The Hebrides are a very gorgeous a part of Scotland to go to; not least due to their unspoilt magnificence. Now, there are a great deal of tiny little islands in Scotland to go to and every has its personal allure (and lengthy historical past) to find. In any case, that’s what makes Scotland so particular! That is very true while you consider all the most effective locations within the Scottish Islands that you simply shouldn’t miss.
That is precisely why I’m specializing in the internal (and outer) Hebrides of Scotland to go to. Although, you’ll be able to definitely head to the likes of Shetland and the Orkney Isles, too. Every has its personal allure and distinct character that are completely beautiful.
From the attractive, and extra standard islands like Skye, to the uninhabited islands of the outer-Hebrides, there’s an enormous mixture of the most effective locations within the Scottish Islands regardless of the place you’re visiting.
You see, the entire space is packed full with a few of Scotland’s most interesting mountain climbing trails, completely gorgeous castles and cute little villages.
Now, it may be difficult to get round to all the islands within the Hebrides, particularly when some are fairly distant. That being mentioned, with slightly little bit of planning, you’ll be able to definitely see a good few favourites. Simply be sure to plan forward, determine your routes prematurely and ensure to guide your boats or ferry prematurely (the place doable).
The Hebrides is a very gorgeous space of Scotland.
With that in thoughts, check out the most effective locations within the Scottish Islands.
1.) Discover Western Isle of Skye
In all probability essentially the most well-known of the internal-Hebrides, the Isle of Skye is completely beautiful to go to. Higher nonetheless, there’s no have to catch a ferry or a flight to get right here! After crossing the bridge, make your approach throughout one off the bigger islands in Scotland to discover a few of the epic issues to do.
Now, after exploring a few of the jap elements of the Isle of Skye, be sure to pop on over to the western fringes. Right here, you’ll see a very completely different aspect to the island and get to expertise its rugged allure.
As soon as right here, be sure to go to Neist Level that’s completely iconic. Oh, and the Quiraing, too. It’s so iconic on the island and a should-see.
Lastly, cease off on the Fairy Glen that’s completely lovely. Now, the latter does appeal to some crowds in the summertime, so pop over early within the morning if you need the place to your self.
It actually is among the finest locations within the Scottish Islands.
Learn extra: Best hikes in Scotland
2.) Lunga Island
Now, one of many major causes you see Lunga Island is for its well-known residents; puffins!
At sure instances of the yr, Lunga Island is completely swamped with puffins which are too lovely to overlook! Yeah, they may not be essentially the most swish of flyers however they’re completely lovable and might’t be missed.
Additionally, on this protected island, you’ll get to see gray seals and a heap of razorbills, too.
Now, it’s seemingly you’ll solely be capable of see Lunga Island in the summertime months (through the Ulva Ferry excursions).
Learn extra: Our Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
3.) Jap Isle of Skye
Now, keep in mind I mentioned that Skye was one of many bigger islands in Scotland? Effectively, because of this I’ve break up it into two.
There’s simply no approach you’ll be able to actually get round Skye in a single brief (day) journey. Although, in case you are solely on the island for a day, you’ll be able to nonetheless see some whole gems.
For a few of the finest locations within the Scottish Islands, be sure to go to Portree and take a stroll round its beautiful little harbour. It’s a quintessential Scottish village that’s so pretty. Oh, and don’t neglect a go to, Armadale Fortress.
We headed right here as we left Skye through the southern ferry that arrives in Mallaig.
Oh, and ensure to take slightly hike in the direction of the Storr, too. It’s completely gorgeous.
Learn extra: Best castles in Scotland to go to
4.) St Kilda
St Kilda is a very dramatic island that’s been thrashed by the cruel components of the Atlantic. This makes it completely dramatic to see and probably the greatest locations within the Scottish Islands in the event you love nature.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Website and a nationwide reserve, it’s a spot that’s effectively price slightly go to.
Now, one factor to notice is that it’s fairly distant. Head over with firms like GoTo St Kilda who organise day journeys from the Isle of Skye itself.
Anticipate tickets to value greater than your common 1-hour journey nevertheless it’s completely price it in the event you’re desirous to see this remoted a part of Scotland.
Learn extra: Best hikes in Scotland
5.) Harris (Isle of Lewis and Harris)
Best reached by boat from the Isle of Skye (through Uig) or by airplane, the Isle of Harris is a very unspoilt space of the Hebrides to see. Now, being one other one of many bigger islands in Scotland, you’ll have to plan a couple of days on the island to begin to get a great really feel.
As soon as right here, be sure to go to Scalpay, see the white sandy seaside of Luskentyre and discover Seilebost seaside, too. They’re completely lovely and unbelievable locations for a stroll or hike on a summer season day.
Additionally, if you wish to discover some wildlife, pop over to the North Harris Eagle Observatory that’s effectively price a go to. Although, be affected person!
6.) Lewis (Isle of Lewis and Harris)
Now, the Isle of Harris and Lewis really from one island that’s the most important in all the outer Hebrides. Sounds complicated, proper?
Effectively, the simplest approach to consider it’s that the ‘Lewis’ a part of the island is the decrease-mendacity (southern) areas. Whereas, the ‘Harris’ types a part of the extra upland and northern areas of the island.
Regardless of the case, Lewis is completely gorgeous to go to and very easy to discover, particularly in the event you’re already heading in the direction of Harris, too. As soon as right here, be sure to see the restored Blackhouse Village in Garenin earlier than heading additional inland to see the views throughout the island.
Afterwards, make a journey over to Stornoway and cease off for slightly tipple (or two) and head for dinner at Digby Chick.
Learn extra: Our Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
7.) Isle of Arran
Nestled inside the Firth of Clyde, exploring the Isle of Arran is among the finest locations within the Scottish Islands in the event you love gorgeous landscapes.
Now, the simplest technique to get right here is through the ferry from; Ardrossan to Brodick. It’s tremendous straightforward and effectively price it for a couple of days on the island itself.
As soon as right here, be sure to go to Glen Rosa (close to Goat Fell) and completely straightforward to hike from the principle street close to Brodick. Simply be sure to take some waterproof footwear, it may possibly get boggy right here! Although, you could be rewarded and even spot a stag (or two).
If you happen to fancy a coastal stroll, comply with the Arran Coastal Means which passes Brodick Fortress, too. It’s completely beautiful.
Learn extra: Best locations in Edinburgh to go to
8.) Isle of Kerrera
In all probability essentially the most well-known locations on the Isle of Kerrera is Gylen Fortress. It’s so lovely and you may solely think about what this was like earlier than it fell into ruins.
Now, it’s very easy to get throughout to Kerrera, particularly with the dinky little Kerrera Ferry that crosses the forth. IT’s solely about 600 metres to cross and takes a matter of minutes. 10 at most!
In the summer season months, cease off on the Kerrera Tea Backyard, too. It’s so good to heat up with a pot of tea and cake after an extended day exploring the island.
Learn extra: Best hikes in Scotland
9.) Iona Island & Isle of Mull
Iona Island is simply off the Isle of Mull, you’ll be able to head throughout to Iona through Fionnphort ferry. As soon as right here, be sure to the Iona Abbey and see the ruins of the Iona Nunnery.
Oh, and don’t neglect to see a few of the seashores right here. The island has a heap of white sandy bays which are pretty to sit back on!
Afterwards, be sure to spend a couple of days exploring the, a lot bigger, Isle of Mull, too. In any case, you need to undergo right here earlier than heading again to mainland Scotland. On Mull, Duart Fortress is a should-see! It’s beautiful.
It actually is among the finest locations within the Scottish Islands.
Learn extra: Our Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
10.) Isle of Jura
Now, it’s really fairly straightforward to go to the Isle of Islay and the Isle of Jura collectively. Sure, they’re separate island however they’re so shut and related by the shortest boat experience.
As soon as on the isle of Jura, be sure to maintain your eyes peeled for pink deer and head throughout to the Isle of Jura Distillery Co for some award-profitable Scotch Whisky.
If that’s not your factor, head for a ramble across the Paps of Jura(mountains). The island is completely unspoilt and effectively price exploring if you wish to discover a extra distant island in Scotland that’s simply accessible.
Learn extra: Best locations in Edinburgh to go to
11.) Isle of Coll
In all probability one of many extra desolate islands within the Hebrides, the Isle of Coll is a beautiful spot to go to if you wish to get away from all of it. After arriving through boat, head over to see New Breachacha Fortress and the secluded shoreline that’s so pretty.
Now, it’s seemingly you would possibly wanna keep on the island when you’re right here? In that case, pop into the Coll Bunkhouse and guide a room. It’s a tiny little island and an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life.
Learn extra: Best castles in Scotland to go to
12.) Isle of Staffa
The Isle of Staffa might be one of many smaller islands to see that’s simply off the Isle of Mull. Now, one of many best methods to get right here is through the boat excursions that depart from Fionnphort.
Whist on the boat tour, be sure to see Fingal’s Cave. Relying on what time of yr you go, you may additionally spot the puffins, too.
Oh, and be warned, you’ll get doused in sea spray while crusing over to the island! Although it’s completely beautiful and probably the greatest locations within the Scottish Islands for certain.
Learn extra: Our Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
Your Important Scottish Highlands Journey Itinerary