Introducing the Outer Hebrides of Scotland
Author: DonaldMacdonald Total views: 8 Word Count: 692
The Outer Hebrides are a fascinating group of over 200 islands which can be found off the west coast of Scotland. Gaelic is the native language of the area and the main inhabited islands are those called the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris, North and South Uist, Benbecula and Barra plus there are a number of smaller inhabited islands such as the Isle of Scalpay off Harris. In recent years there has been a continued growth in the interest in the Hebrides and tourism is now a major element of the local economy.
Further out, and separated by the Minch, from the Isle of Skye, in the Inner Hebrides, the islands look out across the Atlantic ocean. The Atlantic has played a major role in the development of the islands, it has provided the fish for the menfolk to catch but it's main role has been in the shaping of the spectacular coastline.
It would sometimes seem that there are archaeological discoveries made every year in the Outer Hebrides. While this is something of an exaggeration it is pretty close to the truth as the islands are dotted with numerous examples of ancient homesteads, ruins, burial chambers, stone age monuments and iron age forts and houses. The most famous site is the incredible stone circle, or standing stones, of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis (also know and the Callanish Standing Stones).
The Outer Hebrides are also of great interest to geologists and botanists. The unique flora and fauna found in the Hebrides attracts many each year. Unfortunately many species are in danger of extinction through the actions of man. The worst offence is the introduction of species not known in the islands and most recently the introduction of hedgehogs has led to severe problems as they feed off the eggs of rare birds. Strangely there is the machair which can only really exist with the help of man. This land is enriched with calcium and other elements by the dressings of shell sand swept inland continually. Used as farm land for potatoes and the likes the machair is often covered in nothing but a blanket of wild flowers.
Although many consider the interior of the islands rather boring this is simply untrue. Although the interior of the Isle of Lewis consists mainly of flat and barren peat lands there are also a great many interesting and beautiful lochs and lochans. Maybe the interiors seem boring due to the fact that the islands coastline is so astounding. Along the west coast of the Outer Hebrides are some of the most beautiful beaches to be found in the United Kingdom (and some say Europe).
The beaches of the Outer Hebrides are truly astounding and many consider them to be amongst the greatest in Scotland, the United Kingdom and some even believe them to be the finest beaches in Europe. You will find the beaches along the west coast of the islands (the east coast is rocky), with the best beaches being to the south.
With such a dramatic coastline, superb sandy beaches and Atlantic winds, it is little wonder that the Outer Hebrides are a superb vacation destination for those who like to indulge in sports such as surfing, wind surfing, wind carting and the likes. The islands of the Outer Hebrides are also incredibly popular for many other sports, the most obvious being running, rambling, hill walking, mountaineering and cycling. Of course there are also superb golf courses and, not least, some of the finest fishing in Scotland.
Visiting the Outer Hebrides has never been easier. Not so long ago it took many hours to reach the islands but it is now possible to fly to the islands or travel via a roll on roll off ferry which run regularly from a number of ports along the west coast of Scotland. Accommodation in the area is amongst the finest you are likely to have experienced. The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are world renowned for their hospitality. Accommodation ranges from first class hotels, superb bed and breakfast guest houses and lodges to excellent self catering properties. With most accommodation available online booking a vacation could not be easier.
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Looking for Harris Self Catering Accommodation or bed and breakfast isle of harris? Take a look at http://www.enjoyhebrides.com/
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