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Introducing the Outer Hebrides of Scotland

by: DonaldMacDonald
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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 really on the periphery of Europe as they are really rather remote set further out than the Isle of Skye, separated by the somewhat dangerous area of sea known as the Minch. Out in the Atlantic ocean the islands have been dramatically shaped by the pounding waves and powerful winds (that occur during the winter months) the landscape is incredibly unique. Throughout the islands there are many archaeological sites of extreme interest to archaeologists and visitors alike.

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 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).

As you move from the north west of the Isle of Lewis to the south west you begin to see an increase in the number of sandy beaches until you reach the area around Uig where you will find the most beautiful. As you move onto the adjoining Isle of Harris the occurrence of spectacular sandy beaches continues and reaches a pinnacle in South Harris. North Uist and Benbecula have incredible coasts but it is on South Uist that you will find the most breathtaking beaches and largest expanses of machair in the Outer Hebrides.

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.

All across the Outer Hebrides are superb places to enjoy a wide variety of sports. While golf, fishing and hunting remain as popular as ever newer sports are becoming increasingly important. Surfing and other sea & wind related sports such as wind surfing and wind carting have recently become extremely popular. However, when you visit you will notice just how popular cycling vacations are here.

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Introducing the Outer Hebrides of Scotland

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