Scotland: Outer Hebrides / Western Isles
Outer Hebrides / Western Isles, which ever you wish to call them, are a group of islands off the Isle of Skye on the West coast of Scotland. Altogether there are several hundred islands in the group but only a small number are inhabited. As a UK vacation destination the Outer Hebrides (or Western Isles) are becoming increasingly popular with increased accessibility and cheaper ferry fares. The recent introduction of Sunday sailings (from Stornoway) mean that it is now far easier to take a vacation on the islands and over the next few years the number Sunday ferry sailings may increase.
The main islands to visit are, the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris, North Uist and South Uist, Benbecula, Barra and Eriskay. Smaller islands, such as the Isle of Scalpay, merit a brief visit and this is becoming increasingly easier as the islands infrastructure improves (Scalpay was once only accessible by ferry and is now serviced by a bridge).
One of the main points of interest to visitors to the Outer Hebrides / Western Isles is the spectacular scenery. Fantastic beaches contrast with barren moorland and incredible mountainous regions. The islands also feature a rare type of land called "machair" which is a rich fertile strip of land which runs just behind beaches, during spring and early summer these tracts of land are festooned with a blanket of wild flowers, a most beautiful sight. To discover more about the islands we suggest a visit to the Virtual Hebrides at http://www.virtualhebrides.com
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| Places To Visit In Outer Hebrides / Western Isles | |
| Outer Hebrides / Western Isles Hotels & Accommodation | |
Top Places To Visit In Outer Hebrides / Western Isles
Isle of Lewis
The isle of Lewis is the largest of the islands and the most popular vacation destination. Sites of special interest include the standing stones at Calanais, which are shown to the right,
the Carloway Broch and the blackhouse village at Gearrannan. Read more...
Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris is on the same land mass as Lewis. Situated at the souther end, the Harris landscape is vastly different with a much more mountainous and hilly appearance with some of the finest beaches in Europe found on the west coast.
North Uist
North Uist is somewhat similar to the Isle of Harris in that it is pretty hilly and rocky. It is now possible to catch a ferry over to North Uist from Harris by catching the ferry which departs regularly from the village of Leverburgh.
South Uist
South Uist is vastly different to rocky North Uist. In the south the hills are softer and far greener. This part of the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles features some of the finest machair and sandy beaches as well as many archaeological sites.
Isle of Barra
Barra is a small island at the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides / Western Isles. Athough the island is small it is extremely diverse featuring a wealth of unique flora and fauna. Many refer to the Isle of Barra as the "Outer Hebrides in miniature".
Isle of Eriskay
Eriskay is a tiny island with a history which is far greater than you would expect of such a place. Environmentally diverse
the island is most widely known for being the island upon which the book and film "Whisky Galore" is based. The island is also of some historical importance as it was the first place in Scotland upon which Bonnie Prince Charlie set foot before he set about attempting to reclaim the English & Scottish crown for his father in 1745.
The list of places to visit in the Outer Hebrides / Western Isles of Scotland is endless and far too long to list here. Most places of interest lie in the flora and fauna of the islands, the unique countryside and spectacular beaches. At a later date we plan to return to this page and expand this particular section.
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Getting To Outer Hebrides / Western Isles
The Outer Hebrides / Western Isles are far easier (and cheaper) than it was even a few years ago. The most commonly used way to get to the islands is via the ferry but flights are also available to Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis and also to the Isle of Barra, which is most interesting as the landing strip is actually the beach!
Hotels In Outer Hebrides / Western Isles
(Closest to city centre first)
| Hotel Photo | Name | Location | Star | Book Online / Read More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Isle of North Uist Accommodation | ||||
 |
Tigh Dearg Hotel & Leisure Club
|
North Uist | 4* |  |
| The Isle of South Uist Accommodation | ||||
 |
Polochar Inn Rooms from: £70.00* |
South Uist | 4* | |
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Useful Outer Hebrides / Western Isles Links
Outer Hebrides / Western Isles Hotels And Bed & Breakfast
Listings of guest houses and hotels in Outer Hebrides / Western Isles from the Virtual Hebrides.
Outer Hebrides/Western Isles Accommodation
Accommodation in the Outer Hebrides from Enjoy Hebrides.
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