The Outer Hebrides Guide Book

adt's new guide to the Outer Hebrides: The Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra, by experienced writer and journalist Mark Rowe is the only full-size guide to focus solely on the islands of Lewis, Harris, St Kilda, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. Masses of background information is included, from geography and geology to art and architecture, with significant coverage of wildlife, too, as well as all the practical details you could need: when to visit, suggested itineraries, public holidays and festivals, local culture, plus accommodation and where to eat and drink. Walkers, bird-watchers, wildlife photographers, beach lovers and genealogists are all catered for, and this is an ideal guide for those who travel simply with curious minds to discover far-flung places of great cultural, historical and wildlife interest. The Outer Hebrides is an archipelago of 15 inhabited islands and more than 50 others that are free of human footprint. Huge variations in landscape are found across the islands, from Lewisian gneiss, which dates back almost three billion years, to rugged Harris with its magnificent sands running down its western flanks and the windswept, undulating flatness and jagged sea lochs of the Uists. This is a land where Gaelic is increasingly spoken and ancient monuments abound, where stunning seabird colonies and birds of prey can be watched, and where the grassy coastal zones known as the machair are transformed into glorious carpets of wildfllowers in late spring and summer. Whether visiting the Standing Stones of Callanish, the Uig peninsula, Barra's Castle Bay, or historic St Kilda, or if you just want to experience the romance of the Sound of Harris, one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, Bradt's Outer Hebrides: The Western Isles of Scotland, from Lewis to Barra has all the information you need.

Officially launched in 2017, the Hebridean Way offers walkers the opportunity to experience the magic of Scotland's Outer Hebrides in one inspirational journey. The waymarked route stretches 247km (155 miles) from Vatersay to Stornaway, linking ten major islands of the archipelago by means of causeways and two ferry crossings: Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis. Suitable for most walkers with a moderate level of fitness, it can be completed in 8-14 days and is rich in natural, historical and cultural interest. This guidebook presents the Hebridean Way in 10 stages of 16-35km (10-22 miles), plus two additional stages to extend the route to the Butt of Lewis in line with future plans. Detailed route description is accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, stunning photography to whet your appetite and a wealth of information about local points of interest. The introduction offers an overview of the islands' geology, history, plants and wildlife as well as comprehensive practical advice for walking the route, such as when to go, how to get there (and back) and what to take. Accommodation listings can be found in the appendices. The route is a celebration of the diverse landscapes of the Hebrides, from dazzling white shell beaches to wild moorland and flower-strewn machair. It visits Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, ruined forts and castles and monuments commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Highland Land Struggle. The islands are also a great location to spot seabirds, raptors and a number of migratory species.

The Outer Hebrides lie 40 miles to the west of mainland Scotland, forming a barrier to the North Atlantic. Culturally distinct from early prehistory, the islands contain a wealth of historical and archaeological monuments, including the standing stones at Callanish, the magnificent St Clement’s church at Rodel as well as numerous brochs, castles, Pitish houses, croft houses and industrial and military buildings. In addition to descriptions of key historic sites from prehistory onwards and gazetteers covering every place of historical interest, this book also traces the development of the modern environment and landscape of the islands, enabling the visitor to appreciate the sites within their historical and cultural context.

This guidebook describes 30 day walks all over the Isles of Harris and Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. The walks range from 2 and 14 miles (4 to 22km) in length, and are easily accessible from Stornaway or Tarbet. Routes vary from short strolls to long wilderness hikes, high-level and low-level, and include the An Cliseam horseshoe, visits to ancient historic monuments like the stone circles of Calanais and the famous Butt of Lewis lighthouse, all illustrated with OS 1:50,000 maps and dramatic photography. The routes take in most of the main summits as well as historical and geographical places of interest. A list of all the Marilyns (British hills of any height with a drop of at least 150m on all sides) on Harris, Lewis and St Kilda is included at the back. Tips are also included about walking on St Kilda, Berneray, Taransay, The Shiant Islands and The Flannan Isles, along with a short Gaelic glossary and route summary table, and advice on practicalities to make the most out of any walking trip on Harris and Lewis.

The guide has been written by Rab Anderson, Kevin Howett and Colin Moody, who have been driving forces in the development of the Islands, and their insight and local knowledge is contained within to help you plan your trip and get the most out of it when you are there. For the first time in recent history, the jewel of Scottish (possibly even British!) sea cliff climbing gets the SMC comprehensive guidebook treatment. Written by the activists themselves, this guide provides the go-to resource for climbing in the Outer Hebrides. Uninhabited islands, committing sea cliff adventures, seaside cragging, mountain cliffs and the mighty Sron Uladail - all in one book. 2500 routes from Moderate to E9 28 detailed maps and access information 177 photo diagrams covering all major cliffs (and then some) Tens of new future classic venues Hundreds of new routes throughout the Islands Comprehensive logistical information to help you plan your trip Loads of inspiring full-colour action shots throughout This guide provides comprehensive cover and photo diagrams to all of the popular areas, as well as publishing for the first-time tens of new future classic venues and hundreds of routes, capturing all of the development that has taken place in recent years. Amongst this detail you can also find information on areas still under development, with possibilities for new routes of your own! Note-worthy is the fact that this guide provides options for the hard-core climber on a dedicated trip, as well as those wanting the option of a day or two out cragging whilst on a family holiday.

The first guide dedicated to this group of islands in many years: from the Isle of Skye in the north to community-owned Gigha in the south, 24 islands are covered, with full practical details of how to get to each one, what to do and see while there, where to stay and where to eat. A dedicated wildlife section details interesting and rare species and where and when to see them, from whale-watching trips off Mull to RSPB hides and reserves and ongoing conservation programmes. Suggested routes and recommended packing lists are included for hikers, while history, myths and legends bring greater depth of understanding to present-day island life.The Inner Hebrides strike a perfect balance between feeling remote and being accessible on any budget. Accommodation options covered include hotels, self-catering cottages, guest houses, hostels, campsites and bothies, while transport option range from self-drive to public transport, cycling and walking. Whether dolphin-spotting or birdwatching, beach-combing or walking, whisky tasting or tucking into freshly caught seafood, making a pilgrimage to Iona or cheering on the Highland Games on Skye, Bradt's Inner Hebrides is the ideal companion for a successful visit.

This guidebook contains 44 great sea kayak trips around the archipelago of the Outer Hebrides, Berneray to the Butt of Lewis and including St Kilda. The book presents all the navigational and tidal information a sea kayaker needs on this section of coast.