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Travelling around the Outer Hebrides
The chain of islands span just over 150 miles, and include 12 inhabited islands, stretching from Vatersay in the south to Lewis in the north. Each island is connected by causeway, bridge or ferry making the journey through the islands a truly unique experience.
Travelling around Outer Hebrides can be done by driving, cycling or using public transport.
Driving
Driving in the Western Isles is a popular choice, with visitors bringing their own vehicles or taking advantage of Outer Hebrides car hire providers on Lewis, Harris, Benbecula, South Uist or Barra on arrival. For general guidance on how to drive in the Outer Hebrides and look out for cyclists, click here.
Larger villages, towns and townships are connected by a selection of well-surfaced A class roads, while in more remote areas drivers can expect B class roads, designed for single traffic with regular passing places. Click on this link for some helpful guidance on how to drive on a single track road.
Check out this video for tips driving in Scotland and the Outer Hebrides:
Cycling
The quiet roads in the Western Isles are perfect for Scottish island cycling breaks, and seeing the isles under pedal power is a popular choice with visitors – some people bring their own cycles, while others hire bikes in the Outer Hebrides. For safety guidance on cycling in the Outer Hebrides, click here.
Buses
Public transport in the Western Isles consists of the regular Outer Hebrides bus services – which cover most areas during the daytime Monday to Saturday (there are no Sunday bus services in the islands and only a few routes in the Stornoway area run into the evening)
Taxis
Outer Hebrides taxis can be found on all the main islands and some Western Isles taxi operators also provide tours. However there are several dedicated tour operators who will provide interpretative tours on themes including, archaeology, wildlife and cultural history.
Use the Itinerary Planner to plan your perfect holiday, then either book it yourself or send it to our local holiday operator partner for a complete quotation.
Itinerary Planner
Build your own itineraries by clicking the button to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
If you already have an itinerary saved, you can access it below.
Use the Itinerary Planner to plan your perfect holiday, then either book it yourself or send it to our local holiday operator partner for a complete quotation.
Itinerary Planner
Build your own itineraries by clicking the button to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
If you already have an itinerary saved, you can access it above.
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to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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button to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
