Just browse our site and click this button. Steeped in tradition, South Uist is a great place to learn about loal culture and the perfect island to experience some great natural sights. The Outer Hebrides: Islands under threat from rising sea levels. Stretching 210 kilometres (130 miles) from Lewis in the north to Barra Head in the south, the Outer Hebrides belong to Scotland’s Western Isles (in Gaelic, Eilean Siar) council. You will probably have seen Stornoway, the main settlement, in the top left-hand corner of the weather map on TV. The small chain of islands boasts some of the UK’s finest beaches, dramatic scenery, a variety of wildlife, wild mountain ranges as well as a rich history and unique Gaelic culture. The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, is a group of islands off the west coast of mainland Scotland. The Outer Hebrides: Islands under threat from rising sea levels. On route to America carrying thousands of cases of Whisky and Jamaican currency, islanders helped the crew to safety before saving some of the cargo. Alternative points of interest to consider include Beinn Sciathan, the highest point on the island, and St Michael’s Catholic Church. Seen from the air North Uist appears to be more water than land, but a journey around the north and west of the island reveals a fabulous mix of machair, sands and active crofting. All Rights Reserved, Mingulay is an uninhabited island south of Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides and is home to puffins, terns, kittiwakes. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates ferries from a number of ports on the west coast. Crossing the sound of Harris you arrive on the wonderful Isle of Berneray which has a mix of rocky little bays on the east coast and extensive machair and sandy beaches on the west. Outer Hebrides Between Islands Exhibition Launched Online Thursday, 21 January 2021, 12:45 A new exciting virtual exhibition ‘Tales of the Unexpected’ has been launched in the Outer Hebrides by Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean, the museum and archive service of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The main islands being Lewis & Harris, Uist, and Barra. Consideration of the change in resident population from 1981 to 2011 in terms of island group areas illustrates the severity of population change in particular locations in the Outer Hebrides . Having spent a week road tripping, adventuring and wild camping through the OH, I urge you to add these islands to your bucket list. The more rugged east coast of the island has many intriguing archaeological sites and is heavily indented with very scenic sea lochs and sheltered natural harbours. Best known for the impressive Standing Stones of Callanish, alternative highlights to consider include the Norse Mill and Shawbost, Lews Castle and Museum and St Columba’s Church. The Outer Hebrides have a diverse, fascinating history and heritage and something to interest everybody. The Hebrides have been shown to have been inhabited as far back as 6500 BC. During your time on Eriskay, we thoroughly recommend visiting Prince Charlie’s Bay. There are 119 islands in total, but the five major inhabited islands are Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra. Preserved where possible, the ruins offer the chance to observe grand ancient architecture in what is a crucial site on this remote island. Whisking you back in time to the Iron Age period, the Norse Mill at Shawbost is a faithfully recreated slice of island life practised thousands of years ago. You also have the option to send your itinerary to our tailor made holiday partner. Or take a ferry from the mainland. Steeped in 5,000 years of UNESCO recognised heritage and endlessly photogenic, these iconic islands have never been more accessible than they are now. Feel free to provide any feedback you may have using the form below. The Outer Hebrides is one of the most magical places on earth. The rest we would figure out as we went. We have reviews of the best places to see in Outer Hebrides. The Hebrides islands archipelago is divided into two groups, the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides. The stunning Isle of Benbecula is by contrast a very flat island, with just one hill, and home to the majority of Uists population and businesses. Islands Lewis is the largest and most northern island in the Outer Hebrides, home to one of the best prehistoric sites in Scotland, and some fabulous beaches. In this post, I will focus on the best beaches on the Isles of Lewis and Harris and I hope to continue adding more as we become more familiar with the other islands. As my love affair with Scotland developed over the last few years, I remember whispers from people saying I had to go there. You can nowadays drive all the way to Skye on A87 which crosses on a toll-free bridge. The Best Hiking in the Outer Hebrides. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Outer Hebrides, The Hebrides on Tripadvisor: See 53,732 traveler reviews and photos of Outer Hebrides tourist attractions. Barra, Outer Hebrides Threaded with denim-blue and granite-grey, the Outer Hedbrides' homespun beauty has kept David Profumo coming back for 40 years. See more ideas about outer hebrides, hebrides, scotland. Got a travel suggestion or story you want to share, email us at holidayenquiries@dcttravel.co.uk. Having spent a week road tripping, adventuring and wild camping through the OH, I urge you to add these islands to your bucket list. Setting off and returning to Ullapool on Blue Clipper gives a fantastic opportunity to explore these enchanted islands like the Shiants shown above. "... to heaven as you could … As my love affair with Scotland developed over the last few years, I remember whispers from people saying I had to go there. The largest island of the Outer Hebrides is Lewis and Harris, and the other large islands are North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra. An article that shares some the culture, people and history of the key islands on the Western side of Scotland. Ceilidhs, canoeing, hillwalking, windsurfing and dozing off in front of a … The fun is in planning the itinerary. MorningAfternoon. 4 – NW Scotland & Outer Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides remain a heartland of Gaelic culture, with the language spoken by over half of the islanders. One of the largest islands in the entire British Isles, Harris and Lewis can be an extremely rewarding visit, serving up a range of memorable and famous Scottish experiences. If not, it definitely should be. At the bottom of the Outer Hebridean islands lies Vatersay, the filming location used during the production of the film ‘Whisky Galore’. A rocket from the Hebrides missile range in the Western Isles has become the first vehicle to be launched into space from UK soil. The impact of climate change is already being felt in the Western Isles of Scotland. With its rich traditions, stunning coastal scenery and strong sense of community, Harris offers a unique introduction to island life. Vatersay is the full stop at the south of the chain and is a beautiful little island dominated by machair and wonderful shell sand beaches. Travelling to the Outer Hebrides is all part of really experiencing the islands - perhaps you'll choose to fly, landing on the world's only beach airport on the Isle of Barra? If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. Jul 23, 2019 - Explore Heather Cowen's board "Outer Hebrides" on Pinterest. There are 15 inhabited islands in this archipelago. Find out more. Also found on the island is the invaluable RSPB reserve at Balranald, providing a crucial safe haven. Telephone: 01224 338000, ‘Scotland in Miniature’ – The Wonders of Arran. It incorporates Lewis in the north and Harrisin the south, both of which are frequently referred to as individual islands, although they are connected by land. Which publication, if any, do you normally read? You will probably have seen Stornoway, the main settlement, in the top left-hand corner of the weather map on TV. The Outer Hebrides. If you are the sort of person who looks at far-flung islands ‘at the edge of the map’ and wonders what is there, then the Outer Hebrides are for you. Holding a crucial role in ancient rituals once performed at the site, the exact purpose of the stones are still shrouded in a degree of mystery to this day. Understand the boat and the boat will understand you. And when you buy from the islanders, you really are helping a community thrive. South Uist is a long narrow island with some very rugged hills on the east and almost continuous magnificent machair with an array of wildflowers and 20 miles of white beach on the west. From the 18th century diary entries of Boswell and Johnson, to the current-day best-sellers by Peter May, writers visiting (or living in) the islands have long been inspired to put pen to paper. Immortalised thanks to the classic feature ‘Whisky Galore’ (based on the novel of the same name), perhaps the island’s best claim to fame is the SS Politican incident. Also on-site, take the time to admire a great recreation of a traditional crofter’s house mirroring homes once found across the island and carrying out a crucial role in island life. If you would like us to call you back when it's more convenient for you, simply complete the form below and Send, When is best to call you? ---The Press and JournalThe CourierThe Sunday PostEvening ExpressEvening TelegraphMy WeeklyThe People's FriendThe Scots Magazinenone of the above, Would you like to receive our e-newsletter ? Gaelic is still widely spoken in the Outer Hebrides. Explore our range of Outer Hebrides holidays here. Scotland has over 900 offshore islands, most of which are to be found in four … ‘The gateway to the Uists’, Benbecula is beautiful, lying between bigger neighbours with its own airport bringing supplies to the island. There is a lifetime of islands to explore in the Outer Hebrides or you can use them as a jumping off point to discover others further afield – St Kilda, Pabbay, Flannan Isle, North Rona, The Shiant Islands, Monach Isles, Fuday, Mingulay and Bishop’s Isles. You have been successfully subscribed to our newsletter. A wonderful natural habitat, be on the lookout for the island’s wide array of wildflowers that prosper on the island. Refunds - Find out how to apply for a refund online. In the time period when Outlander is set, Gaelic was the primary language in the Highlands and Islands, and so naturally, it features prominently on the show. fulmars, guillemots and razorbills, You can build your own holiday itinerary here! Independent Shops in the Outer Hebrides Artists and craft makers are all over the islands, all offering their own unique take on island life. Rough Guides even included them in their list for the World's Greatest Road Trips for 2017. South Uist is a long narrow island with some very rugged hills on the east and almost continuous magnificent machair with an array of wildflowers and 20 miles of white beach on the wes t. The picturesque island of Eriskay is reached by a causeway from South Uist and is a rocky little island with a strong fishing tradition. Here Charles Edward Stuart or ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ landed on the beach in the summer of 1745 just before the ‘Forty-Five Jacobite Rising’. The Outer Hebrides is a crescent-shaped archipelago of 200 islands which lies around 65 kilometres (40 miles) off the northwestern coast of mainland Scotland. Connect to its neighbours via a series of causeways; North Uist is a beautiful, small island that offers stunning, relatively untouched beaches home to some fabulous wildlife found in the centre of the Western Isles archipelago. For an out of this world experience, take a day trip to this hauntingly beautiful dual world heritage site, 40 miles off the Atlantic coast of the Outer Hebrides. Visit Outer Hebrides have a list of camping and caravan sites in the Outer Hebrides BY BUS – If you plan to use public transport on the Outer Hebrides buses run across the islands Monday – Sunday and timetables are aligned to meet ferries and flights. There are 15 inhabited islands and many more uninhabited ones. Often referred to as the ‘Castle in the Sea’, the castle rests out on a rock in Castle Bay. Depart Skye bound for the Island of Harris – your destination in the Outer Hebrides, and an island ready to exceed all expectations. Public Toilets and Portable Toilet Disposal Points. The beauty of the area is world-renowned as evident by Wanderlust travel magazine featuring the Outer Hebrides as one of the top 100 Greatest Travel Experiences – the only area in Britain to make the list. 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