EXPERIENCES

From coasteering to kite-surfing, the Outer Hebrides are one vast, open – if rather wild – playground. Cyclists (visitouterhebrides.co.uk, then search for ‘Hebridean Way Cycling Route’) and walkers

(www.hebrideanway.co.uk) have their own long-distance routes to follow from Lewis to Barra. Other superb walks are located in the North Harris Hills and the coast of Lewis while cyclists eulogise about the quiet lanes of the South Lochs on Lewis.

Anglers (fishhebrides.com) can pick from 2,000 fishable lochs while Clearwater Paddling on Barra (01871 810443; clearwaterpaddling.com) offers enchanting kayaking trips to uninhabited islands. A good local guide such as Chris Ryan of Out and About Tours (01851 612288; tourguidehebrides.co.uk) can take you hill walking or reveal archaeological sites. Boat tours visit offshore islands such as the Monachs and the Shiants or venture to St Kilda.