The Hebrides are a small group of islands found off the north west coast of Scotland.  The isles of the Inner and Outer Hebrides have been lived on since the Mesolithic times and throughout their history the culture and way of life has been strongly influenced by various peoples and today the culture of the Hebrides is a blend of English, Scottish, Norse and Celtic influences. The majority of people speak in the Gaelic language and though some talk in English, it is more often their second language. Not too long ago visits to the Inner and Outer Hebrides were only for folk with plenty of money and those who could afford plenty of time. Nowadays it is far to travel to the Hebrides, you can get there by car and boat or even fly direct to a number of airports on the islands. Sadly you are unable to get all of the way by rail though you can catch a train to the coast and then travel by bus for the rest of the journey. Sometimes the only hiccup that can happen is sorting a place to stay especially if  you are looking for group accommodation on Harris which is more often than not fully booked twelve months in advance.

One of the most common reasons  for visiting the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is that the the culture and landscape of the Isles are interestingly unique.  Dotted along the south west coast of the Isle of Harris are to be found some of the most beautiful beaches of golden sand in all of Scotland, and many folk say the United Kingdom. Here and there you will find a standing stone on the Isle of Harris however it is on Lewis that you will find the most astounding collection of standing stones at Calanais not a great distance from the town of Stornoway the main town in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles. The standing stones at Calanais is said to be second to only Stonehenge in England.

Deciding whether to stay on Lewis or Harris is often difficult and increasing numbers of people are settling to spend a short time on each. Bed and breakfast on Lewis is commonly easier to book than Harris accommodation, so it is best to book well in advance.

Stornoway bed and breakfast is is not too much of a problem to find but to be certain book early. Virtually all accommodation in the Western Isles is of good quality and the hospitality is unbeatable and the local people helpful and friendly.

Besides the Isles of Lewis and Harris there are a small number of other inhabited islands that are relatively easy to visit. The most popular are North and South Uist, Benbecula and Barra and there is a ferry which runs from Harris to North Uist at Leverburgh, a small village on South Harris.