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 Although some of the mobile phone networks give remarkably good reception in parts of the Outer Hebrides, it would be foolhardy to rely on a mobile to raise a distress call in the mountains. It is far better to leave your itinerary and estimated time of return with someone before you set out into the hills – remembering to let them know of your safe return lest they alert the support services.

Aurora borealis – the northern lights – are sometimes visible after violent bursts of solar activity

Midges

The peat bogs of Lewis and Harris provide the ideal breeding ground for a midge, Culicoides impunctatus, which despite being less than 2mm long has the infinite capacity to deter people from visiting the Hebrides. The midges swarm in the early morning and evening from May through to September and, once bitten, most people come out in red itchy blotches. The odd bite is tolerable, but being feasted on by a swarm results in a mass of irritable and inflamed lumps and bumps that will take a few days to disappear. Prevention is better than cure and there is a choice of repellents ranging from natural substances such as citronella through to chemically-based creams, sprays and wipes available at pharmacies. Bumps can be treated with antihistamine creams which can also be found at the pharmacy.