You know you are travelling to a special place once you board one of the ferries to the Outer Hebrides. Before long you are sailing in the wide open seas of The Minch and this is where the adventure begins. Soon you will be treated with mesmerising seascapes, start to feel the stresses of day to day life disappear and quite possibly be treated to dolphins swimming alongside the ferry or catch a glimpse of a soaring golden eagle.
The Western Isles ferry services are run by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac for short) and connect our islands to the mainland and our island-groups to each other offer a great opportunity to ease yourself into an island-hopping holiday and really feel like you are getting away from it all at the start of something special.
TOP TIPS
- If you are taking a car across, you MUST book the ferry
- We strongly advise that following booking accommodation, you then book your ferry
- We also recommend both are booked as far in advance as possible, to avoid disappointment. Ferries and accommodation book up very quickly!
- If you have trouble getting your car on a ferry, there are lots of car hire options on our islands
- Sit outside to get the fresh sea air (you’ll sleep well) and you might spot some wildlife and perfect for taking great pics as the light changes quickly!
Lewis and Harris
Sail from Ullapool on the mainland, Uig on the Isle of Skye, or if you are already in North Uist sail from the island of Berneray.
Ullapool is a mainland port in the highlands of Scotland and services the main port of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The sailing between Ullapool – Stornoway typically takes 2hrs 45mins. From Lewis you can journey south by road to Harris – the islands are connected.
Include the Isle of Skye in your trip and journey direct to Tarbert, Harris from the port of Uig in the north of Skye. From Uig the sailing is typically 1hour 40mins.
Alternatively, travel from Berneray (connected to North Uist) to Leverburgh (Harris). The sailing time between Berneray – Leverburgh is 1 hour.
Barra, South Uist and North Uist
The main ferry to Barra is from the mainland port of Oban. You will sail for 4 hours 45mins to Castlebay on Barra. To link with the northerly islands, sail over to the island of Eriskay via Ardmhor (Barra) and travel by road over the Eriskay causeway to South Uist.
A more direct route to South Uist exists via the mainland port of Mallaig, sailing to Lochboisdale in 3 hours 30mins. Instead you can travel from Oban in 5 hours 10mins.
Similarly, a direct sailing to North Uist exists from Uig (Skye) – Lochmaddy and takes just 1hour 45mins.
For your Sat Nav
Many of the ports that service the Outer Hebridean islands are in remote locations. To help you plan your trip here are a list of the postcodes by port to type into your sat nav.
- Ullapool Port: IV26 2UR
- Uig (Skye) Port: IV51 9XX
- Mallaig Port: PH41 4QD
- Oban Port: PA34 4DB
Island Hopping
With so much to see the Outer Hebrides are perfect for an island hopping adventure. The CalMac ticket Island Hopscotch® 8 takes you from Oban to Barra, and on to the Uists, Harris and Lewis, returning to the mainland from Stornoway to Ullapool, and you can go in the other direction too.
Highlights
Opening in July 2019. A new craft brewery with tap-room on the road out of Tarbert towards Scalpay. Home to crofter island pale ale
A small family run Bistro and wine bar, offering a relaxed and informal venue which offers local produce on the menu, catering for all dietary requirements. Booking advisable.
An independently owned Delicatessen & Speciality Food Store in Stornoway centre. Freshly prepared Coffee / Sandwiches / Salads made by friendly staff. Cheesemonger, Whole Foods, World Foods, Local…
Find the best of fresh produce, prepared and creatively presented at the Boatshed. Fabulous value early dinners and a la carte menus include local seafood and meats from traditional local butchers…
Come and visit a unique group of restored thatched cottages. Relax and enjoy fresh homemade cooking and delicious home baking with a wee ‘strùpag’.
Steeped in Hebridean history, but always forward thinking, our family run distillery produces some of the finest artisan spirits in Scotland from the beautiful Island of North Uist. Our special…
Small community shop with a Post Office & petrol station, in the village of Bayhead on the west side of North Uist.
Enjoy Hebridean products served in our daily light lunch menu.
A busy family-run bakery where the skilled bakers prepare everything by hand using traditional methods.
Freshly prepared meals using seafood from the local boats and meats reared in the islands served in a creative way. Providing meals for residents only though takeaways available.
Flavour chocolates are created at studio 2, Talla Na Mara. Come along and try our filled single origin chocolates. Flavour also hosts pop-up restaurants and private dinner parties with a 6-course…
Comfortable, elegant small hotel and restaurant in a remote location overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches on the south west coast of Harris.
Located close to the shoreline, dine here to taste some traditional and contemporary dishes from a tempting menu that features some of the best Hebridean produce.
Good food and friendly service is the key to success at our family friendly restaurant. Eleven is well know for its wide menu choices available with both traditional Scottish dishes and those with a…
The newly refurbished HS1 Café-Bar at the Royal Hotel in Stornoway has long been a favourite meeting place where you can catch up with friends, enjoy a meal and have a drink in a relaxed informal…
Community local produce shop selling quality products from Barra & Vatersay including fish, meat, bread, jams and chutneys, eggs, home baking and much more. Also stocks wholefood, books, wool & craft…
Dine in our lounge bar or conservatory to relax or view the beautiful seascape and wildlife. We offer cafe treats or a choice of tasty food dishes.
Our smokehouse is located in the beautiful scenic bays of Lochcarnan on the eastern shores of the Isle of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, our approach is simple, heritage, tradition and…
Near key local attractions. An imaginative menu featuring the best of local Hebridean produce, the Borrodale Hotel is a perfect place to relax.
There’s a refined, yet relaxed atmosphere at Cleaver (formerly Solas). Contemporary dishes include a fusion of traditional Scottish recipes, French classic cuisine and world specialties – prepared…
A warm welcome to Vatersay, the most south-westerly inhabited island of the Hebrides and the start of the Hebridean Way.
Kilbride Cafe offers a varied selection of snacks/main meals and drinks including home-made soup and a selection of home baking. Overlooking the Sound of Barra, you can enjoy the stunning view from…
Licensed Restaurant in Balivanich on the Isle of Benbecula, serving quality, traditional dishes & specialising in local meats, fish & seafood.
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Number of results: 16
Address
The Ferry Terminal, Castlebay, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5XDTelephone
01871 810306Isle of Barra
From Castlebay, Barra to Oban, Argll
Oban
From Oban, Argll to Lochboisdale, South Uist
Address
Ferry Terminal, Tarbert, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS3 3DGTelephone
01859 502444Isle of Harris
Ferry to Uig, Skye from Tarbert, Harris
Isle of Skye
Ferry to Tarbert, Isle of Harris from Uig, Skye
Address
Ferry Terminal, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, HS1 2AETelephone
01851 702461Isle of Lewis
Ferry from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis to Ullapool, Rosshire.
Address
The Pier, Ullapool, Ross Shire, IV26 2URTelephone
01854 612358Ullapool
Ferry from Ullapool, Rosshire to Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
Address
Lochmaddy, Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5AATelephone
01876 500337Isle Of North Uist
Ferry from Lochmaddy, North Uist to Uig, Skye
Isle Of Skye
Ferry from Uig, Skye to Lochmaddy, North Uist
Address
Lochboisdale, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5THTelephone
01878 700288Isle Of South Uist
From Lochboisdale, South Uist to Mallaig, Lochaber
Address
Lochboisdale, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5THTelephone
01878 700288Isle Of South Uist
Ferry from Lochboisdale, South Uist to Oban, Argyll.
Mallaig
From Mallaig, Lochaber to Lochboisdale, South Uist
Oban
From Oban, Argll to Lochboisdale, South Uist
Address
Ardmhor, Isle Of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5YBTelephone
01871 810627Isle Of Barra
Inter-island ferry from Barra to Eriskay
Address
Eriskay, Isle Of South Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS8 5JNTelephone
01878 700288Isle Of South Uist
Inter-island ferry from Eriskay to Barra
Address
Berneray, Isle Of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, HS6 5BJTelephone
01876 500337Isle Of North Uist
Inter-island ferry service ffrom Berneray, North Uist to Leverburgh, Harris.
Address
Leverburgh, Isle Of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS5 3UBTelephone
01859 502444Isle Of Harris
Inter-island ferry service betweeen Leverburgh, Harris and Berneray, North Uist.
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