Driving in the Western Isles is a popular option, with visitors bringing their own vehicles or taking advantage of Outer Hebrides car hire providers on Lewis, Harris, Benbecula, South Uist or Barra on arrival.
Larger villages, towns and townships are connected by a selection of well-surfaced A class roads, while in more rural areas drivers can expect B class roads, designed for single traffic with regular passing places.
We urge you to take time to read this guidance to keep you and our communities safe.
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the Outer Hebrides! But please take care on the roads especially our single track roads. We have some cycling tips for you so you have a safe an happy holiday.
We have a number of EV charging sites throughout the Outer Hebrides and you can view the locations here.
Driving in the Outer Hebrides
Keep left
Be courteous to other road users – please check your mirrors regularly and pull in and let the traffic behind you pass. Others may be driving to work or trying to catch a ferry
If you see vehicle flashing headlights, it maybe someone attending an emergency. Pull in and let them pass
Please do not park on roads, in passing places or at the access to fields. Use designated parking spaces
Take extra care when passing cyclists and walkers, particularly on single track roads. If you are on a single track road, you must wait for them to stop in a passing place so you can pass them safely. When on a double track road, give cyclists at least 1.5 metres or more clearance when overtaking. Also if the weather is windy, watch out for gusts which may affect the cyclist as you overtake
Many areas of the Outer Hebrides are unfenced, and livestock often wander along the roads and verges. Take extra care as they may suddenly decide to cross in front of you. Look out for deer along the roadsides, especially at night, as they can jump out suddenly
Single Track Roads
Please use the nearest passing place to let traffic pass
Never cross the road to pull in to a passing place. Stay on your side and let the oncoming vehicle use the passing place
Pull in and let traffic behind you pass to avoid creating a queue
Be aware that, on occasion, you may have to reverse to let a vehicle pass if you have just passed the nearest passing place
If you see a large vehicle approaching in the distance, be prepared to stop in the next passing place and wait for them to go by you
Note that, vehicles coming up a hill have the right of way and it is the vehicle going downhill that has to stop
VisitScotland have also pulled together this very helpful Driving in Scotland video and Struthach Films have produced a great wee video How to Drive on Single Track Roads take a look here:
You can build your own holiday itinerary here! Just browse our site and click this button to add to your itinerary when you see something you like. If your planner is not finished, simply click save and you can come back to it later on!You also have the option to send your itinerary to our tailor made holiday partner.
