A Taste of a Motorhome Outer Hebrides Holiday

A Taste of a Motorhome Outer Hebrides Holiday

A quick look at what you can experience in the western isles while travelling in one our luxury motorhomes

The Outer Hebrides are unquestionably some of the most beautiful spots in Scotland, and one you might not immediately think to visit during a motorhome getaway. But don't worry, we've been touring the country for decades, which allows us to recommend only the best stop-offs to our clients. So take a look at what the Western Isles can offer to turn your trip is a fantastic holiday.

Located 30 miles off the north-west coast of Scotland lie the Isles of Lewis, Beneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Harris, Scalpay, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. These are just some of the 70 islands, 15 of which are permanently populated, that form the Outer Hebrides.

Stornoway and the Isle of Lewis

Just a short trip on the ferry will get you to the beautiful Isle of Lewis; the largest town and most likely your first stop is Stornoway, located on the east coast. While here, you can wander around the stunning town and its landscape or soak up your first taste of the island's history and culture. 

Some stops we recommend while in town are Lews Castle, a free attraction where you are surrounded by beautiful wooded grounds and the Museum nan Eilean, where you can learn about the island's history.

The island itself has so much more to offer, such as:

• The Blackhouse Museum, where you can wander around the blackhouse to see how the Hebridean islanders of the past lived.
• The Whalebone Arch in Bragar, one of the most famous landmarks you will see as you travel around the northern tip of Lewis, formed from the jawbones of a giant whale.
• Callanish Standing Stones, thought to have been standing since between 2900 and 2600 BC.
• The Garry Beach sea caves and stacks, explore some exciting scenery while gaining a better understanding of how the seas shaped this island.

While on the island, wild camping is welcomed for responsible motorhomers, find a spot near the beach to park up and relax with some fantastic landscapes surrounding you as you settle for the evening.

A sea trek to the remote islands

                                                                      While in Uig, which we think to be one of the most beautiful places in the country, catch a boat trip offered by SeaTrek. You'll be taken on a tour of the Hebrides and its uninhabited islands where you can see a range of local species of whales, dolphins, sea eagles, basking sharks and puffins.

From here hop on over to the Isle of Harris to visit the world-famous Harris Tweed and Harris Gin. Look out for local stores which sell both straight from the manufacturer and make wonderful souvenirs and gifts from the trip. 

North and South Uist

With a landscape of fresh and saltwater lochs and miles of sandy beaches, North Uist one of the most uniquely breathtaking islands in Scotland. Ideal for long walks, cycling or bird watching, the island also offers:

• Otter Spotting, on the east of the island you can see otters heading between their homes and the water, but be sure to study the tide timetable for the best chances.
• Barpa Langass, on the south of the island; a 5,000-year-old burial chamber thought to be the burial place of a Neolithic chieftain.
• Trinity Temple, a fantastic site to visit if you enjoy historical ruins as it is listed as a site of European significance and possibly Scotland's oldest University. 

After visiting the north, head down to South Uist, which offers its own beautiful landscape, crystal-clear waters and white beaches. When not admiring the scenery we recommend:

• The Kildonan Centre, a museum, heritage centre and craft shop.
• The Cladh Hallan Roundhouses, one of the only prehistoric mummies sites to have been found in the UK, thought to be two mummified Bronze Age bodies.
• Askernish Golf Club, home to "the most natural golf course in the world".

The Isle of Barra

The most southerly island still inhabited in the Outer Hebrides famed for its beaches, hills, machair and moor. This small island packs a lot of exciting places to visit in such a small area, including: 

• The Allasdale Bronze Age Burials, these burials and Iron Age roundhouses were uncovered by storms and are now available to view. The site was also the focus of a 2007 Televisions Time Team investigation.
• The Deserted Village, the remains of two settlements which are still the interest of archaeologists, some local artefacts have been dated to 2000 BC.
• Kisimul Castle, the seat of the clan MacNeil of Barra, this restored medieval tower house castle is a great site to visit as you can walk around its interior and grounds, make sure not to miss the Great Hall.

This was just a taste of what can be seen and done on a motorhome trip around the Outer Hebrides. For a full route including everything from attractions on the Isles of Harris and Lewis to the best ferry terminals and places for toilet disposals, please take a look at our Outer Hebrides Motorhome Route.