Welcome to Outdoor Hebrides

Outdoor Hebrides is the first website dedicated to outdoor activities in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, and one of the ten fascinating VisitHebrides.com websites!

Situated at the northwest edge of Europe between 56 & 59 degrees north, the Hebrides is a world-class natural resource for adventure, an incredible playground in an unspoilt wilderness. The sheer variety of activities available is mind-boggling for such a compact area and can be attributed to the diverse range of landscapes in the archipelago. From the seasoned adventurer to the absolute beginner, there are experiences and activities that will cater for all. This is a place of incredible empty waves, silent hills and deserted beaches, where the peace and tranquillity of a truly 'wild' environment is unforgettable to any adventurer.

The Hebrides are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and etched with deep sea-lochs. There is a lifetime's exploration by sailing boat and it is the perfect place for sea-kayaking with paddling to rival the best in the world. Year-round swells onto outstanding reef breaks and beaches provides the most consistent surf in Europe, making the Hebrides a world-class location for surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing. Fast boats explore the myriad islands and coves. Under the waves divers find a paradise of reefs, caves and forest kelps, in clear, clean water. Out west lies the World Heritage Site of St Kilda, with its incredible variety of marine life - one of the most famous and demanding locations for serious divers.

On land, the oldest rock in the world dots the surface in a landscape awesome in its emptiness. Where else in Britain is there so much unclimbed rock? From sea cliffs to mountain crags, it is all waiting to be discovered, and named! World-class events held on the islands prove how important the Hebrides' adventure resource is. The Hebridean Challenge, one of Europe's toughest adventure-races, is a week long race the length of the island chain in kayaks, bikes, and by swimming and running. Four half marathons and two challenging hill races take place every year. September 2001 saw the first international Hebridean Surf festival with professional world champion surfers competing on the Hebridean waves. The Sea and Surf Kayak Symposium in North Uist is known as the friendliest symposium in the UK.