The beautiful bays of Harris / Picture: Mairi Martin

If you're looking for a destination that will take your breath away and help you relax, rejuvenate and recharge then Scotland's stunning Outer Hebrides have everything you need. This diverse chain of interconnected, easy-to-reach islands are located on Europe's Atlantic edge. Set in an outstanding natural environment rich with wildlife and heritage, each island has its own unique character and way of life.

Whether you're after peace and tranquillity or a more active, thrill-seeking adventure, the Outer Hebrides will deliver. They offer a wide variety of physical activities, alongside some outstanding Gaelic culture – the islands are one of the parts of Scotland with a strong Gaelic heritage, where the language is still spoken as part of daily life.

Providing the opportunity to connect with nature, free your mind and breathe in some of that pure, detoxifying Hebridean air, the islands – which include Lewis, Uist, Barra and St Kilda, as well as the more famous Harris – are increasingly becoming known as an ideal destination for those focused on improving their wellbeing. If you're keen to drink in the area's spectacular bird and marine life, for example, why not take a regularly scheduled or specially chartered boat trip?

Both Grey Seals and Common Seals are a frequent visitor to Berneray Harbour/ Picture: Laurie Campbell

World-renowned music, crafts and mouth-watering food and drink are sure to be enhanced by a friendly Hebridean welcome in a place where community really means something. Those looking for some cultural gems should check out Lewis's An Lanntair, an award-winning multi-arts venue, or Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre on North Uist, a thriving centre for heritage and contemporary art.

Amongst the hospitality highlights are South Uist's Hebridean Jewellery Café, who offer delicious food options and handcraft their jewellery on site, and the Dark Island Hotel on the Isle of Benbecula, whose menu combines traditional and contemporary dishes that feature the best in Hebridean produce. Then there's Harris's Scarista House where they make their own bread, biscuits, cakes and ice cream, or the Boatshed Restaurant at the Royal Hotel overlooking Stornoway Harbour and Lews Castle. Or if you can't make your mind up then you'll want to check out the Eat Drink Hebrides Trail, the Outer Hebrides' official food and drink trail, which will take you on a journey through the best the islands have to offer.

Everyone will appreciate the islands' idyllic beaches, with their turquoise water and white sands, and those looking beyond the popular beaches are sure to uncover some more serene spots. The more adventurous amongst you will find plenty of watersports options to satisfy your appetite for kicks. Barra Surf and Coastal Adventures makes the most of the area's unspoilt beaches, offering activities like surfing, sea kayaking, and even snorkelling with seals in some incredible sheltered lagoons. While the Scaladale Centre on the Isle of Harris have further activity options, including coasteering, gorge walking, climbing and abseiling, mountain biking, raft building, archery and dinghy sailing.

The Callanish Standing Stones located in the west coast of Lewis / Picture: Mike Chailes

Fishing enthusiasts will delight in the opportunities afforded by a landscape which boasts more than 4,000 lochs and lochans. And those interested in learning about local traditions will be able to witness modern crofting methods first hand, exploring the history of this traditional agricultural system by visiting crofting-themed attractions, like Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on the Isle of Lewis.

The islands are accessible by both ferry and air and can be easily explored by car, foot or bike. And if you want an absolutely unforgettable adventure then The Hebridean Way is a fantastic way to get to know the area, from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis. This iconic experience spans nearly 200 miles and 10 incredible islands, taking in rugged hills, stunning Atlantic coastlines and lots of wonderful wildlife and heritage, with plenty of pit stops to rest and refuel along the way.

So if you're eager to find space to unwind, to connect with nature in a place where dolphins swim and eagles soar, to wonder about the history and mysteries of a unique landscape, or to simply disconnect from your devices and be together, then a trip to the Outer Hebrides will give you all that and more.

For lots more ideas to help plan your Outer Hebrides adventure head to visitouterhebrides.co.uk/wellbeing

This article is sponsored by Outer Hebrides