But why just visit one? Island hopping is an incredible way to venture across Scotland’s Western Isles. Just get on a ferry and you can take a trip to your choice of stunning and wild islands.
Here’s a guide of the islands, with the best routes to travel by sea. Prices are based on Hebridean and Clyde ferries’ island hopping tickets and are seasonal.
Here’s a guide of the islands, with the best routes to travel by sea. Prices are based on Hebridean and Clyde ferries’ island hopping tickets and are seasonal.
5. Skye
Skye is one of the most breathtaking parts of Scotland to visit. With its iconic landscapes, and almost untouched wilderness, just visiting here alone is an unforgettable adventure. See the dramatic Waternish peninsula, The Storr (pictured), and the magical Fairy Pools series of waterfalls. You can tie this in with a trip to Mull or perhaps to the Outer Hebrides - one epic route is from Ullapool to Lewis, Harris, Skye, the Uists, Eriskay, Barra, all the way back to Oban (£42pp). Photo: Getty Images
The Outer Hebrides are an inter-connected chain of islands which take about 1hr 40mins to get to via ferry. They have outstanding beauty, from their white beaches to wild mountains, and an abundance of wildlife. The classic island-hop is via Oban to Barra, Eriskay, North Uist, Harris, Lewis, to Ullapool (£32pp). Photo: Getty Images
Barra is the most southerly of the Outer Hebrides. There is plenty to do here, from seeing the Kisimul Castle, the 'Castle in the Sea', enjoying the pristine sandy beaches, to clearwater kayaking. There are ferries direct from Oban but if you're feeling like a dramatic entrance the aeroplane runway on the beach is truly something else. Hop north to Eriskay and the Uists to continue our adventure. Photo: Getty Images
Starting at South Uist, this island has crystal clear waters and wild ponies galore. Beinn Mhor dominates the landscape, home to golden eagles, red deer and rare cornrake. Travel up to North Uist, which is described as a fisherman's and birdwatcher's paradise. Visit historic sites like Neolithic Barpa Langass and Trinity Temple and see otters and seals here. You can get a ferry from Eriskay, Skye or direct from Oban and explore these with Harris and Lewis. Photo: Getty Images