derek pringle Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 Hi All, My OH and myself are thinking of going to the Hebrides late April early May. Would like to pick the brains of the members who have been--good points/bad points etc. We went to Skye many years ago and loved it except for the blasted midges, we were locked in the van from early evening onwards. Do they have a season? hope we are not aiming to go at the wrong time. Also,any info on the sites and access would be very welcome. Thanks very much in anticipation of any replies. cheers derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 ....at that particular time you should be lucky and miss the worst of the midges. My own view is that it is a great time to go, though, of course, the weather can be unpredicatable at any part of the season. It is a bit early for them (or at least, the real nuisance levels), though I have suffered on Skye at Spring Bank Holiday, (in ideal midge conditions) and the season is rumoured to be extending. (I've also had a late Easter on Skye with stunning weather and absolutely no midges; similarly recently at Lochinver). If you clarify whether you wish to visit the Inner or Outer Hebrides (or both), or simply traverse the West coast with a few island hops, it may help to focus the answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 derek pringle - 2012-03-12 9:52 AM Hi All, My OH and myself are thinking of going to the Hebrides late April early May. Would like to pick the brains of the members who have been--good points/bad points etc. We went to Skye many years ago and loved it except for the blasted midges, we were locked in the van from early evening onwards. Do they have a season? hope we are not aiming to go at the wrong time. Also,any info on the sites and access would be very welcome. Thanks very much in anticipation of any replies. cheers derek Derek, We are doing the same, May/June, might bump into you (not literally !!). Beautiful place if the weather behaves itself. Don't worry about midges on The Hebrides, the wind keeps them at bay (or has done the last 3 times we have been ) even a slight breeze keeps them away, Plus of course carry some 'Avon Skin So Soft'. Works, even on the dog. Water becomes a precious commodity, as do places to empty the Toilet cassette. Always take the oppurtunity at Ferry terminals to 'top up & Empty' you sometimes have to search or ask, but they are there somewhere. And PLEASE follow the 'Rules' and don't get us a bad name. Get plenty of Information on the islands from the Tourist Board at Stornaway : http://www.visithebrides.com/ There are plenty of wild camping opportunities, but here are a few Sites, we have stayed on most of them : http://www.barracamping.co.uk/index.html http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=8778 http://www.isleofbarra.com/for-visitors/barra/deserted-village.html http://www.eileanfraoich.co.uk/ http://www.croft183.com/ That should be enough to 'Whet' your appetite. have fun. Regards Ray ;-) PS can especially recommend 'Moorcroft Holidays' on North Uist'. Nearly new site and lovely people,Beautiful spot. Ask for Catriona or Ian. as for 'wild camping spots' if i told you, i'd have to shoot you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 We've learnt to avoid any campsite that is 'nice and sheltered', the more windswept the better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arthur49 Posted March 12, 2012 Share Posted March 12, 2012 A few wild camping spots in the Outer Hebrides:- South Uist - down road towards the machair just north of Kildonan Hall/Museum. Road veers left after last house and gets a bit sandy and narrow ........ stop and have a walk down ....but provided you're not driving a huge van you should be fine. (I stop at last house on left to check they are OK if I continue on and they're always very welcoming). You can pick up water and empty your cassette next to Tourist Office in Lochboisdale North Uist - two campsites here - well one actually on Benbecula - but wild camping at picnic area at Solas on north coast (Last time we arrived there a m/home had just left after dumping his grey water on the ground!). If you fancy Golden Eagle spotting then go to top of Committee Road and sit in van with binoculars - if no eagles you are almost bound to spot Hen Harriers. Pick up water dump waste/toilet etc at Berneray Ferry Terminal Harris - 14 mile drive west down dead end road to Huishinish. Fabulous view. Public toilet here with tap but nowhere to dump waste etc. Watch the gannets dive.................... Irresponsible m/homers wrecked opportunities to wild camp on Barra eg washing pants/socks in airport toilet sinks and body washing. Barra fabulous though and a number of local crofters will allow you to pitch up in their field for a few pounds (or did when we were there 18 months ago) If you do go please respect the locals. If you do that, and buy local, we find them very welcoming and helpful. The Outer Hebrides can we very windy but in reasonable weather its unbeatable.......OK OK OK we love Croatia just as much! Arthur Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek pringle Posted March 13, 2012 Author Share Posted March 13, 2012 Robinhood - 2012-03-12 10:13 AM ....at that particular time you should be lucky and miss the worst of the midges. My own view is that it is a great time to go, though, of course, the weather can be unpredicatable at any part of the season. It is a bit early for them (or at least, the real nuisance levels), though I have suffered on Skye at Spring Bank Holiday, (in ideal midge conditions) and the season is rumoured to be extending. (I've also had a late Easter on Skye with stunning weather and absolutely no midges; similarly recently at Lochinver). If you clarify whether you wish to visit the Inner or Outer Hebrides (or both), or simply traverse the West coast with a few island hops, it may help to focus the answers. hi Robinhood, we are thinking of maybe crossing from Skye to the Hebrides and just touring all of the islands eventually returning via Barra to Oban, we have never wildcamped and prefer to go on sites,especially were the economy seems to need the support. Would obviously like to see as much as possible whilst there. cheers derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 ....whilst I've done most of the Inner Hebrides, so far the outer Hebrides is a closed book for me. I plan to do it some time in the near future, as family circumstances now allow visits out of the main season. You have some good info already posted, and I'm sure now your plans are clearer that there'll be some more. The one downside I've found in looking in advance is the potential need to book certain ferry crossings in advance, or be disappointed - which rather impacts on the sponteneiety of the travelling (and also leaves one more at the mercy of the weather!) If youre looking seriously, I'm sure you will have found the "Hopscotch" tickets: http://www.calmac.co.uk/tickets/island-hopping ....which may save some money. You're much less likely to get midges at that time out on the outer islands (and the wind keeps them away anyhow). Thereis a reasonable site at Uig on Skye close to the ferry terminal, though I enjoyed my stay at the site at Dunvegan, which is very friendly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 Derek, It is possible to tour the Hebrides by staying on sites only, they are not as numerous as on the Mainland, and few are up to CC standards. But they are there : http://www.scottishcampingguide.com/link.php?n=50&c=14 http://www.laxdaleholidaypark.com/ http://www.eileanfraoich.co.uk/ http://www.southuist.com/accommodation.php?action=view&id=43 http://www.scottishcampingguide.com/link.php?n=51&c=21 http://www.scottishcampingguide.com/link.php?n=385&c=21 There are a few Crofters who are allowed upto 3 vans on their land, some have electric hook ups, some even have a toilet and showers, the lists of Crofters participating are available at the tourist information centres. regards Ray ;-) Plus the others already listed above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted March 13, 2012 Share Posted March 13, 2012 O.K so thats the Outer Hebrides your visiting. A good 15years since we've visited, at that time (and I believe still) all the islands except Benbecula had strict sunday observance, so everywhere closed on a sunday and no hanging out washing. The odd thing is the roads become alive as all and sundrey head off to church. I would guess that at that time of year it will be very quiet, we found that craft shops that might look to be closed where not, it's just there's very few people about. Not sure of latest state of play with tweed industry, but in evening you should hear the 'clack' of the looms and there are(where) some good tweed workshops to visit, but don't expect to be picking up 'cheap' cloth, this is a labour intensive trade with good quality, not the cheap imports you will find over a lot of Scotland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek pringle Posted March 14, 2012 Author Share Posted March 14, 2012 Hi All, Thanks for the replies, seems quite encouraging. Would be interested if anybody could give any tips of where to stay on Barra as there does not seem to be any sites. cheers again derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ips Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 we have never wildcamped and prefer to go on sites,especially were the economy seems to need the support. I for one think that is a very comendable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 derek pringle - 2012-03-14 9:29 AM Hi All, Thanks for the replies, seems quite encouraging. Would be interested if anybody could give any tips of where to stay on Barra as there does not seem to be any sites. cheers again derek ....but there is; see http://www.barracamping.co.uk/ You can also wild camp, though it is best to ask the permission of the locals. http://www.isleofbarra.com/for-visitors/accommodation/camping-and-caravan-site.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 derek pringle - 2012-03-14 9:29 AM Hi All, Thanks for the replies, seems quite encouraging. Would be interested if anybody could give any tips of where to stay on Barra as there does not seem to be any sites. cheers again derek There are 2 on the links I have posted already : http://www.barracamping.co.uk/index.html http://www.croft183.com/ both are smallish sites but have all facilities, it's wise to book though. Regards Ray ps Plus all the crofters listed in Robins link. all would be grateful for the custom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulletguy Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 derek pringle - 2012-03-13 9:26 AM We are thinking of maybe crossing from Skye to the Hebrides and just touring all of the islands eventually returning via Barra to Oban. Derek Unless you have already 'done' the NW coast you are missing some stunning scenery and roads. I used CalMacs Hopscotch ticket #8 which covers all the Outer Hebrides. http://www.calmac.co.uk/tickets/island-hopping/hopscotch-8-barra-uists-harris-and-lewis.htm You can depart from Ullapool over to Stornoway and then work your way south through the islands returning from Barra to Oban, or you can do the same in reverse. I also paid the optional fare to stop off at Tiree. Barra is amazing and it's a shame that they have now stopped people wildcamping overlooking Barra Airport "runway" (the beach!). When I visited you could park there no problem, but they have since banned it not because of irresponsible campers but to protect the machair which being eroded away. Don't forget to visit Vatersay where the remains of an RAF Catalina flying boat which crashed there in 1944 can still be seen. Whilst on Barra it's also worthwhile taking a boat trip out to Mingulay, an uninhabited island. South Uist is weird. I found it rather depressing and despite being there at the height of summer.....everyone had disappeared indoors by 6pm. It was eerily desolate. Harris is nice and whilst there you might want to consider a 'trip of a lifetime' out to St Kilda, an uninhabited island out in the Atlantic. Not cheap but it's a 'one off' unique chance. I booked a trip when I was on Harris but unfortunately the weather turned and so the trip was cancelled. http://www.kilda.org.uk/frame8.htm From Tarbert take the A859 and then look out for the B887 to Hushinish. It's about 12 miles long and a dead end.....so you have to return the way you came! BUT........it's not to be missed! An amazing road trip which rewards you at Hushinish with one of the most stunningly beautiful beaches i've ever seen. Along the road you will also pass the remnants of an old Whaling Station, a tiny School (about six pupils i think), and Amhuinnsuidhe Castle http://www.amhuinnsuidhe.com/ Lewis is the largest Island and there is lots to see. Wild camping here is easy as long as you are sensible. Something worth noting is all the islanders are devoutly religious and Sundays are strictly observed and they appreciate visitors respecting their Sundays which they call the Sabbath. Interestingly the religion goes from Roman Catholic in the south (Barra and South Uist) to Free Presbyterian in the North (Harris and Lewis), often seen by 'outsiders' as the last bastion of fundamentalist Calvanism! Just about every Islander turns up for Church on Sunday and I saw all types of people arriving from families dressed in their 'Sunday best' to Biker boys in their leathers turning up. http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/townlisting.asp?town=Isle%20Of%20Barra&county=Hebrides Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek pringle Posted March 15, 2012 Author Share Posted March 15, 2012 Hi. Absolutely brilliant information,really looking forward to going now. Encouraged by the notion that we may not be bothered too much by the midges and I will certainly take Bulletguys idea of considering St Kilda on board. Just a bit wary of access as the unit with tow ball mounted bike carrier comes in at about 8mtrs plus. The links we have been sent by a lot of posters have been superb both with the views and the information. Once again thanks and keep them coming. This forum really is a mine of information and good advice. cheers all derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulletguy Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 derek pringle - 2012-03-15 9:37 AM Absolutely brilliant information,really looking forward to going now. Encouraged by the notion that we may not be bothered too much by the midges and I will certainly take Bulletguys idea of considering St Kilda on board. Just a bit wary of access as the unit with tow ball mounted bike carrier comes in at about 8mtrs plus. Hi Derek You should be OK with 8m on most roads there and though that B road I mentioned to Hushinish has a few twists and turns, you will make it no problem. Don't miss it....it's an amazingly pretty little beach. One thing to really watch for when driving some B roads are the culverts either side. Often it's just peat bog so drop a wheel off the road into that and you won't be coming out without the aid of a local Farmer! Missing out on St Kilda was my one big regret as it's something you will only do once in your life. But the weather just turned the day I was due to go so the trip got cancelled. That is made clear to anyone booking that it can be cancelled if the Skipper feels it's not safe to travel as it is a fair way out in the ocean.....hence the cost! But if you go you will return with lots of photographs and memories of an island which very few other people have been to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 If you are interested in Wildlife at all ? then this is the place to go, Corncrakes at Balranald, North Uist, plus sightings of a pair of Snowy Owls on the 'B' Road across the 'Centre' of North Uist, Short Eared Owls hunting during the day, Lapwings a' Plenty, Golden Eagles and if you are Lucky 'The Flying Barn Door' White Tailed 'Sea' Eagles, Otters catching crabs on the coast, Seals, Gannets 'diving' in the 'Minch'. Whale watching on your way to St.Kilda, Plus don't forget a trip to 'Am Politician' the 'Whisky Galore' Pub on Eriskey, Most of the inhabited Islands are joined by Causeways, and of course Harris & Lewis are one (no-one who lives there will admit to that though !) and they are very differant, just the same land mass. So not as many ferries as you might think. Have a great time. Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 If you are doing the Outer Hebrides I would suggest that you travel north to south - as it gets increasingly scenic going in that direction ( in my opinion ). That was suggested to me by someone who had previously travelled in the other direction - and I agree with him. Have a good trip. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek pringle Posted March 19, 2012 Author Share Posted March 19, 2012 Hi malcd we were thinking of going from north to south but only because we thought the route home from Oban looked good as we would like a couple of days in Oban just to relax. Makes even more sense following your comments. cheers derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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