Discovering the Hidden Gems of the Outer Hebrides

While exploring the islands of the Scottish Outer Hebrides we often took remote roads away from the routes travelled by other visitors. And we were rewarded time and again by such stunning scenery and unique experiences.

That morning, the weather looked less than promising, but we decided to risk it and drive out over the single-track road across the peninsula of Lochportain to the far north-east of the Isle of North Uist.

As we returned from the tiny hamlets of Hoebeg and Cheesebay at the far end of the road, we passed Loch an t-Sagairt lit by the sunlight but with a backdrop of threatening, dark clouds on the horizon. Believe it or not, it didn’t rain.

I was struck by the sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside and how the old fence line led the eye into the image.

For me, there is something special about the Hebridean islands and this scene depicts the ever-present contrasts between darkness and light.

You have memories of your visit to the Outer Hebrides or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or maybe a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover? This image and many more from the fascinating Western Isles of Scotland are available as

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Peaceful Hebridean Dawn

The first rays of dawn cast a warm glow over the serene waters off the Tarbert coast, revealing the barren hillsides, tiny islets and rugged rocks that dot the remote shoreline, and adding to the mystique of this Hebridean paradise.

I’d booked a bed and breakfast right on the shore near the picturesque harbour town of Tarbert which is nestled in the heart of the Outer Hebrides. It promised sea views from our bedroom window and we were not dissapointed. I set the alarm for just before dawn and enjoyed stunning views, nothing short of majestic masterpieces by Mother Nature.

I often dream of this special memory many years later and am so thrilled that someone bought it today to hang on their wall.

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Remote Port Ness Beach

The north west of the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis is unique and very remote. I can assure you the journey along single track roads from Stornoway is well worth it. Make sure to explore Port Ness Beach, where towering rocks meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Even if the local school children were having their summer sports day and some were evening swimming in the sea nearby, I recommend you wrap up well against the winds and weather!

This sandy beach with rugged rocks and cliffs is the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking Atlantic seascape. Port Ness (Nis in Gaelic), Isle of Lewis (Eilean Leòdhais), Scotland.

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Castlebay Morning Light

I got up early for a walk and enjoyed the stunning views overlooking the natural bay and the beaches of neighbouring Vatersay beyond. The crystal-clear water glistened in the sun, creating a breathtaking sight. Just the birds, the sound of the waves and the breeze as an accompaniement. Capturing the essence of the Scottish Hebridean islands.

Castlebay, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

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Tranquil Hebridean Dawn

I was up before dawn to visit the famous standing stones at Callanais and still had time before my well-earned full Scottish breakfast:-) So I headed up the coast and discovered this beautiful hamlet of Tolsta Chaolais nestled in the middle of nowhere.

The tranquility of a new day at Loch a’ Bhaile, as the sun gently rises over the calm waters, casting a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding Hebridean landscape – a scene that’s both peaceful and powerful, a testament to the wild beauty of Scotland’s remote islands. Tolsta Chaolais, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides (Gaelic: Tolstadh A Chaolais or Tolasdadh A Chaolais, Eilean Leòdhais, Na h-Eileanan Siar).

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Rosamol Beach, Luskentyre

Far from the madding crowd. Miles of golden sand on this remote beach, often called Luskentyre Beach.

Well worth the journey up the picturesque single track road. Rosamol beach (Tràigh Rosamol) lies half a mile or 0.8 km northwest of Luskentyre (Losgaintir) in the south west of Harris. Amazing views of the long sandy, beach and the sound across to the isle of Taransay await you after the walk through the dunes. Tráigh Losgaintir, Isle of Harris (Na Hearadh), Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Locals’ View of the White Beaches

When approaching the famous White Beaches on the coastal road from the south you will be greeted by views like this. Before driving a few hundred yards to scenes like this. Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

A small flock of local sheep on the hillside above Taransay Bay who enjoy this spectacular view across one of the beaches to the village of Luskentyre and the Harris hills beyond every day. Not sure if they appreciate it like I do LOL.

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Breathe in that Invigorating Hebridean Air

If you visit the Outer Hebrides, don’t just do the typical tours: if can, travel off the beaten track and take life as it comes. That is not only the Mediterrean but also the Hebridean way of life.

Drive up north from Stornoway and take a walk on the 2 miles of fine, golden sands Tràigh Mhòr beach with views across the Minch and the Atlantic, and you are likely to have it all to yourself.

Breathtaking view from the cliffs tops, north of Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Castle on an Island

Kisimul Castle was built on a small island just off the coast from Castlebay on the Outer Hebridean island of Barra in medieval times.
If you ever fly from mainland Scotland to the famous beach airport on Barra you may be lucky to enjoy an aerial view too, as I did. More about the beach landing in another blog.

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North Uist: Tràigh Iar (West Beach)

It was breathtaking standing on the dunes at Tràigh Iar looking north west along the vast expanse of the remote sands.
Tràigh Iar (West Beach), Grenetote (Greinetobht), North Uist (Ubhist a thuath), Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Turquoise Paradise

Breathe in that magnificent sea air and take an invigorating walk along the amazing Tràigh Mhòr beach.

2 miles of fine, golden sand with a view across the Minch and the Atlantic. If the sun is right you’ll get Caribbean turquoise waters like this as a reward. But remember it may rain, just as it did this day shortly afterwards.

Located near the hamlet of Tolsta, north of Stornoway on the east coast of the island.

Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Breathtaking Berneray Beach

West Beach on the Outer Hebridean Isle of Berneray (Beàrnaraigh na Hearadh) with the Harris mountains in the distance. The island has a picturesque coast with rugged rocks, sandy beaches, turquoise waters. Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

This beautiful white beach was mistakenly used for a travel photo for a beach in Thailand:-)

Luskentyre Must See Beaches

Sometimes ad hoc planning works:-)

Leaving Leverburgh on the bus to Stornoway I chose a west facing window seat to enjoy the amazing coastline. The angle of the sunlight played along. The bus driver sped along the narrow road which he’d seen hundreds of times before and I did my best to capture the breath-taking scenery underway. My mouth open in awe several times.

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Quaint Hebridean Cottage

This thatched cottage and barn with the amazing sands of Vallay beach (Tràigh Bhalaigh) in the background bring back memories of wonderful trips to the Outer Hebrides. When passing the first time, we literally slammed on the brakes to stop and enjoy the view – and take pictures like this one, of course! The quaint stone house, which may have been a cottar’s cottage, dates back to the 19th century. Near Sollas (Macleite), North Uist (Uist a Tuath), Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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North Uist: Tràigh Iar (West Beach)

It was breathtaking standing on the dunes at Tràigh Iar looking south west towards the vast expanse of sands and the island of Vallay. Tràigh Iar (West Beach), Grenetote (Greinetobht), North Uist (Ubhist a thuath), Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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