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How to have an Outdoor Adventure in the Outer Hebrides
Are you planning a trip to the Outer Hebrides? Well,
how about a road trip with a difference?
The Western Isles are
more than the home of Harris Gin, the Gaelic language, the famous Callanish
standing stones and Norseman tales. This summer I went on an an incredible trip
ferry hopping across the islands in a campervan - and kayaking, wild swimming and
horse riding along the way.
Here is how you can
get outdoors in the Outer Hebrides
- GO HILL WALKING -
Harris’s hills include the mighty Clisham, a Corbett at 799 m (2,621 ft) and
neighbouring Uisgneabhal Mor, Teileasbhal and Stuabhal - climb them for views
across the whole Outer Hebrides.
- MOUNTAIN BIKING -
the Scaladale Centre will load up their
mountain bikes for you and take you out into the hills - try the 12-mile Urgha and Maraig circuit above Loch Mharaig
which includes 840m of descent.
- WILDLIFE WATCH -
Take a boat trip out with Fish 'n' Trips from Keose harbour on
Lewis to spot sea eagles, dolphins, seals and bonxies.
- COASTEERING -
at Hushinish Beach on Harris, the Scaladale Centre run coasteering sessions.
Grab a wetsuit, a life jacket and helmet and then see how high you are willing
to jump… brilliant fun.
- WILD CAMPING
- Fancy sleeping outside? Thanks to Scotland's access laws you can pitch your
(small) tent on the Machair above Hushinish Beach. If you plan on wild camping
in the Outer Hebrides follow the outdoor access code and remember to leave no trace of your visit.
- HORSE RIDING -
fancy horse riding on a white sandy beach in the Outer Hebrides? Uist Community Riding School caters for all sizes
and abilities, you might even be able to persuade your horse to go for a paddle
in the water!
- WILD SWIMMING - The
beaches off the Outer Hebrides are perfect for swimming, with soft sands, and
shallow depths and thankfully the temperature off Benbecula in summer is just
about bearable - and you will certainly feel refreshed!
- KAYAKING -
There can’t be many more places in the world more spectacular than Kisimul
Castle to go kayaking. Clearwater Padding hire sea kayaks so you
can explore the bay or head further afield along the coastline of this
beautiful part of Scotland.
- SNORKELLING WITH SEALS
- try snorkeling in Scotland with Barra Surf Adventures - along with friendly
grey seals - plus you can put your flippers down at any time, the water is so
shallow!
- WALK OR CYCLE THE
HEBRIDEAN WAY - up for a
challenge? The Hebridean Way is a 155m route finishing at Lews Castle on
Stornoway taking in 10 of the Outer Hebrides islands - Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay,
North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis. Phew.

Photo above courtesy of Outer Hebrides Tourism




You can read the full
post and watch the video of our trip on my blog Love, from Scotland.
Have you got up to anything outdoors in Outer Hebrides? What would you recommend?
Kate - Scotland / outdoor blogger at
Love From ScotlandClimbs hills, takes pictures. Likes remotes places.
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