Hebridean trip

ClubDougal replied on 01/11/2021 16:22

Posted on 01/11/2021 16:22

Hi, I’m new on here but have been a club member nearly 40 years. We caravanned for 32 of them then went over to the dark side and bought a motorhome LOL! I would love to hear from any one who has been to the Outer Hebrides with a van same sort of size as ours (7.6m).We’re going next May so am interested in tips on which roads to avoid, good places to park during the day while we’re out, good food etc. I’ve planned a route and chosen sites as bases, preferring to get around the tiddly roads on our two e bikes. I’m researching what to do and where to go…so excited about going. Old hands at single track roads with passing places and have chosen sites with hook ups and chem disposal. Looking forward to hearing any first hand experience from anyone who’s been. Thanks 

Tinwheeler replied on 01/11/2021 16:40

Posted on 01/11/2021 16:40

We did it in a 6m PVC from Lewis down to Barra. Mostly the roads were absolutely fine as were the sites. Personally I’d not want to do it in a MH the size of yours but people do.

Places to go - it very much depends on your personal preferences but the tourist must sees are the Callanish Stones and the Gearrannan Village on Lewis, the beaches of Luskentyre on Harris and the beach airport on Barra. Otherwise, it’s whatever takes your fancy. Most beach areas have parking but be prepared for hills on your ebikes.

Don't expect to find lots of places to eat out because they are not plentiful. The Co-op shops are very good for stocking up on supplies.

Do, please, respect the islanders religious observance of Sunday and remember that everything closes on a Sunday. 

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 01/11/2021 20:14

Posted on 01/11/2021 16:40 by Tinwheeler

We did it in a 6m PVC from Lewis down to Barra. Mostly the roads were absolutely fine as were the sites. Personally Iโ€™d not want to do it in a MH the size of yours but people do.

Places to go - it very much depends on your personal preferences but the tourist must sees are the Callanish Stones and the Gearrannan Village on Lewis, the beaches of Luskentyre on Harris and the beach airport on Barra. Otherwise, itโ€™s whatever takes your fancy. Most beach areas have parking but be prepared for hills on your ebikes.

Don't expect to find lots of places to eat out because they are not plentiful. The Co-op shops are very good for stocking up on supplies.

Do, please, respect the islanders religious observance of Sunday and remember that everything closes on a Sunday. 

Posted on 01/11/2021 20:14

Do you have any pics Tinny?, I’ve done Scotland but not almost Scandinavian Scotland like you, now that’s a journey mate๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

Tinwheeler replied on 01/11/2021 20:21

Posted on 01/11/2021 20:14 by Rocky 2 buckets

Do you have any pics Tinny?, Iโ€™ve done Scotland but not almost Scandinavian Scotland like you, now thatโ€™s a journey mate๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

Posted on 01/11/2021 20:21

Loads of them. I’ll find a few๐Ÿ˜ƒ. It’s not so much of a journey as the nearer Scandinavia of Shetland. Now that is a trek๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

Tinwheeler replied on 01/11/2021 20:30

Posted on 01/11/2021 20:30

Here you go-

Callanish Stones swarming in Canadian visitors

Gearrannan Blackhouses with just a few Canadians

Luskentyre and

Barra airport (across the bay) sans Canadians

 

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 01/11/2021 22:06

Posted on 01/11/2021 22:06

That is beaut Tinny, great pics. Scotland is rammed just full of wonderful history, I remember visiting Iona & that was a revelation in the feelings it engendered,for an atheist like me I found it so spiritual, no Canadians mind๐Ÿ˜Š

ABM replied on 01/11/2021 22:50

Posted on 01/11/2021 22:50

One word of WARNING to you, ClubDougal   !!

Do your checking carefully and ensure it covers the FERRIES  !!

Ferries like the old ( now replaced I understand ) ferry to Mull from Lochaline to Fishnish used to be Drive on ~~ Reverse off !!  I was in a Leyland Sherpa camper so had no trouble but the lady in a car in front of me leapt out, ran round to the passenger side & pounded violently on the car roof. Definitely would have needed a change of attire at the first lay-by I reckon !!

 

As Rocky says, so much great history ~~ almost as  much as there is great scenery,  so no rushing around on either count smile

Tinwheeler replied on 01/11/2021 23:06

Posted on 01/11/2021 22:50 by ABM

One word of WARNING to you, ClubDougal   !!

Do your checking carefully and ensure it covers the FERRIES  !!

Ferries like the old ( now replaced I understand ) ferry to Mull from Lochaline to Fishnish used to be Drive on ~~ Reverse off !!  I was in a Leyland Sherpa camper so had no trouble but the lady in a car in front of me leapt out, ran round to the passenger side & pounded violently on the car roof. Definitely would have needed a change of attire at the first lay-by I reckon !!

 

As Rocky says, so much great history ~~ almost as  much as there is great scenery,  so no rushing around on either count smile

Posted on 01/11/2021 23:06

No worries there, Brian. The ferries to the Outer Hebrides are good drive on, drive off ferries the same goes for the small inter island ferries๐Ÿ‘. 

Tinwheeler replied on 01/11/2021 23:10

Posted on 01/11/2021 22:06 by Rocky 2 buckets

That is beaut Tinny, great pics. Scotland is rammed just full of wonderful history, I remember visiting Iona & that was a revelation in the feelings it engendered,for an atheist like me I found it so spiritual, no Canadians mind๐Ÿ˜Š

Posted on 01/11/2021 23:10

I know what you mean. I've not been to Iona but the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney had a very spiritual feel. It was probably enhanced by us being the only people there in the quiet of evening.

Ne10 replied on 02/11/2021 08:25

Posted on 02/11/2021 08:25

I think I am right in saying that CalMac introduced an advanced booking requirement for motorhomes crossing from the mainland.  If this still applies it may affect you. 

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

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