Travel: Outer Hebrides

Stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches and a rich heritage make the Outer Hebrides a truly unforgettable destination

Ask anyone where the world’s best beaches are and chances are they’ll pick the Med, the Caribbean or some other far-flung corner of the globe. Personally, though, I think you should head north to the Outer Hebrides, home to some of the most spectacular stretches of sand you’ll ever see.

The beaches peppering the western edge of the 130-mile crescent-shaped archipelago are so dramatic that, in 2009, a Thai resort reportedly used a Hebridean image in an advert!

The islands, some 40 miles from the Scottish mainland, hold many fond memories for me. I’ll never forget a family holiday watching my children play on Clachan Sands on North Uist, just one of the 200 islands. The sound of translucent blue rollers breaking across white sand heightened the sense of tranquillity. Distant murmurs as my bucket-wielding kids paddled and combed for shells failed to disturb the peace.

Leaving the beach, we saw a sea eagle (Britain’s largest bird of prey) gliding on rising air currents, its white tail feathers gleaming – a wonderful moment. The Outer Hebrides are an ornithologist’s utopia, not least Balranald Nature Reserve. Sea and golden eagles nest here, while corncrakes and Lapland buntings also visit.

Hebridean heritage

The Outer Hebrides are rich in history, culture, nature – well, most things I need for a perfect holiday. So, when the chance to explore this corner of the UK

A traditional thatched cottage on North Uist Culture Vultures always attracted those The Outer Hebrides have history and culture. interested in archaeology, medieval churches Neolithic stone structures, all been discovered here, and even mummies...