Vacations In The Scottish Hebrides
The Hebrides are an archipelago situated not too far off the West coast of Scotland. The islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides have been lived on since the Mesolithic period and throughout history the culture and way of life has been greatly influenced by numerous races and today the culture of the Hebrideans is a mix of Scottish, English, Norse and Celtic influences. In general most people speak in the Gaelic language and though some talk in English, it is often their second language. Not too many years ago visits to the Outer Hebrides were only for the adventurous and rich and those folk who had plenty of time. In modern times it is incredibly to reach the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles, you can travel by ferry and car or even take a flight to a number of places on the islands. Unfortunately it is not possible to get all of the way by train although it is possible to travel coast and then travel by bus for the rest of the trip. Often the only hiccup that can arise is arranging accommodation especially if you require accommodation for groups on the Isle of Harris which is more often than not fully booked up.
One of the main reasons folk visit the Hebrides Isles is that the the landscape and culture of the islands are stunningly unique. Dotted along the south west coast of the Isle of Harris you will find some of the most beautiful golden sandy beaches in all of Scotland, and it could be said the whole of Britain. Here and there you will find a standing stone on Harris but it is on the adjoining Isle of Lewis that you will find the most astounding stone circle at Callanish not too far from Stornoway the principal town in the Western Isles. The stone circle at Callanish is said to be 2nd to only England’s Stonehenge.
Deciding whether to stay on the Isle of Harris or the Isle of Lewis is a truly difficult decision and more folk are deciding to spend some time on each. B&B accommodation on Lewis is often easier to find than Isle of Harris accommodation, to avoid problems book early.
Bed & breakfast accommodation in Stornoway is is fairly easy to find but to be safe book in advance. Virtually all accommodation in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is of a very high standard and the hospitality is the best you are likely to witness and the local people helpful and friendly.
Besides the Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Harris there are several other inhabited islands that are extremely easy to visit. The most commonly visited are North and South Uist, Benbecula and Barra and a ferry can be caught which runs from the Isle of Harris to North Uist at Leverburgh, a small village on South Harris.