Vacations in the Western Isles of Scotland
If asked where we are planning to visit for this year's annual vacation few of us would reply "the Western Isles of Scotland" but to be fair the Western Isles of Scotland have, in the last ten years or so, seen a noticeable increase in tourism. Each year there has been an increase in the number of visitors from elsewhere in the United Kingdom and the U.S.A. Below we examine some of the reasons for this apparent increase in popularity.
Over the centuries the Western Isles have been known under various names and the name Outer Hebrides has stood the test of time and the name most people associate with these islands found off the west coast of Scotland. There are over 200 islands in the archipelago with only a very small percentage being populated. The Isle of Lewis is the largest of the islands and the island with the largest population. Across the islands the native language is Gaelic but most have English as their second language.
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.
Another time period to leave it's mark on the islands is the time of the Viking raids. Often the Vikings would raid the Western Isles on their outward journeys and also on their return journeys. At one time the Norse ruled the islands and most place names can trace their origins to the original Norse name given.
There are many, many more reasons to spend a vacation in the Western Isles of Scotland as we have only scratched the surface of the topic. Most of us like to take a vacation where we can relax on the beach and the Western Isles have some of the most incredible beaches in the United Kingdom. I can not begin to explain how great it is to discover a lovely little bay with soft shell sand where you can spend a whole afternoon enjoying the sounds of the waves while not once seeing another soul. I most enjoy the beaches of South Harris and over on the Uists but there are also astounding beaches to be found along the south west coast of the Isle of Lewis.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
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If you plan to visit the Outer Hebrides you will find accommodation listed at Western Isles bed and breakfast and Harris bed and breakfast
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by: FrancisMacDonald
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