Scotland has, since Victorian times, been a popular vacation destination for many. The most adventurous tourists enjoy visiting the most remote parts of the country and few places are as remote as the Outer Hebrides. Found far off the West coast of Scotland the Outer Hebrides have become extremely popular with tourists for a multitude of reasons some of which are outlined below.

The Outer Hebrides are separated from the Inner Hebrides (the Isle of Skye etc.) by the Minch which is a stretch of sea water which has incredible currents and changeable weather making it rather dangerous to the inexperienced. Looking out across the Atlantic ocean the islands have been shaped by the wind and the waves resulting in some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. Long inhabited the islands are also well known for their many archaeological sites.

It would seem that wherever you turn in the Outer Hebrides there appears an archaeological site. There are certainly many unusual mounds, lumps and bumps which could easily be ancient burial chambers and each year more and more sites are unearthed and documented. One of the most famous sites is to be found in the small village of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis. The standing stones there rather than forming a stone circle they have and inner circle and four avenues making a shape rather like a cross or crucifix.

The Outer Hebrides are also home to some rather unique flora and fauna which, in many cases, is extremely rare and in some endangered. One of the most interesting types of ground found in the Outer Hebrides is that which is called machair. Machair is a patch of coastal ground just in from a beach which is continually dusted with fine shell sand which is nutrient rich. During the spring and summer months the machair is awash with bountiful and colorful wild flowers and, sadly, large numbers of rabbits.

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.

Sport is something else which attracts many to the Outer Hebrides and, in recent years, a number of competitions and tournaments have helped increase awareness in surfing and other sports such as running and cycling. Of course golf and fishing remain as popular as ever and hill walking, rambling and mountaineering continue to be popular also. Windsurfing and wind carting are becoming popular on the larger beaches and it is common to see numerous kites from a distance.

If you are interested in visiting the islands of the Outer Hebrides you will be pleased to know that the transport links and the accommodation available are excellent. It is possible to get flights to Barra and the Isle of Lewis (Stornoway) but most folk travel to the islands by ferry from a number of ports. Accommodation is always of the highest standards and hospitality is world renowned.

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