Highlands and Islands Tour

[GrumpyGranddad]

One of my lockdown projects is to plan a trip to Scotland. We’ve been to Skye many years ago but fancy venturing further to the Outer Hebrides. Have read Martin Dorey’s ‘Take the slow road Scotland’ which has some useful information but just wondered if any forum members have done such a trip.
Would Barra, North & South Uist; Harris; Lewis & Skye be too ambitious for a single trip?

 

[Wildcamper]

In spring 2018 we did, Gloucestershire, Arran, Malaig, Mull, Barra, up to Stornaway and Butt of Lewis, Ullapool, Summer Isles back to Gloucestershire. Great trip, fantastic trip. No midgies, very few people, many camp sites to ourselves. Would never do it hight season. Spent 4 weeks, or was it 5?

 

[Wildcamper]

In spring 2018 we did, Gloucestershire, Arran, Malaig, Mull, Barra, up to Stornaway and Butt of Lewis, Ullapool, Summer Isles back to Gloucestershire. Great trip, fantastic trip. No midgies, very few people, many camp sites to ourselves. Would never do it hight season. Spent 4 weeks, or was it 5?

Also Lake District.

 

[Ferryman]

In my view its best to do them in a loop like you suggest ferry oban to barra (long) and up to lewis. From lewis you can go back to ullapool or back down to harris then ferry to skye(uig). Easily do-able in 2 weeks.

Generally I only have a week or so at a time so would probably do a smaller loop i.e. oban/barra/uist/skye or skye/harris/lewis/ullapool. Skye's can easily be combined with the mainland at a later date though.

 

[Velma's Dad]

In my view its best to do them in a loop like you suggest ferry oban to barra (long) and up to lewis. From lewis you can go back to ullapool or back down to harris then ferry to skye(uig). Easily do-able in 2 weeks.

Generally I only have a week or so at a time so would probably do a smaller loop i.e. oban/barra/uist/skye or skye/harris/lewis/ullapool. Skye's can easily be combined with the mainland at a later date though.

I agree that schedule is very do-able. To be honest (although others may disagree) there's not so much to see on the 'middle bit' of the Western Isles, ie the Uists, you'll probably want to spend most of your time at the Barra/Eriskay end then up in Harris and Lewis. We absolutely loved both Harris and Lewis, although it has to be said Lewis gets a mixed press.

Be aware that Skye has become crazy busy these days se be prepared for crowds there (although obviously not so much if international travel hasn't picked up again by the time of your trip).

 

[Jezza99]

One of my lockdown projects is to plan a trip to Scotland. We’ve been to Skye many years ago but fancy venturing further to the Outer Hebrides. Have read Martin Dorey’s ‘Take the slow road Scotland’ which has some useful information but just wondered if any forum members have done such a trip.
Would Barra, North & South Uist; Harris; Lewis & Skye be too ambitious for a single trip?

We’ve been up twice this year. Skye and North Coast 500 first and then the islands. Lots of places to stay once lockdown is over free and paid for. The Uists and Barra can be explored in a few days, lots of amazing beaches then Harris/Lewis similarly so. Excellent free camping at Huishnish on Harris, sea eagles and blue seas. How long have you got? We spent 4 weeks in total. Best part of 2020 by far!

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

We’ve been up twice this year. Skye and North Coast 500 first and then the islands. Lots of places to stay once lockdown is over free and paid for. The Uists and Barra can be explored in a few days, lots of amazing beaches then Harris/Lewis similarly so. Excellent free camping at Huishnish on Harris, sea eagles and blue seas. How long have you got? We spent 4 weeks in total. Best part of 2020 by far!

Thanks.
We’re retired so not too many time constraints but would probably limit it to 3-4 weeks max.

 

[BeagleMum]

One of my lockdown projects is to plan a trip to Scotland. We’ve been to Skye many years ago but fancy venturing further to the Outer Hebrides. Have read Martin Dorey’s ‘Take the slow road Scotland’ which has some useful information but just wondered if any forum members have done such a trip.
Would Barra, North & South Uist; Harris; Lewis & Skye be too ambitious for a single trip?

It’s doable but very much depends on what you like to do and when you go. It also depends on if you wish to make the journey north part of your holiday and stop a couple of places on route or if you intend to just journey straight to your ferry.
We do a lot of walking, birdwatching, so we like to spend time in places not just rush through and tick them off.
We've been going to Scotland a couple of times a year for 30 years, sadly not since lockdown obviously.
We only go between mid Sept through to early May. This avoids crowds and midgies.
We generally go for 3/4 weeks at a time.
We’ve done just the Western Isles on their own, starting on Lewis ending on Barra and vice versa.
We’ve done Lewis, Harris & Skye, a good combination a couple of times.
It’s very much a personal choice, one suggestion we would offer is to break it down into a few trips. Don’t try and do it all in one trip. Scotland is breathtakingly beautiful but you need to walk it, to breathe it, to feel it, not just admire it from behind your windscreen. Enjoy your planning, we will be back up there just as soon as we can travel.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

It’s doable but very much depends on what you like to do and when you go. It also depends on if you wish to make the journey north part of your holiday and stop a couple of places on route or if you intend to just journey straight to your ferry.
We do a lot of walking, birdwatching, so we like to spend time in places not just rush through and tick them off.
We've been going to Scotland a couple of times a year for 30 years, sadly not since lockdown obviously.
We only go between mid Sept through to early May. This avoids crowds and midgies.
We generally go for 3/4 weeks at a time.
We’ve done just the Western Isles on their own, starting on Lewis ending on Barra and vice versa.
We’ve done Lewis, Harris & Skye, a good combination a couple of times.
It’s very much a personal choice, one suggestion we would offer is to break it down into a few trips. Don’t try and do it all in one trip. Scotland is breathtakingly beautiful but you need to walk it, to breathe it, to feel it, not just admire it from behind your windscreen. Enjoy your planning, we will be back up there just as soon as we can travel.

Thanks BeagleMum, we too like walking. Not serious birdwatchers but have done a bit and enjoy photographing birds. Also enjoy cycling. Definitely intend to take it sliw and explore on foot. September/October would suit if lockdown is lifted. Fingers crossed. Do you buy an Island hopper type ferry ticket?

 

[CannonDale]

We toured the Highlands and Islands three times between Oct 2019 and Sept 2020. Each trip lasted 2-3 weeks, ferries between the islands were booked the day before we traveled which allowed us flexibility. We were out of season so the ferry’s had plenty of availability. We now live in Oban and will be visiting the islands again once lockdown allows.

 

[BeagleMum]

Thanks BeagleMum, we too like walking. Not serious birdwatchers but have done a bit and enjoy photographing birds. Also enjoy cycling. Definitely intend to take it sliw and explore on foot. September/October would suit if lockdown is lifted. Fingers crossed. Do you buy an Island hopper type ferry ticket?

No we don’t generally use Hopscotch but they are an option that suit some travellers. Some views of Skye.

 

[Russell&Margot]

We travelled the Outer Hebrides for 3 weeks in Sept 2018. At the time, I concluded that Island Hopper was not needed. We do not do detailed plans so just booked each ferry a day or so before we decided to use it. CalMac are great and it is easy to change your ferry booking if plans change.

Lots of fantastic places to camp including:

• Rather than Barra, camp across the causeway on Vatersay at the Community Hall (coin in slot shower, toilet and sink) with honesty box. Walk to 3 fantastic beaches.
• Ferry terminals often have showers and free WIFI - we stayed in the ferry carpark at Eriskay.
• Camped at St Marys church near walk to ruined Ormacleit castle on South Uist - Sunday school room open with toilet and kitchen sink - donation in church box. Turn off A865 for Bornish (Bornais) and ignore turn to the castle to reach the church.
• Moorcroft campsite on a North Uist croft has good location and facilities - availed ourselves of the stone kitchen during a storm. http://www.moorcroftholidays.co.uk/campsite/
• Dined at Scarista House (https://scaristahouse.com ) on Harris and they kindly let us park overnight and use their loo in the morning.

We found "Outer Hebrides' by Mark Rowe (Bradt Travel Guides) useful and it includes some walk suggestions. More walks are outlined in 'Walking the Western Isles' by Mary Welsh (Clan Walk Guides).

Peter May writes novels based in the Outer Hebrides - 'Coffin Road' is great. (Aside: 15 years ago he also wrote 'Lockdown' set in quarantined London during a pandemic)

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

We travelled the Outer Hebrides for 3 weeks in Sept 2018. At the time, I concluded that Island Hopper was not needed. We do not do detailed plans so just booked each ferry a day or so before we decided to use it. CalMac are great and it is easy to change your ferry booking if plans change.

Lots of fantastic places to camp including:

• Rather than Barra, camp across the causeway on Vatersay at the Community Hall (coin in slot shower, toilet and sink) with honesty box. Walk to 3 fantastic beaches.
• Ferry terminals often have showers and free WIFI - we stayed in the ferry carpark at Eriskay.
• Camped at St Marys church near walk to ruined Ormacleit castle on South Uist - Sunday school room open with toilet and kitchen sink - donation in church box. Turn off A865 for Bornish (Bornais) and ignore turn to the castle to reach the church.
• Moorcroft campsite on a North Uist croft has good location and facilities - availed ourselves of the stone kitchen during a storm. http://www.moorcroftholidays.co.uk/campsite/
• Dined at Scarista House (https://scaristahouse.com ) on Harris and they kindly let us park overnight and use their loo in the morning.

We found "Outer Hebrides' by Mark Rowe (Bradt Travel Guides) useful and it includes some walk suggestions. More walks are outlined in 'Walking the Western Isles' by Mary Welsh (Clan Walk Guides).

Peter May writes novels based in the Outer Hebrides - 'Coffin Road' is great. (Aside: 15 years ago he also wrote 'Lockdown' set in quarantined London during a pandemic)

Thankyou, very informative.

 

[Phase one]

For Outer Hebrides:

Bradt guide is very helpful with background information, tourist information, walks, eateries etc.

https://www.bradtguides.com/product/outer-hebrides-2/

Also there are plenty of trip leaflets here:

Leaflets

Outer Hebrides Leaflets

www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk

The WalkHighland site is good for walks ideas:

Outer Hebrides (Walkhighlands)

Comprehensive free online guide to the Outer Hebrides - or Western Isles, as they are known more locally. The site includes detailed descriptions of walking routes as well as places to stay and things to see and do.

www.walkhighlands.co.uk

The West Harris Trust has some useful information and some nice camping spots

Camping

Camping From golden sands to turquoise seas, West Harris is an area blessed with stunning natural landscapes. What better way to enjoy this unique setting than by getting back to nature and camping…

www.westharristrust.org

If you are going across to Outer Hebrides it’s a good plan to have a vague plan in case the sailings disrupted. It’s happened to us!

We did not use the island hopper ticket but just rang ahead as we went.

Lots of cycling options on the quiet roads - get a map and take a punt on a few promising loops. Roads can be hilly!- eg Vatersay to Barra and roads on Harris.

Good camping spots are to be found all over ( eg. See our camp spot in second picture) and we found it quiet out of season. Do a bit of research and you will find some great spots Beware it can get windy in some spots so watch the forecast!
We think it’s best in Late April/May or in September.

Do remember to support local shops etc. Fabulous seafood! seafood

All you need is good weather. If you are retired then my advice is to watch the medium range forecast and head off when it looks to be set fair.

For Mainland there’s a wealth of opportunities -see previous threads
We particularly like the Coigach and Summer Isles area, Torridon, Assynt, and around Lochinver ...


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