The Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides, are a chain of islands lying off the north west coast of Scotland, separated from the mainland by the Minch. The chain runs roughly 130 miles from the Butt of Lewis in the north to Barra Head in the south. Lewis and Harris, which this site covers, form the largest single land mass in the chain and sit at its northern end.
Getting there by ferry
Two ferry routes serve Lewis and Harris, both operated by Caledonian MacBrayne:
- Ullapool to Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), crossing the Minch in around two and a half hours. This is the main route and the one most visitors use.
- Uig on Skye to Tarbert (Isle of Harris), around one hour and forty minutes. Useful if you are already on Skye or coming up the west coast.
A third route runs from Leverburgh in south Harris to Berneray for the Uists, which lets you travel the whole chain from north to south. Book vehicle space well ahead for the summer months.
Getting there by air
Stornoway Airport has scheduled flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Benbecula. Flying saves the best part of a day compared with driving to Ullapool and taking the ferry, but you will need a hire car once you arrive, and island hire cars book out early in summer.
Getting around once you are here
Lewis and Harris are joined by land, so no ferry is needed between them. The A859 runs the length of both islands from Stornoway to Leverburgh, and it is the road most journeys use. Many of the roads off it are single track with passing places, which makes journeys take considerably longer than the mileage suggests. Fuel is limited outside Stornoway and Tarbert, so fill up when you can.
In short
The Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides, lie off the north west coast of Scotland across the Minch, in a chain running about 130 miles from the Butt of Lewis to Barra Head. Lewis and Harris are one land mass at the northern end. Ferries run from Ullapool to Stornoway (about two and a half hours) and from Uig on Skye to Tarbert (about one hour forty). Stornoway Airport has flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Benbecula. A car is effectively essential once you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly are the Western Isles?
Off the north west coast of Scotland, separated from the mainland by the Minch. The chain runs about 130 miles from the Butt of Lewis in the north to Barra Head in the south. Lewis and Harris form the largest land mass and lie at the northern end.
How do you get to the Isle of Lewis?
By ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, a crossing of around two and a half hours, or by air to Stornoway Airport from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness or Benbecula.
How do you get to the Isle of Harris?
By ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert, around one hour and forty minutes, or by driving down from Stornoway on Lewis, since the two islands are joined by land.
Do you need a ferry between Lewis and Harris?
No. Lewis and Harris are one land mass joined by a narrow neck of land, and the A859 runs between them. Only crossings to the mainland or to the southern isles need a ferry.
Do you need a car in the Outer Hebrides?
Effectively yes. Public transport exists but is infrequent, and most of the beaches and sites are well away from bus routes. Book a hire car or a ferry vehicle space early for summer, because both sell out.
How long does the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway take?
Around two and a half hours across the Minch. Book vehicle space well in advance for June to August.