Salem focuses on two main areas: the island of Lewis and the archipelago of St. Kilda. In the past, the two communities were so isolated from one another that they hardly ever met. Magical days filled with sun up to sun down adventure on the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Find the right tour package for you through The Hebrides. “Silversea Expedition ships have taken me to the Outer Hebrides a number of times over the last 10 years and more”. The more isolated islands contain large seabird populations, including gannets, fulmars, and puffins. Get exclusive access to members only deals by email.

The Scottish acceptance of Magnus III as King of the Isles came after the Norwegian king had conquered Orkney, the Hebrides and the Isle of Man in a swift campaign earlier the same year, directed against the local Norwegian leaders of the various island petty kingdoms. They constitute the Western Isles council area. Situated on Europe’s Atlantic edge, the Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life.. From the northernmost headlands of the Isle of Lewis to the southern tip of Vatersay, the Outer Hebrides islands on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean offer an exciting assortment of entertainments and attractions. Our islands are just starting to emerge from the lockdown period. OH, the magical Outer Hebrides! Find great walking trails and options for guided walks in the Outer Hebrides. Fishing is important, though it has declined since the heyday of herring fishing in the early 20th century. Create a Trip to save and organize all of your travel ideas, and see them on a map. Several smaller islands surround the main islands, and about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of the main chain is the St. Kilda island group.
By browsing TourRadar, you agree to our use of cookies. We are ready to welcome you. “Silversea Expedition ships have taken me to the Outer Hebrides a number of times over the last 10 years and more”. Please read our privacy and cookies statement for more information. Our iKnow partners offer local information and there are currently 10 partners throughout the Outer Hebrides. Get ready to celebrate all things Gaelic!

Red deer inhabit the northern islands, a primitive wild sheep is native to the island of Soay, and the Atlantic gray seal inhabits many coastal areas. Lewis, the northern part of the island of Lewis and Harris, lies in the historic county of Ross-shire in the historic region of Ross and Cromarty, while the remainder of the Outer Hebrides belong to the historic county of Inverness-shire. Lewis, the northern part of the island of Lewis and Harris, lies in the historic county of Ross-shire in the historic region of Ross and Cromarty, while the remainder of the Outer Hebrides belong to the historic county of Inverness-shire.

The typical croft is just a few acres with a handful of sheep, a cow, and enough crops to supplement the diet and provide a small income. You can find out more about where to visit in the Outer Hebrides, how to get around and plan the perfect break. About The Hebrides.

Highlights of the less visited Outer Isles include stark Lewis and the town of Stornoway, rugged Harris, with sandy beaches and tranquil Barra. Stornoway on Lewis is the chief town and the commercial and administrative centre of the islands. There are plenty of things to do in the Outer Hebrides. The Hebrides are known for their unique natural features. I may however unsubscribe from any communications at any time by clicking on this. The islands are one of the few areas in Scotland where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken as the everyday language. In addition, you can also fly to Stornoway, too. Current Covid-19 restrictions and future phases.

Victoria Salem has always been fascinated by the colder places on our planet and has been traveling in Northern Europe, the Arctic and Antarctica regularly for the past 10 years. She has worked in expedition cruising for 15 seasons at both ends of the Earth and some places in between, focusing on history, culture and exploration. A lively and informative new podcast for kids that the whole family will enjoy! © 2020 VisitScotland. The latter is located about 100 miles (160 km) west of mainland Scotland 40 miles (64 km) from the nearest land. This designation, shared with only 39 other UNESCO heritage sites in the World, means that it contains elements of both natural and cultural significance. Some 19,000 people call Lewis home. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. Evidence of the human settlement remains on the island’s village of now-dilapidated cottages and grass-covered street. The most popular month to go is June, which has the most number of tour departures. With a population of around 8,000 people, the town of. By submitting this form I agree to receive electronic messages from Silversea including the latest news and offers. Here are some historical and cultural attractions which you might want to add to your itinerary. The harsh environment and scanty, poor soil limit cultivation to hardy fodder crops, potatoes, and a few vegetables. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Comprised of more than 100 islands and islets, 15 of which are inhabited, the Outer Hebrides are one of the most fascinating sites in the British Isles and a frequent destination of Silversea’s expedition cruises. From enigmatic ruins and standing stones dating back thousands of years to thrilling outdoor activities along the Hebridean Way and superb food, the isles of Lewis, Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay and Barra offer truly unforgettable moments. Castles, wild camping, stunning beaches, sea-kayaking with dolphins, adrenalin pumping adventure and the most breathtaking views. Several smaller stone circles in the area align with Callanish. The Outer Hebrides is the geographical name of the westernmost chain of islands in the Hebrides, west of the Scottish Highlands. October 4, 2020 Uncategorized Hebrides, inspiration, island, isle, Scotland kaitlynriddle Fingal’s Cave by gms on Flickr.Fingal’s Cave, Staffa Island – Hebrides, Scotland. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Outer Hebrides, islands in Scotland, off the northwestern coast of the Scottish mainland. We've got 5 tours going to The Hebrides, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 8 days. Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice. By the first centuries ad the islands’ inhabitants were speaking Gaelic, and they were Christianized following St. Columba’s arrival in Scotland in the 6th century.

This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees. Description.


Outer Hebrides, islands in Scotland, off the northwestern coast of the Scottish mainland.They constitute the Western Isles council area. Her hobbies include travel (in all continents), choral singing, reading & theatre. Initially erected some 5,000 years ago in the late Neolithic era, the 42 remaining standing stones pre-date the more well-known Stonehenge prehistoric monument in England. The main islands of the Inner Hebrides are Skye, the Small Isles (Canna, Sanday, Rhum, Eigg, and Muck), Tiree, Mull, Colonsay, Jura, Islay, and Coll. Often seen on the catwalk, this luxury fabric is hand-woven on the islands. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) operates ferries from a number of ports on the west coast. Though now inhabited, the main island of Hirta in St. Kilda was populated up to the year 1930, when the only means of survival for the inhabitants became evacuation to mainland Scotland. Visit our iKnow partners in the Outer Hebrides. Save up to 50% on tours! The Outer Hebrides have been inhabited for at least 4,000 years, and prehistoric remains are numerous, including the fine megalithic stone circle at Callanish (Lewis).

Driving is the most popular way for people exploring the Outer Hebrides, but often people will explore the islands on a cycling holiday. A unique subset of Scottish culture and wildlife have developed over the ages in the United Kingdom's Inner and the Outer Hebrides. North Uist island in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The islands suffered from Norse raids beginning in the 8th century, and they came under Norwegian dominance from the 9th to the 12th century, when Somerled rebelled against the Norwegians and founded the lordship of the Isles. The islands also rely economically on tourism. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. OH, the magical Outer Hebrides! Travel responsibly, plan ahead, support our community and follow the Scottish Government guidance. 5. Please plan ahead and book your accommodation prior to visiting the Outer Hebrides. The second half of the 18th century saw a significant increase in the population o The islands form an archipelago whose major islands are Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra. Can't-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. MS Spitsbergen 11 days.

The Hebrides have a diverse geology ranging in age from Precambrian strata that are amongst the oldest rocks in Europe to Paleogene igneous intrusions. Get friendly and helpful advice for your trip at Stornoway iCentre, just a five minute walk from the ferry terminal. Or take a ferry from the mainland. Scenic Walking Areas, Points of Interest & Landmarks. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. Lewis and Harris has an area of 2,178.98 square kilometres (841 sq mi) and is the largest island in Scotland and the third-largest in the British Isles, after Great Britain and Ireland. Why not stay in a castle, a lighthouse or on a working farm? Capture some of the most beautiful landscapes, interesting buildings and scenic shots - guaranteed to make friends and family very jealous of your Outer Hebrides trip! Copyright © TourRadar. Share this: Situated on Europe’s Atlantic edge, the Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands with their own unique way of life. Although two parts of the same island, there is a natural barrier of high mountains and forbidding moorland between the fertile, lower-lying northern two-thirds (Lewis) and the mountainous southern third (Harris).

Lewis Virtual Hebrides - The History of The Outer Hebrides, Scotland. “The Hebrides Islands just off the coast of Scotland are among my favorite places in the world,” says historian Victorian Salem. Lonely Planet Writer. Andy Symington. more, The Hebrides Tourism: Best of The Hebrides. Stay tuned for Salem’s lecture on the Inner Hebrides Islands, coming soon to Discover. From unforgettable wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures to stunning beaches, quirkly trails and island walks, find your new favourites places in the Outer Hebrides. Follow the Hebridean Way Cycling Route and pedal over 10 islands in the archipelago, passing some incredible attractions and scenery along the way. So experience life on the edge and start planning your Outer Hebrides holidays! I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Thank you for signing up!