 Most modern commentators feel that the predominant theme of life on St Kilda was isolation . When Martin Martin visited the islands in 1697 , the only means of making the journey was by open boat , which could take several days and nights of rowing and sailing across the ocean and was next to impossible in autumn and winter . In all seasons , waves up to 12 metres ( 39 ft ) high lash the beach of Village Bay , and even on calmer days landing on the slippery rocks can be hazardous . 
