Undiscovered Scotland

 

This guide takes as its definition of the Hebrides all of Scotland's west coast islands from Arran north-west to St Kilda and Lewis: indeed it goes even further, as Rockall and North Rona also get a mention.

Most of Cicerone's guides take an area and describe a usually extensive collection of walks within that area. Walking in the Hebrides is a little different. Instead of providing a walking guide as such, it is best thought of as a guide to Scotland's west coast islands from a walker's point of view.

This makes it a fascinating and useful addition to any collection of books about Scotland. The book does also included suggested walking routes which take full advantage of the scenery on offer, with three each in the Uists and on Harris but that is not the main point. Here it is the distinctive character of each island that comes to the fore.

Take, for instance, the cultivated fields and mild air of Tiree, the bleak profiles of Coll and South Uist, or the jagged mountain skylines of Rum and the Cuillins of Skye. Today, you can visit several of the islands by regular short flights from Glasgow, you can drive across the Skye Bridge, or you can savour the sea views and feeling of remoteness by taking the ferry. Whatever your method of travel, be warned that your visit will probably be the first of many, such is the very special charm of these islands and their people. Sketch maps and photographs accompany the text.