190km (118 miles) NW of Edinburgh; 142km (88 miles) NW of Glasgow

Barra lies at the southern end of the Outer Hebrides. Locals claim it has some 1,000 varieties of wildflowers. The island is one of the most beautiful in the Hebridean chain, with heather-clad meadows, beaches, sandy grasslands, peaks, rocky bays, and lofty headlands. Since the days of the conquering Vikings, it has been associated with the Clan MacNeil.

Most of the 200 inhabitants of Barra are centered at Castlebay, its capital, a 19th-century herring port and the best place to stock up on supplies. In the background of the port is Ben Heaval, Barra's highest mountain (379m/1,243 ft.). A circular road of 16km (10 miles) will take you around the island, which is about 6.5 by 13km (4 by 8 miles).