About this book
This new, thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt's Outer Hebrides: The Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra by experienced writer and journalist Mark Rowe is the only full-size guide to focus solely on the islands of Lewis, Harris, St Kilda, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. Masses of background information is included, from geography and geology to art and architecture, with significant coverage of wildlife, too, as well as all the practical details you could need: when to visit, suggested itineraries, public holidays and festivals, local culture, plus accommodation and where to eat and drink. Walkers, bird-watchers, wildlife photographers, beach lovers and genealogists are all catered for, and this is an ideal guide for those who travel simply with curious minds to discover far-flung places of great cultural, historical and wildlife interest.
The Outer Hebrides is an archipelago of 15 inhabited islands and more than 50 others that are free of human footprint. Huge variations in landscape are found across the islands, from Lewisian gneiss, which dates back almost three billion years, to rugged Harris with its magnificent sands running down its western flanks and the windswept, undulating flatness and jagged sea lochs of the Uists. This is a land where Gaelic is increasingly spoken and ancient monuments abound, where stunning seabird colonies and birds of prey can be watched, and where the grassy coastal zones known as the machair are transformed into glorious carpets of wildfllowers in late spring and summer.
Whether visiting the Standing Stones of Callanish, the Uig peninsula, Barra's Castlebay, or historic St Kilda, or if you just want to experience the romance of the Sound of Harris, one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, Bradt's Outer Hebrides: The Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra has all the information you need.
About the author
Reviews
Press reviews
'This guide is certainly comprehensive, has been compiled by an enthusiast and makes an independent judgement on what to see and do, where to eat and stay and on that all important factor, getting around. Here's a book for car-pocket, rucksack or cycle-pannier.'Scottish Islands Explorer
'A good all-round guide'
Wanderlust Travel Magazine
Contents
PART 1GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history, History, Archaeology, Government and politics, People, Language, Religion, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators and guides, Tourist information, Red tape, Consulates and embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travellers with disabilities, Travelling with children (expanding family section), Gay travellers, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Food and drink, Festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Outdoor activities, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART 2 THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Lewis (Leou768?dhais)
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History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, What to see and do, Stornoway (Steou768?rnabhagh), Around Stornoway
Chapter 4Harris (Na Hearadh)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Shopping and activities, What to see and do, North Harris (Ceann a Tuath na Hearadh), Tarbert (An Tairbeart), Scalpay (Sgalpaigh), South Harris (Ceann a Deas na Hearadh)
Chapter 5St Kilda
History, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Shopping, What to see and do
Chapter 6Berneray (Beau768?rnaraigh) and North Uist (Uibhist a Tuath)
Berneray, North Uist (Uibhist a Tuath), Getting there and away, Where to stay, Shopping, What to see and do;
Chapter 7Benbecula (Beinn na Faoghla)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 8South Uist (Uibhist a Deas) and Eriskay (Eirisgeidh)
South Uist (Uibhist a Deas), Eriskay (Eirisgeidh), Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 9Barra (Bharraigh) and Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh)
Barra, Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh), Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Berneray
Appendices
Language and pronunciation
Further reading
Index