Important Tips for Hebrides Vacations

By: Andrew Johnstone

Many folk are discovering a unique part of Scotland which is a superb vacation destination, the Hebrides. The Hebrides are a group of islands which are found off the west coast of Scotland and are split into two regions, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides. If you are planning a vacation to this outstanding area of the United Kingdom then you need to be aware of a few things that make the place unique. This article examines some of the problems which a tourist may have to overcome when visiting these islands.

The Inner Hebrides are those islands in the group which are found grouped together rather close to the Scottish mainland. The largest, and most populated, island is the Isle of Skye which is also the most popular place to visit. At one time it was necessary to travel across to Skye by ferry but the recent building of a bridge means that the island is freely accessible and, in many ways, now part of the mainland.

While many people visit the Inner Hebrides to enjoy the beautiful scenery many others visit the region to indulge in the favorite sports. Cycling is extremely popular but many hill walkers and mountaineers visit to climb in the Cuillins of Skye. One thing that you really need to understand is that, in the Hebrides, the weather can change from sunny to almost winter in just a few minutes. Please take safety precautions and dress and equip yourself correctly.

The Outer Hebrides are found a little further out to the west across the Minch (an infamous stretch of sea water) which can be crossed by air or by ferry. The outer isles consist of more than two hundred islands of which only a small number are actually inhabited. From the north to the south the main islands are as follows; the Isle of Lewis, the Isle of Harris, North and South Uist. The smaller inhabited islands include Barra and Eriskay to the south, Benbecula, Scalpay and several more, and most of which are worth visiting.

The scenery of the Outer Hebrides is different to that of the inner islands but it is still one of the main attractions. Across the islands the scenery changes dramatically from flat expanses of moorland to hilly and mountainous parts, to the most beautiful beaches and machair found along the south west coasts. Cycling is one of the most popular sports but the islands prove superb for a great many more. Fishing is superb and there are a small number of superb golf courses. Surfing and other sea and shore related sports are increasingly popular and, of course, walking and hill walking are immensely popular.

Accommodation in the Hebrides is always of the highest standard. Hotels can prove to be a little on the expensive side but the hospitality is unbeatable. Throughout the islands you will see numerous guest houses and smaller houses offering bed and breakfast accommodation available at a very reasonable cost. Sadly it is often the case that such places are fully booked so it is incredibly important that you arrange your accommodation before you set off. It is becoming increasingly common to be able to book accommodation online and there are several web sites listing accommodation in the Hebrides.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Hebrides is that most places are now named in the native Gaelic language. The language is widely spoken but nearly all folk speak beautiful English and nearly all signposts display an English translation. If you need to communicate with somebody and they are speaking in the Gaelic it is reasonably safe to assume that they speak English.

A Sunday Sabbath is observed in some parts of the Hebrides and most places are closed. You will need to ensure that all shopping is done on the Saturday, especially if you are staying in self catering accommodation (as you will need to ensure you have adequate supplies). Also please be respectful as with any strong and unique culture it is often possible to offend without realizing it.

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