"Gaeldom's Last Refuge" Top 5 Page for this destination Western Isles by RhineRoll

Western Isles Travel Guide: 125 reviews and 252 photos

Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis - Western Isles

The Western Isles are a very special place. They're also known as the Outer Hebrides, or, in their inhabitants' indigenous language, Eileanan Siar ("Western Isles"). Their other gaelic name, "Innse Gall" -- Isles of the Foreigners" points to a chapter in the archipelago's history as it refers to the Norwegian hold on the isles, manifesting itself in many place names.

Windswept and Rain-Drenched South Lewis Landscape

The weather plays an important role in the appearance of the Western Isles. Believe me, if you pick a rainy day with low clouds and much reduced visibility, it is hardly imaginable that there'd be a more depressing place on earth. Nothing, absolutely nothing will please the eye. Therefore, make sure you have a good and comfortable accommodation in order to survive one of these days. As for Lewis, it's not such a bad idea to stay in Stornoway, as the Isles' Capital has many more (though still limited) opportunities to beat the clock on a rainy day than any other place in the Western Isles.

As other people here on VT have pointed out, be aware that Lewis/Harris is a deceptively large island. A drive from East to West, e.g. from Stornoway to Uig Sands is 33 miles (about 50 kms) and will take at least 45 minutes by car.

Fine Weather View from Benbecula to South Uis

Please be also aware that most of the islanders have very deep religious beliefs and public life pretty much dies down on Sundays because of this. An exception to this are the islands of South Uist and Barra which are Roman Catholic and have a much more relaxed approach to keeping the Sabbath.

When the sun is shining, however, it is hard to escape the magic of the islands, and you'll inevitably fall in love with the place. Much of the Uists and Benbecula are fairly flat, so from slightly elevated sites you get wonderful open views across land and water towards the more mountainous areas of the isles. This creates an incredible feeling of space making you understand why during the last 2 centuries so many of the islanders clung to staying on their homeland, despite shockingly miserable living conditions.

Last visit to Western Isles: Jul 2003
Intro Updated May 8, 2004
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Reviews (7)

The Machair Things to Do (4)

The Machair is an essential ingredient in what makes the Western Isles such a special place. Basically it is a layer of... more travel advice

inside Calmac ferry -- note the wheelchair ramp! - Western Isles

Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries Transportation (2)

There are 2 realistic ways to avoid taking a Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) ferry to the Western Isles: 1) Take a plane... more travel advice

it's possible to drive right up to the stones - Western Isles

Calanish For Disabled Visitors Things to Do (4)

Gaels tend to be a bit unorganized and sloppy at times. Maybe it is because of this that nowhere around the (accessible)... more travel advice

Callanish Standing Stones - Western Isles

Visiting The Callanish Standing Stones Things to Do (4)

One of the main tourist attractions on the Isle of Lewis. You'll notice this when visiting in summer and watching the... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Take into account unorganised locals!

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Comments (17)

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lichinga Aug 21, 2006 at 5:55 AM

Wonderful piece of land!
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nebulaflash Jan 19, 2006 at 10:32 AM

What brooding pictures. The sky must be singing!
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Mariajoy Nov 10, 2005 at 1:10 PM

Wish I was going somewhere peaceful and relaxing like the Western Isles. Lovely page Win. Think I need to revisit Mull!
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TomFoolery Aug 21, 2005 at 2:30 AM

Looks like a fascinating place, great pages.
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vyxxyn Jul 24, 2005 at 12:12 PM

Bah! And I thought for a moment I missed this kind of sunset in the Hebrides of bonnie Scotland! So it was a filter eh. They should make spectacles tinted with this "tobacco colour graduated filter" to add some colour there.
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willy_wonka Jul 6, 2005 at 6:31 PM

ahhh another who has been to the western isles! they are just fantastic are they not? it is a beautiful area, even if freaking wet and cold most of the time!
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Escadora7 Jul 3, 2005 at 1:55 PM

Fascinating - would love to go and visit the Callanish Standing Stones. Nice photos! Best wishes, Ash & eve
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SpagBoll Jun 25, 2005 at 4:12 AM

Great photo, and thanks for sharing the tip with the filter
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KittyLou May 11, 2005 at 1:01 PM

Your photo of the Callanish Standing Stones is "brilliant. " Fantastic color contrast. Very artistic.
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pepples46 Apr 28, 2005 at 1:19 PM

amazing presentation