads around the island. Head west to Tangasdale Beach, another pristine expanse perfect for a bracing walk or even a swim if you’re brave!
For a truly remote feel, explore the area around Borve and Cliad, where small, single-track roads lead to isolated crofts and stunning coastal vistas. Keep an eye out for golden eagles soaring overhead!
Things To Do: Eriskay & South Uist
A short, scenic ferry from Barra brings you to Eriskay, a tiny island with a giant personality!
Eriskay
The story of the SS Politician and the subsequent whisky salvage, immortalised in Whisky Galore!, makes Eriskay legendary. The Am Politician pub is a pilgrimage for many, but don’t just stop there. Take the time to wander and look for the famous Eriskay Ponies – these hardy, docile creatures are an iconic part of the island’s heritage.
The island itself is a beautiful patchwork of machair and rocky coastline, perfect for a short walk.
South Uist
The main road through South Uist runs largely down the eastern side. For the real heart of the island, consistently peel off onto the more minor roads that head west. In spring and summer, the fertile coastal plain of machair explodes with wildflowers, creating a vibrant carpet between the dunes and the sea!
Explore the beaches of Howmore and Askernish, vast and often deserted, offering unparalleled solitude.
Sidequest!
From Lochboisdale, consider a ferry trip to the remote Isle of Canna (part of the Small Isles, though often visited from the Outer Hebrides).
It’s a full-day adventure, but Canna offers incredible birdwatching, a charming community, and a true sense of timelessness.
Book well in advance!
Things To Do: Benbecula & North Uist
Benbecula, often regarded as a stepping stone, has its own unique charm, while North Uist offers a labyrinth of freshwater lochs and stunning coastlines.
Benbecula
Don’t just drive through Benbecula. Pull off at Liniclate Beach, a beautiful crescent of sand that’s great for a stroll. For history buffs, the Battle of Carinish site is an interesting, if windswept, stop – marking the last battle fought with bows and arrows in the UK.
North Uist
North Uist is a paradise for birdwatchers and artists. Instead of sticking to the main road, head towards Hosta Beach on the north-west coast, a spectacular spot for sunsets and surfing. The tiny island of Vallay is accessible by foot at low tide, offering an extraordinary walk to an abandoned mansion – but check tide times meticulously!
Sidequest!
Take the causeway to the Isle of Berneray. This small island boasts one of the most celebrated beaches in the world, Berneray Beach (Bàgh Bhrìghde). It’s a truly breathtaking expanse of white sand and clear water, often with seals basking offshore.
Berneray also offers a glimpse into traditional crofting life!
Things To Do: Harris
Harris is often lauded for its dramatic landscapes, and for good reason. While the Golden Road on the east is famous, there’s so much more to discover.
The White Sands
Yes, Luskentyre and Seilebost beaches are world-famous, and you absolutely must visit them. But instead of just parking at the main viewpoints, take the time to walk the full length of the beaches, letting the scale truly sink in.
For a different perspective, consider kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm, shallow waters!
The Golden Road
The “Golden Road” or Bays of Harris road is legendary for its lunar-like landscape and tiny fishing hamlets. Don’t just drive it; stop frequently!
Explore the small harbours like Rodel, home to the magnificent medieval church of St Clement’s. Seek out the various small craft shops and galleries tucked away in these communities – you’ll find incredible local tweed and art!
The Northern Peaks
Beyond the beaches, the North Harris mountains offer some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking in the Outer Hebrides. While a full ascent of An Cliseam (the highest peak) is recommended for experienced hikers, smaller trails offer breathtaking viewpoints.
We found that the drive through the mountains towards Ardvourlie is a detour in itself, offering views as humbling as they are dramatic!
In Need of a Hebridean Steed?
Things To Do: Lewis
Lewis, the largest of the islands, is rich in both history and dramatic coastal scenery.
Callanish: More Than Just Stones
The Callanish Standing Stones (Calanais) are iconic, but don’t limit yourself to the leading site. Explore the lesser known Callanish II and III circles for a quieter, more secluded wander around these Neolithic marvels.
For an authentic cultural detour, visit the Arnol Blackhouse or Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a preserved crofting township that brings the island’s past to life!
The Atlantic Coast
Head north along the west coast of Lewis. The drive itself is spectacular, passing through villages like Shawbost and Bragar.
Further north, Ness (Nis) is home to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, the most northerly point of the Outer Hebrides. This is a fantastic spot for storm-watching and, if you’re lucky, spotting whales and dolphins!
The Outer Hebrides: Enjoy The Opportunities!
The true joy of the Outer Hebrides lies in embracing the unexpected.
The single-track roads with their passing places aren’t a hindrance; they’re an invitation to slow down, breathe, and truly soak in your surroundings.
Stop at the honesty boxes for fresh eggs, chat with the locals, and indulge your curiosity. These detours are new experiences waiting in the wings, weaving together to create a tapestry of memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left these captivating islands.
We would never say don’t come without a plan – research your ferries and flights, plan for supply stops and book campsites and overnight aires well in advance! But when you’re chasing the winding road in your trusty campervan, enjoy the unfamiliar – indulge in spontaneity and fill your days with detours.
We promise you – it’s what true adventures are made of.
Happy travels!
Useful Links
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Visit Outer Hebrides – for what’s on and where to go!
- walkhighlands – the best hiking trails.
- Traffic Scotland – for traffic and route changes.
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Highlands 2 Hammocks (That’s Us!) – for our online shop, other blogs and brand-new campervan rental service!
