Western Isles (Outer Hebrides)
North Uist
"Fàilte gu Na H-Eileanan An Iar" (Welcome to the Outer Hebrides!)
There are very few places on earth more soothingly beautiful than these Western Isles. The beaches are more than amazing, the landscape almost surreal and there is a sense of utter remoteness as if you're very, very close to the world's edge. Early Christian stone carvings and crosses can be found on many of the islands. Dun Carloway Broch is two thousand years old, and Callanish Standing Stones even older. The few castles are remnants of the power of the Lords of the Isles, who ruled the Hebrides and parts of the mainland in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Site rating:
Although the featured attractions, sites and landmarks are always chosen by me, I have made a serious effort to differentiate 4 levels:
- (***) This is, for whatever reason, a very personal favourite! Will definitely be on my itinerary! Could possibly be disappointing for someone else though.
- (**) A major must-see tourist attraction that you can find in many a brochure.
- (*) Worth seeing and possibly interesting if you happen to be in the vicinity.
- (-) A hefty dollop of imagination is a must, but it might be interesting if you know the background.
My very personal selection:
Location: Arnol / Isle of Lewis / Plus code: 8CX2+MF Arnol, Isle of Lewis
Location: Eoropie / Isle of Lewis / Plus code: GP8Q+5J Eoropaidh, Isle of Lewis
Location: Garrynahine / Isle of Lewis / Plus code: 57X3+2W Callanish, Isle of Lewis
Location: Barraglom / Plus code: 654C+68 Iarsiadar, Isle of Lewis
Location: Carloway / Isle of Lewis / Plus code: 7694+RC Carloway, Isle of Lewis
Location: Gearrannan / Isle of Lewis / Plus code: 76W4+JQ Garenin, Isle of Lewis
Location: Huisinis / Isle of Harris / Plus code: XWW4+2FF Isle of Harris
Location: Castlebay / Isle of Barra / Plus code: XG27+V2 Isle of Barra
Location: Seilebost / Isle of Harris / Plus code: V2RX+MC3 Isle of Harris
Location: Meavaig / Isle of Harris / Plus code: X3FV+9H Isle of Harris
Location: Hirta Harbour / Isle of Hirta / Plus code: 9C9HRC7J+6V
Location: Eoropie / Isle of Lewis / Plus code: GP3R+F2 Eoropaidh, Isle of Lewis