Barra

Routes

Oban - Castlebay 

South Uist - Castlebay

The mainly Gaelic speaking island of Barra, nestled at the foot of the Outer Hebridean chain, is small and perfectly formed. From your first sight of KisimulCastle standing guard over Castlebay, you know you have arrived in a place where a sense of tradition runs deep.

From the emails we receive, we know that Barra is one of your favourite islands. Often noted for its beauty, Barra is only five miles across by eight miles long, with a ring road all the way around it. Barra is a compact paradise with stunning coastal scenery – the island boasts white sandy beaches, remarkable wildlife and diverse flora and fauna. The rare machair environment is home to over 1000 different species of wild flower, including Irish Lady’s Tresses and Wild Rattle. The waters around Barra are also home to a playful, friendly school of dolphins.

With so much to see, the island is a favourite with walkers and cyclists, many of whom use the island as the starting point for a long distance route of the entire Outer Hebridean chain. However, the island’s 20 mile circular route offers a gentler, relaxing way to experience the whole island in just one day.

A close knit community that really knows how to have fun, everyone is welcome at the island’s legendary ceilidhs and social gatherings. The Castlebay Bar makes the ‘ Scotland the Best’ list of good pubs and the islander’s wry sense of humour and strong character immortalised in the film ‘Whisky Galore’ lives on.

For those interested in Barra’s fascinating history, Kisimul Castle, the ancient seat of the Clan MacNeil, is a good place to start before moving on to the Dualchas Heritage Centre.

Finally, we challenge you to leave Barra without stocking up on Hebridean Toffee, the luxury Scottish tablet that is gaining a gourmet reputation around the world.

In summer, Barra is served by our daily (3 times per week in winter) Oban-Castlebay route (5 hrs 20 minutes crossing time) and links to the rest of the Outer Hebridean chain via our short Barra-Eriskay service (40 minute crossing, up to 5 crossings per day). Advance reservations are advised on both routes.