Belying its two names, the northerly land-mass of Lewis and Harris is, in fact, a single island - although with starkly differing characters. Lewis is positively bursting with archaeological treasures, notably the eerie Standing Stones of Callanish, the Pictish Carloway Broch and several blackhouse villages. The bustling town of Stornoway boasts a vibrant social scene, where traditional music and crafts thrive in lively pubs, clubs, markets and shops.

Further south, Harris's strange lunar landscape gives way to vast sea lochs, which retreat at low tide to reveal huge expanses of pristine white sand fringed with machair and sprinkled with vivid pink and yellow wildflowers. On the east coast, the undulating 'Golden Road' cuts through dramatic rock formations to take the visitor on an enchanting tour of lochans, coves, crofts and cottages selling the world-famous Harris tweed. The sunsets at Luskentyre sands are worth crossing the island for, and from here you can also gaze across to the magical isle of Taransay, made famous in the BBC's 'Castaway 2000' series. Or take a memorable day trip to deserted St Kilda from the southerly port of Leverburgh.

A short ferry ride across the Sound of Harris brings you to a lower-lying string of islands, conveniently linked together by a series of causeways hewn from attractive Lewisian stone. Tiny Berneray, at the northernmost tip, is a friendly community of crofters which has played host to the Prince of Wales, who enjoyed tramping across breathtaking beaches and learning about island life.

The main island of North Uist is dotted with thousands of freshwater lochs (ideal for fishing) interspersed with rolling moorlands and gentle hills. This island is a paradise for wildlife and birdwatchers - the RSPB Balranald nature reserve is home to thousands of coastal waders and divers - not to mention for cyclists, walkers and watersports enthusiasts. Art-lovers are amply catered for at the wonderful Taigh Chearsabhagh arts centre in the small port of Lochmaddy. A short hop across the isles of Benbecula and Grimsay, South Uist is still a traditional Hebridean community, where the arts of peat cutting and wool dying are lovingly preserved. The west coast is lined with dazzling white shell beaches, where visitors may be lucky enough to spot whales, dolphins, seals or puffins whilst, beyond the machair, otters, buzzards and deer are all frequently sighted, and the elusive corncrakes may even be heard.

The southernmost causeway links South Uist with the Isle of Eriskay - renowned setting of the novel 'Whisky Galore'. Still further south and accessible by ferry lies the pretty isle of Barra, whose close-knit community centres around the port of Castlebay, site of historic Kisimul Castle and home to a playful school of dolphins. Barra boasts myriad species of wildflower and some stunning coastal scenery, making it an excellent base for walkers and cyclists, who will enjoy the regular ceilidhs and social gatherings held by the hospitable Gaelic-speaking locals.