The Hebrides are a small group of islands situated not too far off the Scottish West coast. The islands of the Inner & Outer Hebrides have been inhabited since the Mesolithic period and throughout history the culture and way of life has been greatly influenced by various peoples and today the culture of the Hebrideans is a blend of Celtic, Norse, Scottish and English influences. Gaelic is the most widely spoken language and although many speak English, it is often their 2nd language. At one time tours of the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides were only for people with plenty of cash and those folk who had plenty of time. Today it is far, far to travel to the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides, you can get there by boat and car or even take a flight to various places on the islands. Sadly you can not get all of the way by train though you can travel to the coast and then travel by bus for the remainder of the trip. Sometimes the only hiccup that can occur is booking accommodation especially if you are looking for accommodation for groups on the Isle of Harris which is commonly booked well in advance.

One of the main reasons folk travel to the Hebrides is that the islands landscape and culture are interestingly unique. Dotted along the south west coast of the Isle of Harris are to be found some of the most incredibly beautiful golden sandy beaches in all of Scotland, and it could be said the whole of the United Kingdom. Here and there you will notice a standing stone on the Harris coastline however it is on Lewis that you will see the most awe inspiring circle of standing stones at Calanais not far away from the town of Stornoway the only town in the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides. The standing stones at Calanais is said to be second to only Stonehenge in England.

Deciding whether to stay on Harris or Lewis is often difficult and increasing numbers of folk are choosing to spend some time on both. Isle of Lewis bed and breakfast is often more plentiful than Isle of Harris accommodation, to avoid any problems book early.

Bed and breakfast accommodation in Stornoway is is very easy to find but again to be certain book early. Virtually all accommodation in the Hebrides is high quality and the hospitality is legendary and the folk helpful and friendly.

Besides the Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Harris there are a small number of other isles that are easy to visit. The most popular are the Uists, Barra and Eriskay and a ferry can be caught which runs from Harris to North Uist at the village of Leverburgh.

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