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With tourism to the remoter parts of the United Kingdom on the increase there is little wonder that the group of islands, off the west coast of Scotland, known as the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides, are becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination. If you are planning a Hebridean vacation then it is rather important that you understand some of the things which make this region unique but could, ultimately, cause problems if you do not understand them. This article takes a look at the Hebrides and some of the important aspects of some of the islands.

The main Island in the Inner Hebrides is the Isle of Skye which is the most populated, most visited island with the largest landmass. Now connected to the Scottish mainland by a bridge (previously the only access was by ferry) the island is the easiest of all the islands to visit.

Most people visit the Inner Hebrides to enjoy the spectacular scenery but there is so much more to do than first meets the eye. Massive numbers of people visit the area to spend their days cycling and there are a number of other sports which are extremely popular. Skye is very much dominated by the incredible range of mountains known as the Cuillins. These incredible jagged mountains attract many mountaineers and hill walkers each year but it is immensely important that you understand that the weather in the Hebrides can change in an instant and it is important that you are equipped suitably with clothing and equipment to withstand the harshest of weather.

The Outer Hebrides are found a little further out to the west across the Minch (an infamous stretch of sea water) which can be crossed by air or by ferry. The outer isles consist of more than two hundred islands of which only a small number are actually inhabited. From the north to the south the main islands are as follows; the Isle of Lewis, the Isle of Harris, North and South Uist. The smaller inhabited islands include Barra and Eriskay to the south, Benbecula, Scalpay and several more, and most of which are worth visiting.

The scenery of the Outer Hebrides is different to that of the inner islands but it is still one of the main attractions. Across the islands the scenery changes dramatically from flat expanses of moorland to hilly and mountainous parts, to the most beautiful beaches and machair found along the south west coasts. Cycling is one of the most popular sports but the islands prove superb for a great many more. Fishing is superb and there are a small number of superb golf courses. Surfing and other sea and shore related sports are increasingly popular and, of course, walking and hill walking are immensely popular.

Hebrides accommodation is always excellent but you may find that the hotels prove to be an expensive option. Although there are a great many guest houses and places offering bed and breakfast it is extremely common to discover that they are fully booked with no vacancies displayed outside. To avoid the possibility of being without, it is always the best idea to book your accommodation online well in advance of your vacation.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Hebrides is that most places are now named in the native Gaelic language. The language is widely spoken but nearly all folk speak beautiful English and nearly all signposts display an English translation. If you need to communicate with somebody and they are speaking in the Gaelic it is reasonably safe to assume that they speak English.

The Hebrides is a deeply religious part of Scotland and many areas observe a Sunday Sabbath. This means that most places are closed on Sundays such as shops, offices, golf courses and even play parks. If you are staying in self catering accommodation this means that you really must ensure that you stock up well in advance with essentials. If you are visiting out of season and staying in self catering accommodation it is also important to check that there are candles as the strong winds can sometimes cause short failures in the power supply.

Tags: Vacation Destinations