RegionUsable guide

Hebrides

Archipelago off the west coast of Scotland

Photo: Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Hebrides (Scottish Gaelic: Innse Gall) are the islands off the west coast of Scotland - an inner and outer archipelago are separated by the Minch sea channel. They are rugged and thinly populated, but scenic especially on the inner islands. They're far from the cities and feel even further, but straightforward to reach by air or ferry.

Getting there and around

Getting there

By boat
Ferries on all the main routes are operated by Calmac. They carry vehicles and sail year round, though in winter the service is reduced and more prone to weather disruption.
By road
Since 1995 Skye has been linked by road to the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh, terminus of trains from Inverness.

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Getting around

By road
Several islands are connected by road, the grandest example being the Uist chain between Berneray and Eriskay.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Stornoway Airport

Stornoway, Western Isles · Regional · SYY

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Read before you go to Hebrides

Articles and travel topics about Hebrides and United Kingdom.

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Full travel guide

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Main islands

UnderstandThe Picts are the earliest people we know of here (there were obviously predecessors) but they were supplanted by the Vikings from the 7th century, then by Dál Riata the Gaelic forerunner to Alba and Scotland.

Get inFlying saves a long road journey to the mainland ferry port, though you'll need to book car hire at the other end.

Get aroundPort Askaig - Jura and Fionnphort - Iona have local operators, no booking, just turn up and go. They may feature on Calmac timetables but that info is not definitive.

See

BuyIf you bring a car, fill up on the mainland before coming over. The islands are quite large and you'll spend a lot of time in third gear.

Eat

Drink

SleepThe outdoor access code permits walkers and cyclists to wild camp in Scotland, so long as you stay away from houses and don't disturb livestock.

Stay safeAlways beware traffic. The road may look like a deserted country lane, but any moment a truck will hurtle along in a rush to catch the ferry.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Hebrides" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Hebrides", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Chris Downer, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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