Vacations in the Western Isles

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Vacations in the Western Isles

Now the Western Isles may not be one of the top tourist destinations in the United Kingdom but, over the last decade or so, this unique region of Scotland has seen a marked increase in the number of visitors and a general increase in overall interest in the area and it's history. The article below takes a close look at the Western Isles and questions why there has been an increase in both British and American tourism there.

You will find the Western Isles just out from the western Scottish mainland across an area of sea called the Minch. Consisting of around 100 islands the archipelago is also known as the Outer Hebrides where the main language is Gaelic. The largest and most densely populated island is the Isle of Lewis which is where you will find the main town of the region, Stornoway.

The Hebridean peoples (people of the Western Isles) are amongst the most widely travelled peoples of the world. Hebrideans have settle all across the globe either by choice or, during the clearances, by force. Many families settled in Canada and the United States while others travelled as far away as Australia. Over the last decade there has been a massive increase in the popularity of genealogy and, as many people can trace their roots back to the islands, this can account for some of the increases in visitors to the islands.

Sports such as fly fishing, cycling and surfing are extremely popular in the islands due to the unique challenges and incredible rewards that the islands offer. Golfing is as important here than elsewhere in Scotland and all the Hebridean golf courses are incredibly popular. More and more people travel to the islands to enjoy their sports, cyclists enjoy the hard challenge offered by the often rough terrain, surfers enjoy some of the best waves in the United Kingdom and the salmon and trout fishing in the Western Isles is amongst the best in Europe.

Everyone who visits the Western Isles comments on the amazing scenery however those who visit to enjoy their favourite sport often find themselves the closest to nature. It is not uncommon for an angler to witness a family of otters at play not far from where they are standing. Cyclists riding in the early morning or at dusk often see deer and stags at the roadside as they pass and golfers often see Golden Eagles hovering in the sky above. All of which you are unlikely to be able to enjoy in the city.

One place that you really must visit in the Western Isles is Calanais (Callanish) where you will find an amazing stone circle which is only second in important to the famous Stone Henge in England. All around you will see other, smaller, stone circles and numerous monoliths appear all over the islands. Near to Calanais is an excellent example of an iron age broch, a unique building found in the islands which is believed to have served a defensive purpose. Numerous other historic sites such as iron age houses and duns (forts) appear across the islands making it an ideal vacation destination for folk interested in such things.

Many of the place names of the Western Isles are derived from the original name given by the Norse (who once ruled the islands). Originally the Vikings raided the islands just to pillage and on each trip they would visit the islands twice, once on the outward journey and again when they were returning home. Eventually many settled which had a profound effect on the area's culture.

Finally I would like to make mention of my most favourite aspect of the Western Isles of Scotland, the beaches. The south west coasts of the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris and the Uists feature some of the most incredible beaches to be found in the United Kingdom. Often it is possible to enjoy some of these beaches alone and rarely are there more than just a handful of souls even on the most popular beaches in the Western Isles.

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More About Francis MacDonald.:
If you plan to visit the Outer Hebrides you will find accommodation listed at bed and breakfast in the Western Isles and Harris bed and breakfast

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