5 things to know about the Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides was always going to be an adventure! Whether it was for the Scottish ‘summer’ 🌧️ or an all out adventure. We booked this trip with probably the lowest expectations possible - and that isn't to be rude to the West Coast. It's just sometimes you get it wrong with the weather and your experience is one that is vastly different and to be honest a little miserable.

But it all boded well when we boarded our Cal Mac Ferry from Oban (What a route this is). Cal Mac has a island hopping multi pass that is the dream for moving about the islands. Their customer service is also great so if you need to change a sailing or a timing it couldn't be easier.

Even so going to the islands there are 5 things that we can now say for certain when you are booking your trip to the Outer Hebrides.

1. The Beaches 🏖️ are insane - check out our other posts. Golden sand and crystal clear waters - they are cold 🥶 so be sure to pack a wetsuit if you aren’t one of the brave out there in their Budgies!

2. The Ferry ⛴️- So when I booked this I thought I’d be on some ferry like the ones you get crossing the channel. But between the islands there are far different - you get to roam the decks and take in the scenery with just ten other cars 🚘. It’s amazing. 😻 @calmacferries and their multi pass is ideal to hop the islands.

3. The Locals 🧍‍♀️- the Islanders could not have been more welcoming. Every shop, restaurant or experience you went in to the locals were amazing. Always there to help!

4. The Shops 🏬- I thought leaving Oban i’d be on ‘rations’ throughout the islands. However there are well stocked shops on almost every island so there is no need to horde buy like I did! Read below for the shops on the smaller islands:

Barra/Vatersay: Well stocked Co Op in Castlebay. There is also several local stores in the town near to the Coop which sell everything you need.

5. Activities ⛵️- there are activity centres and places to hire equipment out throughout the islands. So don’t worry about packing that heavy paddleboard - you can hire them for very little! Just give them a google on each island.

6. The Campsites ⛺️- All that I stayed at are well equipped with showers and running water. 💦 . There is obviously wild camping for those that want it but when you do need that recharge they have everything you need! Scurrival campsite on the Isle of Barra probably won it for us - check out the photo below. Sunset out over the sea - wild swimming just a stone throws away in the morning and the evening. What's not to like!

7. The Roads 🛣️- these had me stopping probably every few miles for the views. Stunning all the way along the islands and easy and simple to drive. Probably one of the most scenic routes there is!

So there is our brief things to know about the Outer Hebrides! Make sure you get those trips booked this summer, it's only going to get busier and busier.