The Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are a group of more than four hundred islands lying off the north west coast of Scotland. The islands of the Inner & Outer Hebrides have been inhabited since the Mesolithic times and throughout history the culture and way of life has been immensely influenced by numerous different races and today the culture of the Hebrideans is a blend of English, Scottish, Norse and Celtic influences. The vast majority of people speak in the Gaelic language and although many speak English, it is more often their 2nd language. Not too far in the past tours of the Inner and Outer Hebrides were only for people with plenty of cash and those who could afford plenty of time. These days it is much to reach the Hebrides, it is possible to get there by boat and car or fly to various airports on the islands. Sadly you are unable to get all of the way by rail although you can travel to the coast and then travel by coach for the remainder of the journey. Sometimes the only hiccup that can arise is sorting out where to stay especially if you are searching for Isle of Harris accommodation for groups which is more often than not booked well in advance.
One of the primary reasons people visit the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides is that the the culture and landscape of the islands are curiously unique. Along the west coast of the Isle of Harris are to be found some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the whole of Scotland, and many people believe the whole of Great Britain. Here and there you will discover a standing stone on the Isle of Harris but it is on the Isle of Lewis that you will find the most awe inspiring collection of standing stones at Calanais not far from Stornoway the only town in the Western Isles. The stone circle at Calanais is said to be 2nd to only England’s Stonehenge.
Deciding whether to stay on Lewis or Harris is often difficult and increasing numbers of people are deciding to spend some time on each. B&B accommodation on Lewis is frequently more readily available than Harris accommodation, so you should really book well in advance.
Bed and breakfast in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is is not too much of a problem to find but to be certain book in advance. Virtually all accommodation in the Western Isles is of a very high standard and the hospitality is legendary and the local folk friendly and helpful.
Besides Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis there are a small number of other inhabited islands that are easy to visit. The most commonly visited are North and South Uist, Eriskay and Barra and there is a ferry which runs from the Isle of Harris to North Uist at the village of Leverburgh.



(out of 6 reviews)
