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 spite of everything, that’s what makes Scotland so particular! That is very true if you consider all the most effective locations within the Scottish Islands that you just shouldn’t miss.
That is precisely why I’m specializing in the internal (and outer) Hebrides of Scotland to go to. Although, you may 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 in style 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 irrespective of the place you’re visiting.
You see, the entire space is packed full with a few of Scotland’s best climbing trails, completely gorgeous castles and cute little villages.
Now, it may be difficult to get round to the entire islands within the Hebrides, particularly when some are fairly distant. That being mentioned, with a bit little bit of planning, you may definitely see a good few favourites. Simply make sure that 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
Most likely essentially the most well-known of the inner-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 method throughout one off the bigger islands in Scotland to discover among the epic issues to do.
Now, after exploring among the japanese components of the Isle of Skye, make sure that to pop on over to the western fringes. Right here, you’ll see a very totally different facet to the island and get to expertise its rugged allure.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go to Neist Level that’s completely iconic. Oh, and the Quiraing, too. It’s so iconic on the island and a must-see.
Lastly, cease off on the Fairy Glen that’s completely stunning. Now, the latter does entice some crowds in the summertime, so pop over early within the morning if you’d like the place to your self.
It actually is without doubt one of the finest locations within the Scottish Islands.
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Scotland
2.) Lunga Island
Now, one of many fundamental 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 might be too stunning to overlook! Yeah, they may not be essentially the most sleek 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 probably you’ll solely have the ability to see Lunga Island in the summertime months (by way of 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? Nicely, for this reason I’ve cut up it into two.
There’s simply no method you may actually get round Skye in a single brief (day) journey. Although, if you’re solely on the island for a day, you may nonetheless see some complete gems.
For among the finest locations within the Scottish Islands, make sure that to go to Portree and take a stroll round its beautiful little harbour. It’s a quintessential Scottish village that’s so beautiful. Oh, and don’t neglect a go to, Armadale Fortress.
We headed right here as we left Skye by way of the southern ferry that arrives in Mallaig.
Oh, and ensure to take a bit hike in the direction of the Storr, too. It’s completely gorgeous.
Learn extra: Finest 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 the most effective locations within the Scottish Islands should you love nature.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Website and a nationwide reserve, it’s a spot that’s properly price a bit go to.
Now, one factor to notice is that it’s fairly distant. Head over with corporations 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 should you’re desirous to see this remoted a part of Scotland.
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Scotland
5.) Harris (Isle of Lewis and Harris)
Finest reached by boat from the Isle of Skye (by way of Uig) or by aircraft, 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 just a few days on the island to begin to get a very good really feel.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go to Scalpay, see the white sandy seashore of Luskentyre and discover Seilebost seashore, too. They’re completely stunning and unimaginable 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 properly 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 the entire outer Hebrides. Sounds complicated, proper?
Nicely, the simplest method to consider it’s that the ‘Lewis’ a part of the island is the lower-lying (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 should you’re already heading in the direction of Harris, too. As soon as right here, make sure that 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 a bit 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 without doubt one of the finest locations within the Scottish Islands should you love gorgeous landscapes.
Now, the simplest strategy to get right here is by way of the ferry from; Ardrossan to Brodick. It’s tremendous straightforward and properly price it for just a few days on the island itself.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go to Glen Rosa (close to Goat Fell) and completely straightforward to hike from the primary highway close to Brodick. Simply make sure that to take some waterproof sneakers, it may get boggy right here! Although, you is likely to be rewarded and even spot a stag (or two).
Should you fancy a coastal stroll, observe the Arran Coastal Method which passes Brodick Fortress, too. It’s completely beautiful.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Edinburgh to go to
8.) Isle of Kerrera
Most likely essentially the most well-known locations on the Isle of Kerrera is Gylen Fortress. It’s so stunning and you’ll 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 summertime months, cease off on the Kerrera Tea Backyard, too. It’s so good to heat up with a pot of tea and cake after a protracted day exploring the island.
Learn extra: Finest hikes in Scotland
9.) Iona Island & Isle of Mull
Iona Island is simply off the Isle of Mull, you may head throughout to Iona by way of Fionnphort ferry. As soon as right here, make sure that to the Iona Abbey and see the ruins of the Iona Nunnery.
Oh, and don’t neglect to see among the seashores right here. The island has a heap of white sandy bays which might be beautiful to relax on!
Afterwards, make sure that to spend just a few days exploring the, a lot bigger, Isle of Mull, too. In spite of everything, you need to undergo right here earlier than heading again to mainland Scotland. On Mull, Duart Fortress is a must-see! It’s beautiful.
It actually is without doubt one of 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, make sure that to maintain your eyes peeled for crimson deer and head throughout to the Isle of Jura Distillery Co for some award-winning Scotch Whisky.
If that’s not your factor, head for a ramble across the Paps of Jura(mountains). The island is completely unspoilt and properly price exploring if you wish to discover a extra distant island in Scotland that’s simply accessible.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Edinburgh to go to
11.) Isle of Coll
Most likely 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 by way of boat, head over to see New Breachacha Fortress and the secluded shoreline that’s so beautiful.
Now, it’s probably you would possibly wanna keep on the island when you’re right here? If that’s the 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: Finest 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 by way of the boat excursions that go away from Fionnphort.
Whist on the boat tour, make sure that to see Fingal’s Cave. Relying on what time of yr you go, you may also 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 the most effective locations within the Scottish Islands for certain.
Learn extra: Our Itinerary to discover the Scottish Highlands
Your Important Scottish Highlands Journey Itinerary
