The Outer Hebrides's Best Islands Are¦ [article from Articleranks]

The Outer Hebrides's Best Islands Are¦

If you have ever wondered about the reasons to visit the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, youre in the right place. Our guide takes you through the best reasons to go there, starting with the Isle of Lewis. More than 6000 people live in Stornoway alone, making it the most populous of the islands. Youll find sites such as a community-owned castle and the Neolithic Callanish Stones, which predate the Egyptian pyramids, as well as lots of cliffs that are great for abseiling.

A second reason to visit the Outer Hebrides is the Isle of Harris, which features some extremely diverse landscape. The east coast is very rocky and harsh, whereas the west coast features more traditional views and sandy beaches set against a backdrop of mountains. The landscape appears slightly lunar and is home to the oldest rock in the world, the Lewisian Gneiss. There are many locks, meadows and hills to explore, along with lots of castles and some great fishing that any angler will love.

We also recommend the lovely Isle of North Uist. Anglers can often get a whole freshwater loch to themselves as there are so many of them. Also, 9000 seal pups are born on the island every year so its great for nature lovers. Youll also enjoy the fantastic arts center and the fact that, at low tide, you can get across to the Isle of Vallay, where youll find a deserted mansion. With 13 miles from north to south to explore, you wont get bored.

You should also definitely check out the Isle of South Uist. This island has 20 miles of white shell beaches and lots of exciting flowers and wildlife (such as otters) to explore. You could visit the Loch Druidibeg nature reserve for a great day out, or perhaps explore some of the Hebridean traditions still carried out on the island. For example, wool drying, peat cutting and seaweed collecting are ways of life for the locals. Its also worth checking out the contrasting valleys and cliffs.

Finally, there is the World Heritage Site of the Islands of St Kilda. These are a group of volcanic islands 40 miles west of the main archipelago and they are largely uninhabited, although it is possible to see an abandoned village there. The islands are owned by the National Trust and it is the most important sea bird breeding station in North West Europe. With the most guillemots in the world and more than 1 million birds in total, it offers some of the most dramatic landscape in the UK.

Continue : Outer Hebrides Holidays

tags:Europe,destinations,tourism,travel