Best Places to Go Sea Kayaking in the Outer Hebrides

Loch Roag on the W coast of Lewis is a great place to potter in a sea kayak. Launch from the camp site at the stunning beach at Valtos on its SW shore and head out to explore the Islands. Pabay Mor (Big Priest Island), has a stunning arch you can paddle through into its hidden lagoon. This also houses one of the largest fish traps in the Outer Isles.

Morning view across Loch Roag.

There are also 2 restored black houses on its SW coast. The coast of Great Bernera (Bear Island) – not to be confused with Berneray in the Sound of Harris – is indented with caves and small stacks. If you follow it through the narrows and under the bridge, you’ll be able to visit the standing stones at Callanish on mainland Lewis. (Read our blog for the full lowdown on how to experience the best of Callanish).

They are older and more complete than Stone Henge, and well worth a visit. The mouth of Loch Roag is scattered with lots of small islets, ideal for island hopping. But be cautious, as they are open to the Atlantic swell (nothing between you and America), and there’s a magnetic anomaly. The Broch at Carloway on the N side is another must visit location, the most complete in Scotland apart from Mousa in Shetland.

Berneray (Bear or Bjorn’s Island) on the S shore of the Sound of Harris, feels as if it is totally surrounded by shell beaches.

Lunch stop on West Berneray

With it’s azure seas , Machair and thriving crofting community, Berneray is a must visit destination. King Charles stayed with one of the crofters on several occasions, and it was the home of giant Angus MacAskill who was 7ft 9in tall!

Known as The Bishop, the string of Islands running S from Barra – Vatersay, Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Berneray all have their own distinct characters.

Puffin watching on Mingulay

Although none of the crossings are long, it’s a committing paddle. As this takes you further from civilisation than any other trip mentioned above, excluding ‘the Outliers’. The rewards are worth it with some of the highest sea cliffs and stacks outwith St Kilda. The peace and solitude of the haunting deserted village among the dunes at Mingulay (Big Island). Mingulay is often referred to as a St Kilda lookalike. There are also too many stunning sandy beaches and top notch camp sites to mention.