Inner Hebrides

16 Surf spots
families beginners
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Positives
  • Multi aspect breaks
  • Sheltered spots
  • Good windsurfing and kiting
  • Beautiful island scenery
Negatives
  • Regular howling onshores
  • Strong currents
  • Extensive swell shadowing
  • Nasty winter weather

Inner Hebrides surf travel guide

To the west of the Scottish mainland lies the fractured archipelago of the Hebrides. The area has so many islands, islets and coastline, so the potential for empty waves is high. The Outer Hebrides receive the brunt of the Atlantic’s force and have a helpful 180º swell window, but block and filter out much swell for the Inner Hebrides and mainland W coast, where the dominant winds are onshore. Tiree, Islay and the mainland surf beach of Machrihanish are the spots to check plus there are some sheltered gems that come to life in big W/NW swells, in the heart of Scotland’s single-malt producing region.

Surf spots in Inner Hebrides

Research the 16 surf breaks in Inner Hebrides and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Inner Hebrides.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Inner Hebrides

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
3,400,000
Population
5,454,000
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
GBP
Exchange rate
$1 = £0.7 GBP

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+44
Dialing out
00
Emergencies
112
Language
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic.
Electricity
Plug Type
g
Visas

Since Brexit, unrestricted travel between the UK and the EU is over. The current system allows for visa free travel for up to 90/180 days a year. Beyond 90 days things get very complicated so check online for the details. US, Canada, OZ, NZ and some others follow the same 90-180 day rules. Most other countries need a visa before arrival. more info here 

Getting There

Outer Hebrides - No visa required. Daily flights with BA (from $300 r/t from London) to Glasgow (GLA) or Inverness (INV) to Stornoway (SYY). BA no longer carry surfboards. CalMac run car ferries from Ullapool to Stornoway (2h40 o/w, $30/pax; $250/car r/t). Long vehicles and vans cost more. Book in advance if driving. Bus from Inverness-Ullapool is $22 r/t.

Getting Around

Outer Hebrides - Lewis Car Rental charges $320/wk for group A. Lots of car ferry options to get there and travel between islands, adding to the driving costs. Stornoway is 45min from Tarbert. Driving is very relaxing and enjoyable with a good road network and little traffic out of Stornoway. All place names and direction signs are in Gaelic.

Activities
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