I can't believe it's really Britain...

For a different beach holiday, try the Outer Hebrides...

White sand beaches, unspoilt countryside, barely another person in sight... sound good? It is.



But that's only if you can bear the cold. Even in August, the average temperature on the isles of Lewis and Harris is a paltry 18 degrees. Even paddling in the sea left my feet feeling like they were going to fall off, so swimming was a definite no-go.



The Outer Hebrides is one of the few places left in Britain that strictly observes the Sabbath. Almost all of the island's shops are closed on Sundays, and the ferries aren't allowed to run. Information boards tell visitors to "Respect local custom and avoid disturbing the Sabbath", as well as keeping the gates closed and not disturbing breeding birds.



The walking on Harris is superb. Especially the Postman's Walk, part of which runs from Urgha to Reinigeadal. It's known as the Postman's Walk because, until a road was built along the coast in 1989, the postman had to walk the 5.5km trail every day.

Up the sugar-loaf peak of Toddun, over The Scriob, down to a beach and up along a coastal track... It took us over two hours, so I can only guess that the Harris post deliverer was very fit.

An information board in a wind-swept corner of Reinigeadal says: "The new road has brought the inhabitants into the modern era". It also says things like: "Walking is one of the best ways of exercising all the muscles in the body at one time", and "Physical activity can help you relax - good for mental health".

We spotted some dolphins off the coast, but the arctic hares and the otters evaded us. Fortunately a strong gale meant the midges evaded us too.



There are lots of midges and sheep on Harris. The midges are a pain, but the sheep are the source of the famous Harris tweed. I tested some of this out recently -- top marks for warmth! If a bit scratchy. Tweed's dowdy image has long died and now there are colours, styles, bags, hats, jackets, scarves and much more for all ages. This was a lovely shop: www.harristweedandknitwear.co.uk