The Hebridean Whale Trail brings together over 30 of the most beautiful corners of Scotland's west coast. Places where whales, dolphins and wondrous creatures roam.
Click on an area to explore where you could be when your one-in-a-million moment happens.
With busy seas bustling with birds, boats and the occasional whale, and shallow sounds where basking sharks glide, this patchwork of islands and coastline makes for a wildlife watching paradise. Each area has a distinctly different personality and from here you can visit sites at an imposing castle or in a vibrant seaside village, you can try your hand at whale spotting from atop a lighthouse or with your toes in the sand of a sheltered shore.
Lying on the very edge of the wild Atlantic the isles of Lewis and Harris are a study in extremes; towering cliffs and white sandy beaches, crystal clear seas and crashing Atlantic waves. These shores are a renowned destination for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises, while the fascinating heritage and the living Gaelic culture make every visit special.
Each island and islet has a distinctly different landscape and personality, and you might just spot something wondrous, like one of the bottlenose dolphins that call Barra their home. ‘Uist, 30 miles long, where whales and other sea monsters abound’ this description of the island chain was made by Scottish chronicler John of Fordun back in 1360. It still holds true to the present day.
Here mountains meet sea. These craggy peaks dominate the skyline, towering up into the clouds and plunging down into the sea. The villages, beaches and land-marks along this coast offer outstanding views across the Minch towards the Outer Hebrides. However, it is not only whales and dolphins you should keep an eye out for in the Minch, but also the mythical Blue Men. These shadowy crea-tures were said to capture mariners and 4 test their poetic ability, so take a rhyme with you if you venture out from the shores...
These southern islands lie in interesting waters, from the sheltered Firth of Clyde and balmy bays, to the mighty Corryvrekan whirlpool. What will you spot from these sites? Little porpoises glimpsed between the waves, dolphins leaping into the air, a magnificent whale coming up to breathe, or maybe a Storm Kelpie looking to carry you away...
A visit to Skye and the Small Isles will take you on a journey like no other. The sculpted landscapes of these islands are steeped in history and surrounded by seas that are a known hotspot for whales, dolphins and porpoises. Pristine beaches look towards towering moun- tains; waterfalls plunge down cliffs into mysterious depths and each community welcomes you in.