The Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are an archipelago lying just off the north west coast of Scotland.  The isles of the Inner and Outer Hebrides have been lived on since the Mesolithic period and through their history the culture and language has been greatly influenced by numerous races and today the culture of the Hebrides is a mix of Scottish, English, Norse and Celtic influences. In general most folk speak in the Gaelic language and although some speak English, it is most likely their second language. Not too many years ago visits to the Inner and Outer Hebrides were only for the rich folk and those folk who had plenty of time. Nowadays it is far, far to get to the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles, you can get there by ferry and car or take a flight to various airports on the islands. Sadly you are unable to get all of the way by train although you can catch a train to the coast and then travel by coach for the rest of the journey. Often the only problem that can happen is sorting a place to stay especially if  you are looking for Harris accommodation for groups which is often fully booked up.

One of the main reasons folk visit the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is that the the culture and landscape of the Isles are dramatically unique.  Dotted all along the south west coast of the Isle of Harris you will discover some of the most stunning beaches in all of Scotland, and many people say the whole of Britain. Here and there you will see a standing stone on Harris however it is on the Isle of Lewis that you will find the most incredible circle of standing stones at Callanish not a great distance from the town of Stornoway the main town in the Outer Hebrides. The stone circle at Callanish is said to be second to only England’s Stonehenge.

Deciding whether to stay on Lewis or Harris is often a difficult decision and more people are choosing to spend a short time on each. Lewis bed and breakfast is often easier to find than Harris accommodation, book early to avoid problems.

Bed & breakfast in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is is fairly easy to find but to be safe book early. Virtually all accommodation in the Outer Hebrides is of a high standard and the hospitality is the best you are likely to witness and the folk friendly and helpful.

Besides the Isles of Lewis and Harris there are a few other inhabited isles that are very easy to visit. The most commonly visited are the Uists, Barra and Benbecula and there is a ferry which runs from Harris to North Uist at the South Harris village of Leverburgh.