This month at EmbraceScotland we’re spreading some Hebridean love! From breath-taking scenery and Caribbean-esque beaches to atmospheric archaeological and historical sights, the beautiful Western Isles offer a truly unforgettable holiday experience on the very edge of the North Atlantic Ocean. Raw beauty, unspoilt landscapes, empty beaches… this is a place to truly get away from it all and drench yourself in tranquil scenes.
The archipelago hangs to Scotland’s North West coast; curved as if caught mid-swim and about to dart north with a quick flick of the tail. The head of the island cluster is made up of Lewis and Harris, with the body of North and South Uist sandwiching Benbecula between them and the tail formed by Barra and Vatersay flicking south. The uninhabited islands of St Kilda, evacuated in 1930, drift furthest west into the North Atlantic. St Kilda is one of only 29 places in the world with dual World Heritage status and you can experience these remarkable and remote islands with St Kilda Cruises; discovering the sea stacks and cliffs that are home to sea bird colonies and exploring the island’s abandoned village.
With the ever-so enchanting Lewis and Harris recently named the best island in Europe and in the world’s top 5 by TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards, we asked our holiday home owners on the island for some tips for visiting.
With beautiful beaches, a monastic temple and a wonderful café, Northton on the Isle of Harris comes highly recommended. Croft 36 at Northton is a small shed at the side of the road which sells locally caught fish, home baking, vegetables and eggs. The Temple Café is where Gail and her team perform daily miracles in a tiny kitchen in a lovely stone building with fabulous views over the seashore. They produce lovely soups, light lunches (vegetarians catered for), and fabulous cakes. The little beach at Northton is a real gem, as are the next two you come to on a walk out to the Temple. Eagles can often be seen soaring above Caepeval as you walk’. ~ Patricia Masterson, Tigh Gorm (The Blue House)
My favourite beach, Garry Beach, north of Tolsta, is one of a number of beautiful beaches on the island, with inlets, cliffs and coves to enjoy with few others around. Take the ‘bridge to nowhere’ for a 10 mile cliff-top walk to Ness, and explore abandoned villages along the way. ~ Linda MacLeod Brown, Lewis Longhouse
The (rather delightfully named!) Coffin Road Circuit is a lovely walk and the view to Luskintyre Sands is amazing. ~ Eleanor McBain, ASSC Administrator
Visit the Blackhouse Village (occupied until the 1970s) and sheltered shore at Gearranan. The village has been restored and it is a good place to experience life as it was for islanders on the Isle of Lewis. There is also a museum and cafe. It is a wonderful sun trap and there are great walks along the coast in both directions. The west side coastal walk from the Blackhouse Village to Dalmore is around 3 miles and well worth it to reach Dalmore. It’s an interesting and scenic walk, with stunning cliffs and bird life to spot along the way.
And if you stay here at Garenin you can immerse yourself in beautiful evenings and sunsets. ~ Catriona Laird, 27 Garenin
Mo Thomson has plenty more tips for visiting Lewis and Harris in this guest post. For more ideas on exploring the stunning Western Isles, visit www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk. And if this has made you start dreaming of your own Hebridean getaway, take a look at our selection of holiday cottages in the Outer Hebrides.
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