The Hebridean Way: Hostels, Bunkhouses and Bothies
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The Hebridean Way is a walking or cycle route across the Hebrides from Vatersay in the South to the Stornoway for the walking route and The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse (the most northern point on Lewis) for the cycle route.
The route is a 156 mile long distance walk or a separate 185 mile cycle on NCN route 780.
With hostels at Castlebay and Stornoway (for start and finish ferry connections) and along the route, our accommodation is a great choice for your overnight stops.
Hostels, Bunkhouses and Bothies on The Hebridean Way
The Hebridean Way is a route stretching the whole length of the Outer Hebridean Islands, from Vatersay to Lewis. Usually walked or cycled from south to north due to the prevailing winds, the route takes you through a wide variety of always stunning landscapes. From crystal clear deserted beaches to wild mountains, past freshwater lochs, and beautiful sea views. The famously changeable weather and the fantastic wildlife will certainly ensure that your trip is a memorable one.
There are excellent ferry routes from the mainland (Oban for Castlebay and Lochboisdale, Ullapool to Stornoway). Combined with the excellent bus services on the mainland means the whole route can be done using public transport, ferries, and shank’s pony!
The 156-mile walking route can be travelled over 12 days of between 10 and 17-mile walks. It is possible to stay in Independent hostels along the route. Sometimes it is necessary to stay more than one night in a hostel and use the excellent bus services to get you to and from your end and start points. There are always options to take detours or stay longer in certain places to make the most of your trip to these historic and unique islands.
Cyclists travelling the Hebridean Way should follow the well-signposted NCN780 cycle route. The route takes them 185 miles from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse. Which is the most northerly point on Lewis and the Hebrides. It is advisable to bring a map as well in order to take detours for attractions and cake! The Hebridean Way Cycle route is usually done over either 4 or 6 days.
Traversing the islands
Crossing 10 islands, using 6 causeways and 2 ferries, both routes are a fantastic challenge for the keen walker or cyclist providing the opportunity to see these stunning islands on the edge of Europe at a gentle pace surrounded by stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
It is always advisable to book your accommodation if you are planning a trip on the Hebridean Way. Especially in the summer.
Visit Hebrides has produced a fantastic website full of useful advice and the LDWA website shows the route, but don’t forget to come back to the Independent Hostel Guide to book your accommodation.