Hebridean Highlights

A motorhome journey from Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides will take you through some of Scotland’s most breath*taking landscapes. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your hire motorhome adventure:

1. Picking Up Your Motorhome in Edinburgh

Most motorhome hire companies in Edinburgh provide fully equipped vehicles, but check:

  • Insurance & Breakdown Cover – Make sure you’re fully covered.
  • Ferry-Friendly Vehicle – Some large motorhomes may have restrictions on ferries.
  • Wild Camping Rules – Scotland has friendly camping laws, but be respectful.

2. Route to the Outer Hebrides

You’ll need to drive to a ferry port on the west coast to cross over to the islands. There are two main ferry routes:

Option 1: Mallaig → Skye → Outer Hebrides

  • Drive Edinburgh → Mallaig (5-6 hours)
  • Take the ferry to Skye (Mallaig to Armadale)
  • Drive across Skye (1.5-2 hours) to Uig Ferry Terminal
  • Take the Uig → Lochmaddy (North Uist) OR Uig → Tarbert (Harris) ferry

Option 2: Ullapool → Stornoway (Lewis)

  • Drive Edinburgh → Ullapool (5 hours)
  • Take the Ullapool → Stornoway ferry (2.5 hours)

Tip: Book ferries in advance through CalMac Ferries (calmac.co.uk).

3. Exploring the Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides (also called the Western Isles) are an island chain stretching from Lewis in the north to Barra in the south. Best stops:

Lewis & Harris

  • Callanish Standing Stones – Ancient, mysterious stone circle.
  • Luskentyre Beach – Turquoise waters, white sand (often ranked as one of the world’s best beaches!).
  • Gearrannan Blackhouse Village – Traditional stone houses.
  • Stornoway – The largest town, great for food and supplies.
  • Harris Tweed Shops – Buy authentic handwoven tweed.

North & South Uist

  • Balranald Nature Reserve – Amazing birdwatching.
  • Berneray Beach – Stunning white-sand beach.
  • Benbecula – A great base for exploring.

Barra & Vatersay

  • Traigh Mhor Beach – The world’s only beach airport!
  • Castlebay & Kisimul Castle – A medieval castle on the sea.

4. Overnight Motorhome Stops

  • Campsites – There are designated motorhome campsites across the islands.
  • Wild Camping – Scotland’s “Right to Roam” allows wild camping, but be respectful (use designated parking areas where possible).
  • Motorhome Aires – Some towns have motorhome-friendly stopovers (e.g., Stornoway).

5. Getting Back to Edinburgh

You can take the ferry:

  • Lochboisdale (South Uist) → Mallaig (then drive back)
  • Stornoway → Ullapool (then drive back)

6. Additional Tips

✅ Fuel Up – Petrol stations are limited in rural areas.
✅ Weather-Ready – The Hebrides can be unpredictable; bring waterproofs.
✅ Book Ferries & Campsites Early – Especially in peak summer. Make sure you give the ferry company the correct measurements of the hire motorhome.
✅ Local Food – Try Stornoway black pudding, fresh seafood, and island whisky.

Would you like help with a detailed itinerary, or do you have any specific places in mind?