The best time to visit the Hebrides
When is the best time of year to go to The Hebrides? The Hebrides are full of adventure all year round as long as you're well prepared. Peter Edwards, author of the Cicerone Press guidebook to The Hebrides, explains that each season offers its own special reasons to visit this incredible island group
The Hebrides
50 Walking and Backpacking Routes
£18.95
Inspirational guidebook to 50 varied walking and backpacking routes in the Hebrides, featuring classics such as the Skye Cuillin and the Paps of Jura, but also many lesser-known routes on Jura, Scarba, Islay, Colonsay, Rum, Eigg, Canna, Muck, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Skye, Raasay, Harris, Lewis, Berneray, North Uist, South Uist, Barra and St Kilda.
More informationWhat is the weather like in the Hebrides?
The Hebridean weather brings its own challenges. Storms battering in off the Atlantic, driving horizontal rain and buffeting winds can make coast and hillwalking ill-advised at times, while dense clouds, persistent rain and poor visibility can put a literal dampener on the experience. However, island weather is changeable, which usually provides some variety over the course of a few days. Such unpredictability is best viewed as stimulating, but you should be prepared for every eventuality when planning walks. High winds and persistent rain are not uncommon, but when the sun shines, the islands are an earthly paradise.
The Hebrides by season
Early spring & autumn
In early spring and autumn, you are more likely to benefit from mild weather, although rain can be a feature, which results in wet, boggy ground. There is a reasonable amount of daylight to be getting on with.
Another important advantage gained by visiting in these seasons is that in early spring, the bracken has not yet sprung up, and in the autumn, it dies back. Bracken forms a serious natural obstacle in some areas on many of the islands and is often occupied by many deer ticks. Furthermore, midges and horseflies don’t generally appear until mid-spring and disappear again in autumn.
There are fewer visitors at these times of year than in summer.
Late spring & summer
In late spring and summer, the ground is generally less boggy, and the Hebrides are blossoming, vibrant and beautiful. However, in hot weather, walking over the difficult terrain often encountered in the Hebrides can be gruelling, especially when backpacking.
You will have to contend with bracken, ticks, midges and horseflies.
On several islands, including Skye, Mull and Harris, there is a trade-off between the risk of fine weather breaking out and significant visitor numbers. If you’re after getting away from it all it’s probably best to avoid the visitor ‘hotspots’ during the high season. You’re far less likely to have the place to yourself.
Winter
Winter can be a fantastic time for walking in the Hebrides, but this depends to some extent on the walking you aim to do and also how experienced you are. You must be properly equipped for the conditions. Short winter days are an important factor to consider and ferry cancellations are also common in the winter months.
The temperate maritime climate means that conditions can change quickly. Stormy weather can be a factor, and you will also be vulnerable to the elements when walking in coastal areas. It can also be surprisingly mild in winter, thanks to the Gulf Stream, although the terrain can be very boggy in places, with December and January being the wettest months on most of the islands. It is doubly important to check the weather, let others know your planned route, allow plenty of time to complete your walk in daylight and be properly equipped before setting out.
Deer ticks are an ever-present issue year-round, but during the winter months, they are less of a problem than in summer.
You’re much more likely to have the place to yourself in winter.
A quick note on deer stalking:
On the Hebridean islands, where deer are culled, it is advisable to contact the estates where you will be walking during the deer stalking season, both for your own safety and as a matter of courtesy. Deer stalking season runs from 1 July until 15 February.
Contact numbers for the relevant estates are included in the guidebook.
Cycling in the Hebrides
Island touring and day rides including The Hebridean Way
£14.95
Cycling in the Hebrides is a comprehensive guidebook of routes, day rides and suggested island cycle tours throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Firth of Clyde with ferry schedules and timings. Routes range from rides suitable for a weekend break to a challenging 600 mile tour covering the entire region.
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