Hebrides
From World travel guide
The Hebrides, especially the Isle of Skye, have a reputation as one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles. The landscape is rocky and mountainous, but also lush and verdant - due in no small part to the large amounts of rain which tend to fall. However, this should not put off the potential visitor, and many would say that the Hebrides are just not the same without at least some drizzle - just bring some rainclothes! When the sun does shine however, the resulting vistas are almost always stunning.
The Hebrides, sometimes referred to as the Western Isles comprise of:
- Inner Hebrides, including Skye, Mull, Islay, Jura and the Small Isles,
- Outer Hebrides, including Lewis and Harris, North Uist, South Uist and Saint Kilda.
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Get in
- Traditional and preferred way of getting to the Isle of Skye is with a ferry. The major ferry route connects Mallaig on the mainland with Armadale. The other, smaller ferry goes from Glenelg to Kylerhea. Alternatively, the less ambitous tourist can use the toll bridge located at Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland, which also is the closest stop for the train which travels through some very attractive parts of the Scottish countryside. However, trains this far north are slow - from London up this far will take something like 14 hours of travel.
- Most of the other islands will only be reachable by ferries or other boats.
Get around
- The road networks are small but tolerable and link all major settlements on larger islands. Many of the most beautiful roads are single track with passing places. If you're planning to use public transport, better check ahead the frequencies. Some bus services don't operate on Sundays, especially in the more remote islands.
- Hitchhiking is usually a good option.
- The best way to enjoy these islands is almost certainly on foot - the hiking opportunities are excellent, and the most beautiful and tranquil spots are often (unsurprisingly) located far from roads. The Isle of Skye is home to the Cuillins, the famous glacially cut mountain range. The lower reaches provide excellent walking terrain, while assailing the peaks is harder and depending on the mountain in question fit for very keen walkers up to skilled mountaineers with full climbing equipment.
Sleep
Accommodation is often most rewarding if you stay somewhat off the beaten track - most villages will have chalets or bed and breakfasts. These will probably be cheaper than those in more touristy areas also.
Cope
The wetness also encourages gnats, mosquitos and midges. Insect repellent will be essential following showers, though if not walking on grassland or when dry underfoot this will be much less of a problem.
In winter, the high latitude at the north of Scotland means it is often bitterly cold, even in Spring and Autumn. Snow may be expected to last late and start falling early, on the high ground. - say, definitely November to March.
Some might say don't bother visiting in winter as it's too cold. Those same people will never witness Scotland at it's most beautiful, where the sun striking the snow-covered peaks is truly a sight to behold.
Stay safe
People are very friendly in this part of Britain, and crime is to all intents and purposes non-existent in these rural parts.
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