Walk on wild side at edge of world
ESCAPE to the edge in the Outer Hebrides, where adrenaline-fuelled adventures await amid the rugged mountains and beautiful beaches that rival the best in the Caribbean. From exhilarating storm-watching and wildlife-spotting to exploring, there is no shortage of things to see and do.
There are breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems to discover around every corner, from Barra Head in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north.
The Outer Hebrides are at their most atmospheric and romantic in the autumn. The sparkling, white-sand beaches are often compared to those of the Caribbean, but the coastline is just as spectacular in wild weather, amid the full fury of North Atlantic storms.
The best weather-watching spots are at Galson beach on Lewis, Culla Bay on Benbecula, and Tangasdale Beach on Barra. After dark, wrap up in thick Harris Tweed to gaze up at the night sky, with occasional displays of the spectacular Northern Lights.
Stunning dark skies can be seen from across the islands, including at West Beach on Berneray, Nunton on Benbecula, South Lochboisdale on South Uist, and Eoiligarry on Barra.
Autumn is also a great time for wildlife encounters, with more than 4,000 red deer across the islands, particularly on Lewis, Harris, and North Uist.
You can also see thousands of migrant birds, including masses of waders and wildfowl along with raptors, young peregrine falcons and merlin.
Follow the Bird of Prey Trail or take a walk to the North Harris Eagle Observatory, amid spectacular mountain scenery, and you might spot golden eagles, white-tailed eagles and hen harriers.
The archipelago is also home to 40 per cent of the world’s grey seal population, with fluffy white seal pups born on the beaches during the autumn.
Otters are more easily seen at this time of year, too, playing in the eastern sea lochs. On North Uist, join RSPB staff for a wildlife walk at the Balranald Nature Reserve or at Loch Langass. On South Uist, you might see rare Eriskay ponies at the Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve – only about 400 exist in the world.
The islands boast a string of outdoor activities to get your heart racing. Pull on your walking boots or get on your bike and follow the new 150-mile Hebridean Way.
With a separate path for cyclists, the route takes in exquisite beaches, dramatic hills and towering cliffs, all with sea eagles soaring above you.
Take to the waves with Surf Lewis, get close to seals with Clearwater Paddling or try coasteering at Scaladale Outdoor Centre. There’s also horse riding on Culla Bay with the Uist Riding School, and diving with Benbecula Freedive.
From September 9-16 you can enjoy the Isle of Harris Mountain Festival, a week-long celebration of the landscape that features guided walks, outdoor activities, watersports and taster sessions. Don’t miss the raft race – can you get a team together to build and race a raft in East Loch Tarbert?
For a walk on the wild side, climb the peaks of Hecla, Beinn Mhor, Beinn Corradale and Ben Kenneth, with gentler trails at ground level. For more, see visit outerhebrides.co.uk/weave