Motorhome Adventures: Explore The Wilderness of the Outer Hebrides
One of the best places to explore - UK
Located in the Northwest of Scotland, the region is packed with remote, stunning islands and some of the best beaches you will see in Britain. If you are planning a trip up North, here are some of our must-see spots:
Barra
Before heading onto the island of Barra, the CalMac Ferry office has a chemical disposal point where you can empty your toilet cassette before continuing your journey. One of the best campsites on the island is Wavecrest Campsite which is located in the bay. Look closely out to sea and you might see the terns diving into the water looking for some fish, or seals bobbing with the waves.
On the island, there are a number of things to see and do, from hiking trails to wild swimming. The beach of Tràigh Mhòr is famous for its white shell sand which makes Barra look like a tropical island in the sun. This beach is also used as a landing strip for local planes! Visit the ancient churchyard of St Barr’s Church to find out more about the history of the island before jumping on a boat to Kisimul Castle. When it comes to stocking up on supplies, and eating out, the best place to do this is Castlebay.
South Uist
South Uist is a long thin island that stretches through the Outer Hebrides. Gleanndal campsite is a great place to base yourself when exploring the island.
Visit the Kildonan Museum to see a great documentation of crofting life on the island as well as details on the island’s most famous visitor – Bonnie Prince Charlie who then travelled onwards to Skye. The island is also home to an RSPB reserve where you can spot a number of different birds of prey, as well as some hairy Shetland ponies.
Additionally, explore the wilderness of the island, hiking the coastal paths of the East coast or visiting Orasaigh on the west of the island. At Orasaigh (Orosay), at low tide, you will be able to walk across the sand to a smaller island while witnessing the bright jewel-toned pink and green seaweed – a truly unusual sight.
Harris
When arriving in Harris, one of the most famous islands in the Outer Hebrides, stay at Seilebost School which is open between April and September. There are also a number of wild camping spots on the island.
Harris is well-known for its picturesque beaches that look stunning in the sun such as Seilebost, Luskentyre and Hushinish. For a touch of culture, visit the Seallam Visitor Centre to find out about St Kilda or explore Rodel Church which dates back to the 1500s.
Lewis
Lewis is the largest island of the Outer Hebrides and is definitely worth the visit. Base yourself at the Eilean Fraoich Campsite, which is open from April to October.
Top places to visit include Lewis Castle which dates back to the 18th century, the fortress of Carloway Broch from the Iron Age or Scotland’s version of Stonehenge – the Callanish stones. The island has a number of beautiful clifftop walks where you will spot some of the island’s seabird colonies that fly over the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, stop off at the Lewis Lighthouse where it feels like you are on the edge of the planet, with the ocean sprawling as far as the eye can see.