Thinking about a trip to the Outer Hebrides? Well I think it’s a brilliant choice! These islands are perfect for anyone who loves dramatic landscapes, untouched beaches, and a touch of ancient history. I’ve explored these magical spots recently, and narrowing it down to just 10 favourites was a tough task. Every beach looks postcard-perfect, and the scenic drives here are a road tripper’s paradise with breathtaking views around every corner.
If you’re ready to hit the road, don’t forget to grab my Outer Hebrides Road Trip Guidebook! It’s packed with tips, ideal itineraries, and hidden gems to make your trip unforgettable. You can also take a look at my latest YouTube video, and watch as I explore these remote islands.
Now, here are my top must-see spots! Whether you’re a beach lover, an avid hiker, or someone who can’t get enough of stunning scenery, there’s something here for you. From dramatic sea stacks and unspoiled beaches to ancient standing stones—and yes, you might even spot some eagles—this list is full of my favourite places.
First off, I know I’m bending the rules by including two places for the number 10 spot, but I couldn’t choose just one! When I first set foot on Barra, I was expecting something special, but I never imagined a beach would double as a runway. Traigh Mhor is the only place in the world where scheduled flights land right on the sand. Watching a plane glide down onto the beach, framed by Barra’s stunning scenery, feels surreal. When the tide is out, the beach opens up into a wide, golden expanse—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
If you’re looking for a more secluded slice of Barra’s beauty, make your way to Traigh Eais. As soon as I arrived, it felt like I’d stumbled upon a hidden paradise. This beach is wild and remote, giving you a good chance of having it all to yourself. The water is fierce and icy, so swimming isn’t advisable, but the stunning surroundings will keep you captivated. Plus, the powerful winds have sculpted some of the tallest sand dunes in Britain, just waiting to be explored if you’re feeling adventurous!
These impressive rock formations, shaped by the relentless force of the Atlantic, rise dramatically from the water, creating a striking and sort of eerie scene. If you enjoy photography, this location offers fantastic angles, and the chance to spot local bird species. For the best photos, head to the headland that juts out into the sea—it provides some truly stunning views!
However, getting to the sea stacks can be a bit of a challenge. Parking is limited, and there aren’t any clearly marked paths. The terrain can be quite boggy, and the sheer cliff edges can be hazardous, so it’s essential to be cautious. My advice? Watch your step and stay alert to your surroundings.
Garry Beach is one of my favourite spots on Lewis! With its stunning golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters, it’s definitely among the best beaches in the Outer Hebrides. Be sure to stop by and check out the impressive stacks of Lewisian Gneiss—they’re perfect for photos—and take a moment to dip your toes in the cold waters!
For those who love to walk, the scenic 10-mile Tolsta Heritage Trail starts right here. Garry Beach has a spacious car park, making it easy to combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Traigh Mhor (which is definitely worth it).
The Callanish Standing Stones are truly a remarkable sight! This group of 13 monoliths dates back around 5,000 years, making them older than the UK’s most famous stone circle, Stonehenge. Also referred to as the Calanais Standing Stones, they were likely erected as part of an astronomical observatory. With the tallest stone reaching an impressive 15 feet, they create a stunning visual impact.
The views around the stones are simply breathtaking! I captured a lovely photo of my partner Jas and our dog Archie against the backdrop of this incredible landscape. You can visit the Stones for free throughout the year, and there’s convenient parking available nearby. Be sure to check out the visitor centre, which includes an exhibition, café, and gift shop!
This is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the entire Outer Hebrides! The A859, which runs along the border between South Lewis and North Harris from Ath Linne to Bun Abhainn Eadarra, offers breathtaking views over Loch Shiphoirt and the North Harris Mountains. Road trippers can stop at various designated viewpoints to soak in the scenery. Keep an eye out for Clisham, the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides at 799m—you might catch a glimpse of it on your right as you head south. Make sure your camera is ready, as the views along this road are absolutely stunning and provide a warm welcome to Harris!
Reef Beach has to be up there with my favourites! If you’re into scenic drives, the seven-mile Reef Loop is a short but incredibly rewarding way to explore this corner of the Outer Hebrides. The drive itself is beautiful, you’ll pass Cliff Beach, which is breathtaking in its own right, and the small, peaceful settlement of Valtos before the road leads you to the star of the show, Reef Beach.
I almost forgot I was in Scotland—it feels like a little slice of the Caribbean! The beach is about a mile long, with gentle dunes and rocky outcrops that make it feel tucked away from the world. Behind the beach, there’s a campsite that’s perfectly positioned, whether you’re pitching a tent or pulling up in a camper. It’s easily one of the best spots I’ve found to take in the beauty of the Hebrides!
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Okay, I might have combined two amazing spots into one entry again, but can you blame me? Huisinis Beach is such a hidden gem! If it weren’t tucked away at the end of a remote road on a Scottish island, it would be swarming with visitors. This small beach, with its soft white sands and aquamarine waters, is absolutely enchanting. It faces south, which means it’s nicely sheltered from the Atlantic’s wild waves—perfect for a refreshing paddle.
Now, if you’re in North Harris, eagle spotting is a must! The North Harris Eagle Observatory is a fantastic place to catch these majestic birds in action. With big windows that look out over the gorgeous Glen Meavaig, you can often see eagles soaring above. They have info panels, binoculars to borrow, and sometimes even a Ranger around to help you spot these incredible creatures. We didn’t see any golden eagles while we were there, but we did spot a couple of white-tailed sea eagles near the car park (isn’t that just typical?). The walk to the observatory was breathtaking, and I can’t recommend it enough!
In the battle of the beaches, coming in at number seven is Vatersay Bay, or Traigh a Bhaigh, which is widely regarded as the most photographed beach in Scotland, thanks to the iconic ‘Vatersay beach gate’ view. To reach this picturesque spot, simply walk down from the café at the northern end of the beach toward Vatersay village; you’ll easily see it on the left side of the road.
This beach is a top choice for swimming, featuring stunning white sand in its northern section. For parking, there are a few spaces available next to Vatersay Hall Café or across from the Annie Jane Monument. Trust me, this stunning beach is one you definitely don’t want to miss!
Back in 2009, the Thailand Tourism Board hilariously mistook Berneray West Beach for their own Kai Bae Beach! With three miles of white sand and stunning turquoise waters, it really feels like you’ve been transported to Southeast Asia! Voted the 3rd best beach in Europe by Lonely Planet in 2019, there’s a great chance you’ll have it all to yourself! Don’t miss the sunset here—it’s magical.
Claiming the number one spot, this is arguably one of the most photographed locations in the Outer Hebrides—and it’s easy to see why! Often considered the poster child of Harris, it boasts miles of white sand and stunning green-blue waters, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This beach is also great for a dip, but remember, while the waters may look Caribbean, they can be quite the refreshing surprise!
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide writer. In 2022, I launched No Fuss Travel Guides with 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. I've since worked with tourism boards including Visit Wales and have been featured in The Guardian 'Best of Travel'.
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Rob, Staffordshire, UK
