Outer Hebrides Must Sees

Must sees will be listed in guide books or websites. If you identify particular types of things which are of interest (birds, castles, beaches) it wil be easier to help you find 'gems'.

This may help - http://www.walkhebrides.com/ - I couldn't see a messageboard though hopefully someone on TT can recommend walks for you that they have done.

You've picked a good time of year to visit - long daylight hours, Scottish schools just broken up, rest of UK still in school. A couple of years ago, I was a marshal on Hebridean Challenge adventure race, which is taking place 4 - 10 July 09 - see http://www.hebrideanchallenge.com/ for general info, photos etc or http://www.hebrideanchallenge.com/post/60 for specific itinerary for 2009.

Gatliff Trust hostels are must-see in a way too...Garenine, Howmore, and Berneray ones in particular. I enjoyed walking on Berneray (THAT beach!) and in the northern and eastern parts of Harris.

Thanks guys, Micolett, I had penciled in 2 nights in Berneray so I can spend a day walking the island.Was thinking that would be good idea for a sunday, as I believe Gatliff have sunday rules meaning you cant arrive/leave on that day?

djpkemp, I'm looking for solid day walks (8-10 miles), I'm interested mainly in views, and natural beauty, be it beaches/hills/lochs/forests etc. I'm not really a history chap so I'll probably give the numerous standing circles a miss. That help?

One other questions, what are the midges like at the time of year? Are they a problem?

Hard to say precisely about midges, but...mainly yes. Depends on winds, temperature, weather...
I remember one evening on Berneray when it was impossible to get out without a headnet, there were clouds of them bloodthirsty bastards.

Gatliff trust hostels are excellent. I also stayed at a hostel called Taigh Mo Sheanair (My Grandfather’s House) at Carnach, Claddach Baleshare, North Uist. It was amazing - cosy and brilliant but in such a desolate place...

Eriskay was also great and there was an outdoor/adventure centre in Lochmaddy that was cheap and clean. There's a Taigh Chearsabhagh in Lochmaddy which is a museum/art gallery with a cafe/shop near the pier in a renovated old building. An Leabhar Mor (the big book of gaelic) was on display when I was there - fantastic - as well as a display on women of uist. For such a wild, lonely place it was a gem of a find and bizarrely the place was packed (while the rest of the village was like a ghost town!)

Loved the Outer Hebrides. I went in a week in July (just after the music festival in Stornoway) and the weather was perfect and I don't remember any midges.

Harris is also pretty inspiring. Have a great time!

I recommend flying in or out of Barra. The flights are subsidised by the Scottish govt and are quite reasonable. The 16 seater aeroplanes land and take off from the huge beach (Traigh Mor) at the north of the island and connect to Glasgow. Quite an experience. There are also connections to Benbecula