Camping in Outer Hebrides

South of Lewis and Harris, tiny Berneray has pristine beaches on the west coast— West Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand, around which you can spot rare orchids in the summer and, if you’re lucky, the elusive corncrake. On the east coast, conditions are ideal for wind- and kite-surfing.

Connected to Berneray by a causeway, North Uist is home to lots of sandy beaches that are perfect for wind- and kite-surfing. It’s also a great destination for keen anglers who can fish in the lochs, as well as  bikers and birdwatchers. On the west coast, the Balnarad Nature Reserve is home to wading and farmland birds, including lapwings, corn buntings and corncrakes.

South Uist encompasses various landscapes, from imposing mountains in the east to a beautiful string of dune-backed beaches in the west. The island is a draw for history and archeology enthusiasts who can visit the charming Kildonan Musuem and Bronze Age roundhouses of Cladh Hallan, and wildlife watchers who come to spot sea eagles, seals and red deer.

With flights from the mainland landing on the pretty beach of Tràigh Mhòr, even just arriving on Barra is delightful. The island packs the best of the Outer Hebrides into its petite size and is a beautiful setting for such activities as swimming, surfing and windsurfing. Barra is connected by a causeway to Vatersay, the southernmost inhabited Outer Hebridean island dominated by white sand beaches and turquoise waters.