About the Book
Bradt’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.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history, History, Archaeology, Government and politics, People, Language, Religion, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators and guides, Tourist information, Red tape, Consulates and embassies, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Travellers with disabilities, Travelling with children, Gay travellers, What to take, Money and budgeting , Getting around, Accommodation, Food and drink, Festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Outdoor activities, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Lewis (Leòdhais)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, What to see and do, Stornoway (Steòrnabhagh), Around Stornoway
Chapter 4 Harris (Na Hearadh)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Shopping and activities, What to see and do, North Harris (Ceann a Tuath na Hearadh), Tarbert (An Tairbeart), Scalpay (Sgalpaigh), South Harris (Ceann a Deas na Hearadh)
Chapter 5 St Kilda
History, Getting there and away, Where to stay, Shopping, What to see and do
Chapter 6 Berneray (Beàrnaraigh) and North Uist (Uibhist a Tuath)
Berneray, North Uist (Uibhist a Tuath)
Chapter 7 Benbecula (Beinn na Faoghla)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, sports and activities, Other practicalities, What to see and do
Chapter 8 South Uist (Uibhist a Deas) and Eriskay (Eirisgeidh)
South Uist (Uibhist a Deas), Eriskay (Eirisgeidh)
Chapter 9 Barra (Bharraigh) and Vatersay (Bhatarsaight)
Barra, Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh) Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Berneray
Appendix 1 Language and pronunciation
Appendix 2 Further reading
Index
Index of advertisers
About the Author :
Mark Rowe is an environmental and outdoors journalist and writer who first visited the Outer Hebrides in 1986 when using up the last few days of an Inter-Rail ticket. He has been in love with the islands ever since, and visited every year for the past decade. He has written about family holidays on the Outer Hebrides for National Geographic Traveller, and about food and drink on the islands for several magazines. His perfect Hebridean day would involve buying smoked salmon from Loch Carnan on South Uist, taking the ferry across the Sound of Harris to Leverburgh, and having a picnic below Horgabost campsite overlooking Luskentyre on South Harris.
Review :
'This guide is certainly comprehensive, has been compiled by an enthusiast and makes an independent judgement on what to see and do, where to eat and stay and on that all important factor, getting around. Here's a book for car-pocket, rucksack or cycle-pannier.' Scottish Islands Explorer
'A good all-round guide' Wanderlust Travel Magazine
