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Ferry

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, as it can be very busy
Keep an eye on the ferry status page for any disruptions/changes to sailings
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.

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.

CalMac Bookings

CalMac Interactive Map

Highlights

Eat Drink Hebrides - Gearrannan Black House Village

Come and visit a unique group of restored thatched cottages. Relax and enjoy fresh homemade cooking and delicious home baking with a wee ‘strùpag’.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Stornoway Golf Club

Our menu features a selection of coffees, teas and fresh bakes, all crafted with the finest ingredients. From our delicious breakfasts to our delightful Victoria Sponge, every item is thoughtfully…

Eat Drink Hebrides - HS-1 Cafe Bar

If you’re looking for a relaxed and casual dining experience, then look no further than HS1. Located in the heart of Stornoway town centre, HS1 offers stunning views across Stornoway Marina towards…

Eat Drink Hebrides - Island Arts Gallery and Coffee Shop

We are a perfect half-way point for cyclists and walkers we offer light snacks, homebaking, teas and coffee. We serve them within an artistic experience of original, affordable paintings, prints,…

Eat Drink Hebrides - Salar Smokehouse

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…

Eat Drink Hebrides - The Boatshed Restaurant at the Royal Hotel

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…

Eat Drink Hebrides - Talla na Mara

Opened in 2017 as a multi-purpose site, you’ll find a place to eat and drink in the privately run Talla na Mara Restaurant, purchase handcrafted souvenirs from the foyer gallery, visit the open…

Eat Drink Hebrides - Lochmaddy Bay Prawns

Lochmaddy Bay Prawns 2GO - create bespoke Seafood Platters to order for collection by arrangement.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Cleaver at the Cabarfeidh Hotel

Menus at Cleaver change regularly to reflect the seasons and ingredient availability with fish options changing daily depending on catches. Feast on exquisite Leurbost Mussels, succulent Hebridean…

Eat Drink Hebrides - Kilbride Cafe

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…

Eat Drink Hebrides - The Island Spirit Whisky Shop

The Island Spirit Whisky Shop is a small, independent, family run business, established in July 2020 by Husband and Wife, Iain and Mary, and is situated in the heart of Stornoway town centre.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Dark Island Hotel

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.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Loomshed Hebridean Deli

Loomshed Hebridean Deli on Main Street, Tarbert

Eat Drink Hebrides - The Good Food Boutique

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…

Eat Drink Hebrides - The Lews Distillery

Inspired by our beautiful Hebridean island setting, Stornoway Gin is bursting with natural botanicals to deliver unmistakable flavour.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Borrodale Hotel

Near key local attractions. An imaginative menu featuring the best of local Hebridean produce, the Borrodale Hotel is a perfect place to relax.

Eat Drink Hebrides Guide

A downloadable guide to showcases our amazing food producers and places to eat and drink with 78 listed in the guide and maps of Lewis, Harris and Uist & Barra.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Isle of Lewis Gin Limited

Discover the spirit of Lewis - Mint, wild thyme, rhubarb root and heather blended with Isle of Lewis water create a light and refreshing gin.

Eat Drink Hebrides - North Uist Distillery

Our multi award winning Downpour Gin range is bursting with hand gathered, wild Hebridean botanicals, produced with locally grown heritage bere barley, is currently aging in the cask room at our…

Eat Drink Hebrides - Langass Lodge

Langass Lodge has built up an enviable reputation as one of the best places to eat in the Outer Hebrides. We offer modern Scottish cuisine using the best local ingredients.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Piotsa

Bringing authentic wood-fired pizza to communities across Lewis & Harris. Handmade dough, fresh toppings, and great food served from our mobile horsebox pizzeria.

Eat Drink Hebrides - Isle of Harris Distillery

The first distillery in Harris has opened it's doors. The Harris Distillery is a working distillery that welcomes guests. Join us on a tour of the distillery, sit by the peat fire or enjoy the…

Eat Drink Hebrides - North Harbour Bistro

We are awaiting information from this business. In the mean-time you can check out their website

Eat Drink Hebrides - Scarista House

Comfortable, elegant small hotel and restaurant in a remote location overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches on the south west coast of Harris.

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