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Isle Of Lewis Vacations |
By:
Angus MacLeod |
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Isle of Lewis Vacations
Angus MacLeod
What is your dream vacation? The majority of us will quickly answer, a couple of weeks taking in the sun on a sandy beach. However increasing numbers of us are choosing to go on cultural vacations. Rather than spend time relaxing in the sun more of us are finding enjoyment in experiencing different cultures and societies. The Isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles of Scotland has benefited greatly from this attitude with a marked increase in tourism to the island over the last few decades.
The Isle of Lewis is the most northerly island in an archipelago known as the Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides, which can be found not too far off the west coast of Scotland in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Being located in the North Atlantic Ocean the coast of Lewis is, at times, dramatic especially up towards the north west where the coastline is rocky.
If you are looking for more serene scenery then you should look to the south west coastline of Lewis where you will find the most beautiful shell sand beaches, which many consider to be amongst the best in Scotland and even the U.K. Most people agree that this is the most beautiful part of the island as much of the inland ground consists of flat, and rather barren, peat bog moorland.
As well as the ecologically important moorland, the beautiful beaches and fantastic north western coast the Isle of Lewis is widely known for the numerous historical sites, of which a great many are extremely important. One of the most important sites, possibly in Europe, can be found near the village of Calanais (Callanish). Here you will find the most wonderful standing stones dotted around the landscape. The main site consists of a stone circle with 8 rows of stones forming 4 avenues to create a pattern similar to a crucifix.
Getting to the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides can involve a fair amount of travel a long drive to either Uig on the Isle of Skye, Ullapool or Oban where you can catch a ferry across to the islands. However the easiest way to travel is to fly to Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis. Unfortunately the local weather can be very changeable and flights are often affected and flights can sometimes be a little on the bumpy side.
The main religion on the islands is a rather strict form of protestant Christianity which means that most places are closed on Sundays and travel is extremely limited. Try to ensure that you stock up on provisions and other necessities on the preceding Friday or Saturday.
While staying on the Isle of Lewis it is important that you respect the Sunday Sabbath and take great care not to upset the local inhabitants. Even hanging out your washing on a Sunday can, in some areas, be considered offensive. However you will find that the islands take on a most serene atmosphere and the sounds of the Gaelic psalms can be heard coming from the many churches up to three times during the day.
Life in the Hebrides is generally relaxed and from the minute you arrive on the Isle of Lewis you will notice how much cleaner the air is. This, coupled with the fact that you are always relatively close to the sea, seems to create an atmosphere that almost instantaneously calms and relaxes you. Another thing that you will notice is the incredible friendliness of the Hebridean people and their superb hospitality. We have little doubt that you will be so impressed that you will be visiting the Hebrides again one day.
If you are planning a vacation to the Outer Hebrides please take a look at http://www.isleoflewis-bedandbreakfast.co.uk/) bed and breakfast on the Isle of Lewis
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Article: Isle of Lewis Vacations
Author: Angus MacLeod
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Word Count: 634
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