Trails in the Outer Hebrides

There is so much for visitors to discover on their Outer Hebrides holiday, with attractions in the Western Isles on offer to suit all styles.

Some visitors come to enjoy outdoor activities in the Outer Hebrides, others are attracted by the Western Isles scenery and still more are drawn by curiosity about something associated with the area.

With this in mind we have put together a collection of tours and trails around the Outer Hebrides that will help visitors discover more about these Scottish islands’ history, inhabitants and influence.

In the following pages you can find a selection of suggested Outer Hebrides itineraries that will help you to discover more about certain aspects of the Western Isles’ identity.

Enjoying a holiday in the Outer Hebrides? Why not follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, who is said to have scattered seeds from his native France amidst the machair grasses of our Scottish islands before seeking refuge here following his defeat at the bloody Battle of Culloden.

Bookworms will love exploring all the areas of our Western Isles that have influenced authors through the ages – from Compton Mackenzie’s Whisky Galore, which drew its influence from events on and around Eriskay to Hergé’s Tintin, whose Black Island adventure is influenced by Barra’s Castlebay and Kisimul Castle to Peter May's Lewis Trilogy which is inspired by these islands. 

If you have read the  Lewis Trilogy by Peter May, you may be interested in following the Peter May Lewis Trilogy Trail. Interested in nature? Why not follow the Bird of Prey trail?  We can boast that our islands are the stronghold for mny of Scotlands predators and there are fantastic opportunities to see them in this spectacular environment. 

Looking for the best of local food and a real taste of the Outer Hebrides? Well we have an Eat Drink Hebrides trail which takes you to the places to eat and drink and also place to purchase local food. 

You can click your way around our islands on our Outer Hebrides Photography Trail, learn more about local architecture on our Architectural Trail and discover our lighthouses on our Outer Hebrides Lighthouse Trail.

If you are into long distance walking or cycling, you could try the Hebridean Way which is a cycling route and also there is a separate walking route.

Interested in archaeology? In Uist, we have Uist Unearthed, an augmented reality app which digs deeper into to pre-history and history to share the fascinating stories of some Outer Hebrides archaelogical sites in North and South Uist. 

Our Wellbeing trail features 41 places from the Isle of Mingulay in the south to Ness at the northern tip of Lewis. To make sure we give you the space you need, to relax and rejuvenate, we’ve mostly included quieter, lesser-known places recommended by locals so you can uncover the many hidden gems that await in the Outer Hebrides. Let our islands give you the space to warm your soul.

We also have two Geotourist audio tours which were developed with support from local residents for audio and imagery. It’s on an app, and will take you on a tour of key spots and hidden gems on the East coast of Lewis and South Uist and Benbecula.