Outer Hebrides Fly-drive

Your first Hebridean destination is the tiny island of Barra, where you will enjoy the unique experience of landing on the Cockle Strand, after a short flight from Glasgow.  The flight schedule varies with the tides!

Your accommodation on Barra

After collecting your awaiting hire car – don’t expect too much formality here – it’s just a short drive to your first base. Expect a warm Hebridean welcome as you adjust to the different nature and pace of island life here in this remote corner of the British Isles.

What to see and do on Barra

Take a walk along the sparkling white sands of Cockle Strand and spot a plane landing at low tide ‘ an unforgettable sight. Drive or cycle up to Eoligarry and feast your eyes on the springtime profusion of primroses as you gaze across the sound to Fuday, Eriskay and South Uist in the distance. Or head south to Castlebay, the island capital, and visit Kisimul Castle, restored ancestral home of the clan MacNeil. Stop off at the highly informative Heritage Centre, where you can enjoy coffee and refreshments, before perhaps taking a picnic across the causeway to Vatersay, with its glorious twin beaches.

Next cross the Sound of Barra by ferry to tiny Eriskay and spend the day touring through South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist, your next Hebridean base

Your hotel on The Uists

This characterful former hunting lodge oozes historic charm within its original walls and has also been tastefully extended to open up panoramic views over the nearby loch and surrounding countryside. The restaurant is a great draw and the food is deliciously fresh and very local. In fact you might even catch a glance of the fisherman delivering the day’s catch from the loch.

What to see and do on the Uists

North Uist offers unlimited access to the interconnected isles of Benbecula, Grimsay,  South Uist and Eriskay, all of which are ideal for walking, kayaking, cruising and wildlife-watching. Birdwatchers will not want to miss the RSPB Balranald nature reserve on the west coast – home to thousands of coastal waders and divers.  Meanwhile, Lochmaddy itself boasts several unusual attractions, including a camera obscura and the impressive Taigh Chearsabhagh arts centre and museum.

The next islands to explore are in fact one land-mass, but two distinctive places, notable for the magical sandy beaches on Harris, and fabulous ancient history on Lewis. You will stay just outside Stornoway, a perfect touring centre.

Your hotel in Lewis

Your accommodation in Stornoway is a refurbished, family owned bungalow with just two very comfortable and cosy en-suite bedrooms. The Stornoway born-and-bred host is here to ensure your complete relaxation and satisfaction, serving authentic, locally sourced breakfasts and giving unique, local advice on anything you might need to know about the Outer Hebrides.

What to see and do in Lewis & Harris

With its magnificent scenery, Lewis is positively bursting with archaeological treasures, notably the eerie Standing Stones of Callanish, the Pictish Carloway Broch and several blackhouse villages. The bustling town of Stornoway boasts a vibrant social scene, where traditional music and crafts thrive in lively pubs.

Harris offers unrivalled opportunities for hillwalkers, anglers, divers, birdwatchers and wildlife-lovers with its spectacular beaches and stunning scenery. Marvel at the sight of golden eagles, cormorants and buzzards swooping down over the uninhabited offshore islands. And don’t miss Rodel’s exquisite 15th century church of St Clement’s, with its wonderful medieval tombs and wood carvings.

Return your hire car in Stornoway and catch your return flight to Glasgow, with other options to Edinburgh, for onward connections.