The Western Isles. Skye and the Small Isles

The islands off the west coast of Scotland contain some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery in the whole of Europe. From the glacier-worn summits of Arran to the wave-lashed sand dunes on Tiree; from the silent moors of Jura to the raucous seabird colonies of Colonsay; from the medieval legacy of the carved crosses on Islay to the crumbling cottages of the nineteenth-century crofters on Mull, these islands are celebrated not only for their extraordinary natural beauty but also for their unique history. This guide introduces the islands by way of a series of 26 graded walks (easy to strenuous) of various distances (2-13 miles) which will appeal to walkers of all ages and experience. After a short preliminary section on the islands, Stephen Whitehorne introduces the main points of interest of each walk (scenery, wildlife, human settlements etc.) and goes on to provide essential information for the walker - OS references, distances, terrain, convenient stops and various options. As well as sections on natural history and geology and Gaelic language and culture, the book also includes indispensable practical information on weather, local transport, accommodation, access and safety considerations, thus enabling visitors to make the very most of their visit to the islands. This volume covers the following islands: Eigg - Rum - Skye - Raasay - Barra and Vatersay - South Uist - North Uist - Harris - Lewis - Muck - Canna - Benbecula - Handa - St Kilda