The Hebrides – islands of enchantment and history

Adventure travel offers unique opportunities to see and experience things that most people cannot imagine, let alone do. Challenges can be logistical or physical. You must endure security checks, uncomfortable airplane seats, long airport waits, jet lag, and unexpected and uncontrollable things along the way. But those who love to travel never tire of the wonder that awaits as each new trip unfolds.

My sister and I experienced a trip unlike any of the many trips we have taken together. We ventured to the Outer Hebrides, a group of 200-plus islands just off the northwest coast of Scotland. As part of the United Kingdom, the islands are located on the outermost edge of Europe. It has some the U.K.'s most beautiful beaches, wild mountain ranges, and an amazing variety of wildlife and flora. The Hebrides are known for their mild climate, gorgeous turquoise seas, and white sand beaches thanks in part to the North Atlantic Current, which is influenced by the Gulf Stream and travels past the islands.

Getting ready for a walking trip means planning for various potential weather situations. We do not worry about rain; we plan on rain! Preparing for any temperature means packing layers and being thankful for whoever invented fleece. A comfortable, waterproof pair of hiking boots is essential. When we travel, we do not check our boots. We know that broken-in waterproof boots are not easy to replace if our luggage loses its way.

We traveled with three other hikers and two Scottish guides. Stuart and Brian, our guides, shared their passion and knowledge of the Outer Hebrides as we moved from island to island. The islands we explored had wonderful names like Barra, Vatersay, Bernera, Eriskay, Uist, Scapay, Benbecula, Harris, and Lewis.

Our guides took us on paths that were off the beaten trail to all but sheep and cattle. We climbed rock-covered hills, walked through boggy valleys, and past dark, glassy lochs. Our climbs were rewarded with views of endless white sand beaches. We walked in near gale force winds, sheeting rain, and even hail one day. All this in such an amazing place, sky, land, and beach, all married in a way that is difficult to describe.

The adventure began with an hour-long flight from Glasgow to Bara. A highlight of the trip was our anticipated landing at the only airport in the world with scheduled landings on a beach. What an incredible way to start our exploration of the many islands making up the Outer Hebrides.

Despite the challenging weather, the walks were breathtaking and even more amazing when we learned of the history beneath our feet. Cultures that lived on the island included Neolithic, Bronze Age, Viking, Pictish, Celtic, and Anglo-Saxon. One of our last stops was a visit to the Callanish Standing Stones, one of the oldest Celtic monuments on Earth. It is hard to imagine the primitive culture that moved and placed the gigantic stones that predate Stonehenge.

Our trip to the Outer Hebrides was not about museums, cities, or fine dining. It was instead experiencing nature at its most extreme and glorious best. We learned that these remote islands' economy depends on crofting, fishing, tourism, the oil industry, and renewable energy. One of the islands that we visited is where the famous Harris Tweed is made. Woven of sheep's wool dyed with natural local plant dyes, it is the only fabric in the world today that is guarded and protected by its own Act of Parliament.

Yes, adventure travel is not for everyone, but we found, once again, that each trip offers experiences and newfound knowledge for another part of the world. We always look forward to the next trip and its own package of experiences.