Walking the Hebridean Way

Officially launched in 2017, the Hebridean Way offers walkers the opportunity to experience the magic of Scotland's Outer Hebrides in one inspirational journey. The waymarked route stretches 247km (155 miles) from Vatersay to Stornaway, linking ten major islands of the archipelago by means of causeways and two ferry crossings: Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis. Suitable for most walkers with a moderate level of fitness, it can be completed in 8-14 days and is rich in natural, historical and cultural interest.

This guidebook presents the Hebridean Way in 10 stages of 16-35km (10-22 miles), plus two additional stages to extend the route to the Butt of Lewis in line with future plans. Detailed route description is accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, stunning photography to whet your appetite and a wealth of information about local points of interest. The introduction offers an overview of the islands' geology, history, plants and wildlife as well as comprehensive practical advice for walking the route, such as when to go, how to get there (and back) and what to take. Accommodation listings can be found in the appendices.

The route is a celebration of the diverse landscapes of the Hebrides, from dazzling white shell beaches to wild moorland and flower-strewn machair. It visits Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, ruined forts and castles and monuments commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Highland Land Struggle. The islands are also a great location to spot seabirds, raptors and a number of migratory species.


Seasons: Best walked between April and October, when the days are longer; the weather is at its best and the ground underfoot is likely to be drier.

Centres: Starting at Vatersay, the routes crosses Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis to its current end in Stornoway.

Difficulty: The Hebridean Way is mostly a low-level, waymarked route that never ventures far from a road. However it requires careful planning as it crosses stretches of wild moor where there is no clear path and there are limited facilities near the route. As yet there is no baggage transfer provider.

Must See: 247km (155 mile) waymarked trail over rugged hills and along dazzling white shell beaches the length of the Outer Hebrides, from Vatersay in the south to Stornoway in the north, passing through 10 islands linked by causeways and ferries.