Winter Motorbike Tour of the Outer Hebrides: Riding Through Skye, Harris & Lewis

When most people think about motorcycle adventures, they picture sunny skies and warm roads.

But we decided to take a slightly... colder route.

We set off in the dead of winter on a 4-day motorbike trip through the Outer Hebrides — riding to the legendary Isle of Skye, hopping a ferry, and exploring the stunning Isle of Harris and Isle of Lewis.

And let’s just say... it was unforgettable in every sense.

Riding to the Isle of Skye

Our journey started with a ride through some truly breathtaking Scottish landscapes — and a chill in the air that went straight to the bones (-8 degrees at times). With heated gear cranked up (and still barely enough), we made our way to Skye in snow, slush and ice - slowly.

Every mile felt like a small victory against the elements, and it was just the beginning.

Ferry to the Outer Hebrides

Catching the ferry with a motorcycle always feels a bit adventurous, but doing it in winter? Different level. The crossing to Harris and Lewis was wild but beautiful, with waves crashing and that unmistakable feeling of being at the edge of the world. However, after travelling through the night we may have snored through most of it!

Once we rolled off the ferry, it really hit us — we were officially riding one of the most remote and magical parts of Scotland, in the middle of winter.

Touring Harris and Lewis on Two Wheels

The scenery? Unreal.

The roads? Empty (and occasionally frozen).

The temperature? Brutal.

We stayed in Harris, using it as a base to explore. From epic coastal views to vast open moorlands, every corner of the Isle of Harris and Lewis was pure magic — and we had it all to ourselves.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. At one point, we hit a patch of ice and had a bit of a slide — but luckily managed to save it (shoutout to sheer luck and stubbornness).

When Even Two Idiots on a Bike Say "Nope"

One day, the weather turned so bad that even we knew better than to ride. So, we swapped our wheels for legs and set out on foot — deciding to do a walking tour instead.

Only one problem: 4 hours of hiking through wild Scottish landscapes in motorcycle boots. Not exactly our smartest move.

By the end, frozen, and footsore, we had no choice but to hitch a ride back to our cabin — in the local community bus.

(And of course, we didn’t have a penny of cash on us. Big thanks to the amazing locals who still gave us a lift!)

Why Winter Motorcycle Adventures Are Worth It

Was it cold? Absolutely.

Was it challenging? No question.

Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.

There’s something about riding when everyone else stays home that makes the experience even more raw, real, and rewarding. Plus, the Outer Hebrides in winter feel like another planet — raw, powerful, and hauntingly beautiful.

If you're considering a motorcycle trip through Scotland and want something a little more extreme, a winter motorbike tour of the Outer Hebrides should definitely be on your list.