Top Things to do in The Hebrides
Top 10 Free Things to do in The Hebrides, Scotland
This beautiful archipelago, where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken, is divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides and stretches the length of Scotland's west coast. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. Islay, home to prolific whisky production, is another gem. Highlights of the less visited Outer Isles include stark Lewis and the town of Stornoway, rugged Harris, with sandy beaches and tranquil Barra.
Restaurants in The Hebrides
1. Black Cuillin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 139 reviews
The Black Cuillin are a world famous range of mountains on the Isle of Skye. Mainly composed of basalt and gabbro, it is from the dark colour of the gabbro that the Black Cuillin derives its name. The summits of the Cuillin are bare rock, jagged in outline and with steep cliffs and deep cut corries and gullies. All twelve Munros on Skye are Black Cuillin peaks except for Blaven which belongs to a group of outliers separated from the main ridge by Glen Sligachan. The highest point of the Black Cuillin is Sgùrr Alasdair at 992m (3,255ft). At the heart of The Cuillin lies one of Britain's most famous corrie’s, Loch Coruisk, a deep and forbidding body of water. It has inspired countless artists such as William Turner and Sir Walter Scott who described them after his visit in 1814: ‘We were now under the western termination of the high mountains of Cuillin, whose weather-beaten and serrated peaks we had admired at a distance from Dunvegan. They sunk here upon the sea, but with the same bold and peremptory aspect which their distant appearance indicated. They seemed to consist of precipitous sheets of naked rock, down which torrents were leaping in a hundred lines of foam. The tops, apparently inaccessible to human foot, were rent and split into the most tremendous pinnacles: towards the base of these bare and precipitous crags the ground, enriched by the soil washed away from them, is verdant and productive.’
Reviewed By ChrisI545 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Brooding in mist and cloud, absolutely stunning silhouette in winter evening sun. Confession. We didn’t walk up a Cuillin, just looked!
2. Quiraing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,779 reviews
These unique rock formations are a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Reviewed By Gordi05 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
This area has appeared in many films an TV series, and when you see the view you can understand why. The area is easily reached, there’s a pay car park and a short walk to reach a viewpoint with stunning views (weather permitting) You can walk further if you’ve got the kit for walking in the Scottish Highlands.
3. Trotternish Ridge
4. Luskentyre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,055 reviews
Reviewed By gillyy2014 - Norwich, United Kingdom
This is as close to heaven as you could get, it took my breath away so calming and peaceful.The white sand and crystal clear sea that just go on for miles and miles with the Harris hills as a backdrop it truely is a magical place
5. Uig Sands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Scotlandmac - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The whole area around the extensive Uig Sands is a must visit on any trip to Lewis.An hour or so from Stornoway but definitely Lewis's most beautiful area (along with Mangersta and Reef.) In fact this must be one of the most impressive areas in the whole of the Outer Isles. We were lucky in that the sun shone and we walked from the car park, for 20 mins to a particularly deserted part of the Uig sands (you could walk for miles all round the little bays and headlands) and had a picnic. Paradise. Beautiful pink/orange rock of the type I've seen on Iona were a gorgeous backdrop to the turquoise seas and white sands. There is a free (donation) area behind the main part of the beach, set back from the dunes, where wild camping is allowed supported by public toilets/showers. A replica large Lewis Chessman is passed while heading to the parking. Luskentyre is still to me the most beautiful area of all (and in any weather given the colours and rock/moorland there) but Uig is stunning also.
6. Machir Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By 294mariay - Chester, United Kingdom
Beautiful beach - we were lucky enough to have a calm and sunny day and spent hours wandering around the rock pools and along the sand. Easy to access and decent parking with a bin. No toilets. Not suitable for swimming with appropriate warning signs to remind you .. however there are rock pools and shallower sections where you can at least get your feet wet. Don’t leave Islay without seeing this.
7. Three Distilleries Pathway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
Port Ellen to the Ardbeg Distillery a distance of about 6 miles in total there and back. Great views as you walk along the tarmac pathway mostly safely separated from the main road. The added bonus three distilleries on the way, or six if you stop on the way back as well……….
8. Gallery An Talla Dearg
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
On the waterfront by a quiet pier, Gallery An Talla Dearg is one of the most beautiful gallery locations anywhere. With a range of exhibitions from April to October, this unique and intimate gallery allows the artist to be present and often creatively working. Featuring talented artists of local, national and even international reputation, it is a special place to enjoy superb artwork.
9. Ben More
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Scenic mountain popular with hikers for the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside seen from its peak.
Reviewed By pkatepage - Canterbury, United Kingdom
Spent the day hiking Ben More, fantastic views from the top, well worth the effort of climbing to the top especially on a clear day, can see for miles.
10. Fairy Glen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,222 reviews
The Fairy Glen is a unique and unusual landscape, a geological wonder on the Isle of Skye. It is situated between the villages of Sheader and Balnacnoc.
Reviewed By BillBT2017 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Went to explore the stunning landscape and scenery of Fairy Glen, its a magical looking place, situated near Uig. Well worth taking the trouble to go, take stout footwear so you can climb some of the small hills for the views of the surrounding conical shaped hills, its pretty special.
