The first guide dedicated to this group of islands in many years: from the Isle of Skye in the north to community-owned Gigha in the south, 24 islands are covered, with full practical details of how to get to each one, what to do and see while there, where to stay and where to eat. A dedicated wildlife section details interesting and rare species and where and when to see them, from whale-watching trips off Mull to RSPB hides and reserves and ongoing conservation programmes. Suggested routes and recommended packing lists are included for hikers, while history, myths and legends bring greater depth of understanding to present-day island life.
The Inner Hebrides strike a perfect balance between feeling remote and being accessible on any budget. Accommodation options covered include hotels, self-catering cottages, guest houses, hostels, campsites and bothies, while transport option range from self-drive to public transport, cycling and walking. Whether dolphin-spotting or birdwatching, beach-combing or walking, whisky tasting or tucking into freshly caught seafood, making a pilgrimage to Iona or cheering on the Highland Games on Skye, Bradt's Inner Hebrides is the ideal companion for a successful visit.
Inner Hebrides : From Skye to Gigha Including Mull, Iona, Islay, Jura and more
Description
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Geology, Climate, Natural history and
conservation, Archaeology and physical history, History, Government and
politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries,
Tour operators, Tourist information, Maps, tides and weather, Red tape, Getting
there and away, Health, Safety, Women and LBGTQ travellers, Travellers with
disabilities, Travelling with children, Travelling with a dog, What to take,
Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public
holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Outdoor activities,
Media and communication, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Skye (An t-Eilean Sgitheanach)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around,
Tourist information and tours, Events, Portree and the Braes, Uig and the
Trotternish Peninsula, Edinbane, Dunvegan and the Duirinish and Waternish
Peninsulas, Minginish and the Cuillin Hills, Broadford and Elgol, Sleat,
Kyleakin and the southeast
Chapter 4 Raasay (Ratharsair)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around,
Where to stay, eat and drink, Shopping and galleries , Other practicalities,
What to see and do
Chapter 5 The Small Isles
History, Getting there and away, Other
practicalities, Events, Rum, Eigg (Eige), Canna (Canaigh) and Sanday
(Sandaigh), Muck (Muc)
Chapter 6 Coll (Cola) and Tiree (Tirodh)
History, Getting there and away, Coll, Tiree
Chapter 7 Mull (Muile) and Iona (I Chaluim
Chille)
Mull, Isle of Ulva (Ulbha), Iona
Chapter 8 Lismore (Lios Mor) and Kerrera
(Cearara)
Lismore, Kerrera
Chapter 9 The Slate Islands
Getting there and away, Tourist information,
Other practicalities, Events, Seil (Saoil), Easdale Island (Eilean Eisdeal),
Luing (Luinn)
Chapter 10 Colonsay (Colbhasa)
Getting there and away, Getting around, Where to
stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Sports and activities, Other
practicalities, Events, What to see and do
Chapter 11 Islay (Ile)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around,
Sports and activities, Events, Bowmore, Bridgend and the northeast, Port Ellen,
the Oa and the southeast, The west
Chapter 12 Jura (Diura)
Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist
information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other
practicalities, Events, What to see and do
Chapter 13 Gigha (Giogha)
History, Getting there and away, Getting around,
Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Shopping, Other
practicalities, Events, What to see and do
Chapter 14 Gateway Towns
Oban, Mallaig, Other ports and connections
Appendix 1 Glossary
Appendix 2 Further Information
Index
Author Description
After having holidayed around the Inner Hebrides every year since she was born, Katie Featherstone spent her first decade of adulthood getting as far away from the UK as possible. Her obsession with islands comes from the idea of an isolated community; tiny kingdoms separated by savage seas and the plentiful coastline surrounding them. Her family seem to share this enthusiasm and have moved to the Isle of Islay permanently. Katie continues to travel, but always returns to the Hebrides.