Western Isles Guide and Holiday Cottages

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Western Isles

The Western Isles are also known as the Outer Hebrides or the Gaelic 'Na h-Eileanan an Iar' (for many of the locals, Gaelic is their first language) and consist of 130 miles of many large and small islands - from Lewis and Harris in the north to Uist and Barra in the south. These islands can be accessed by ferry or by plane to airports at Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra. Ferries run from Ullapool to Stornoway, Uig (Skye) to Lochmaddy in North Uist and Tarbert on Harris, and from Oban to Castlebay on Barra and Lochboisdale on South Uist.

The Western Isles is a wild region being buffeted by the waves of the Atlantic and the (relatively mild) strong south-westerly winds. The mainly bleak but magnificent landscape is a mix of mountains and flat peat moorland, many inland lochs, steep cliffs and sandy beaches with wide stretches of machair (grassy sand dunes). Sparse settlements of cottages and bungalows are strung out along the moors and much of Uist and Benbecula consist of small parcels of land linked by causeways.

The culture in the north is deeply influenced by strong Protestant beliefs with everything closing down on Sundays whereas the Roman Catholic south is less strict about observing the Sabbath and the drinking of alcohol. The Western Isles has a fascinating history demonstrated by Neolithic standing stones, Viking place names and evidence of the Clearances.

List of cottages in this area:

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The Doctor's Bothy Baleloch, North Uist

Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2

No Smoking
Short Breaks available
Pet Friendly

This unique, newly renovated cottage has a spectacular situation above Loch Hosta on the Hebridean island of North Uist, and is the only house on the island from where, on a clear day, you can see all the South Hebridean islands and the misty outline of St Kilda, 40 miles out in the Atlantic. Idyllic and peaceful, just a short stroll from a silver sand beach, The Doctor's Bothy is the most unforgettable of holiday homes.

Liosbeag Nr Bhaltos, Isle of Lewis

Sleeps: 4, Bedrooms: 2

No Smoking
Pet Friendly

Its name translated from the Gaelic as 'Little Fort', this enticing detached timber cottage is situated right on the stunning Uig coastline with its decking veranda providing superb views looking out over the North Atlantic. Liosbeag, on the Isle of Lewis, makes a comfortable and practical base from which to discover this delightful and awe-inspiring Hebridean island.

Scarista Beach House Nr Leverburgh, Isle of Harris

Sleeps: 6, Bedrooms: 3

No Pets
No Smoking
Short Breaks available

The Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides has some of the most beautiful and most deserted beaches in all Britain. Overlooking one of the best of these is Scarista Beach House, a traditional Highland dwelling, the interior of which has been expertly modernised by its new owners to offer maximum convenience and comfort while retaining its own inimitable character.

Isle of Ronay House NEW!! Island of Ronay, North Uist, Outer Hebrides

Sleeps: 10, Bedrooms: 5

Short Breaks available
Pet Friendly

A holiday on your own private island! That is what awaits you at Isle of Ronay House, Ronay being an otherwise uninhabited island between North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Accessed by a 5 minute boat ride, it offers the ultimate in peace and seclusion amid glorious scenery, while still being relatively accessible to the 'mainland'.

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