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Outer Hebrides ferries


Pipkim

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Pipkim - 2017-06-12 2:38 PM

 

We've just returned from our Outer Hebrides jaunt.

 

We had a great time even though we were delayed on the Oban to Barra ferry by a day due to a technical issue [fouled propeller apparently]. Calmac did compensate for the extra night site fee & fish & chip supper though!

 

We travelled up through the islands as planned mixing & matching wildcamping with proper sites. [2 to 1]. Spectacular white sandy beaches that you could just park up at for a few nights and fall asleep to the sound of the waves breaking!

 

The West Harris Trust have set up a really good scheme. They have two "proper sites" but a number of wildcamping spots overlooking Luskentyre beach which is first come - first served.

 

We saw lots of wildlife including a Golden Eagle in West Harris. No otters though but plenty of gannets diving for their supper at Cliff Machair on the north west side of Lewis [next to Uig].

 

We actually extended our trip by a few days and CalMac were very helpful & obliging in changing our ferries a couple of time.

 

Will we return? Probably but maybe with a smaller motorhome - we felt a bit "restricted" at times with our 7.5m long van trying to park up at some of the touristy areas.

 

PilgrimPhil

 

 

Just came across this thread and delighted you had a good trip. I am a long time "Hebrideanophile", also a Calmac fan, and are not long back ourselves. Plus we had friends who were delayed on the same Oban-Barra crossing, they were going on bikes to cycle up the length of the Islands.

We are a bit like you, and before our recent trip, we downsized from a 7m coachbuilt to a 6m PVC and really enjoyed the extra flexibility that gave us. Plus, we had a few days of wet and windy weather, and coped well in the smaller space.

Planning our next trip already!!

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Pipkim - 2017-06-12 2:38 PM

 

We've just returned from our Outer Hebrides jaunt.

 

We had a great time even though we were delayed on the Oban to Barra ferry by a day due to a technical issue [fouled propeller apparently]. Calmac did compensate for the extra night site fee & fish & chip supper though!

 

We travelled up through the islands as planned mixing & matching wildcamping with proper sites. [2 to 1]. Spectacular white sandy beaches that you could just park up at for a few nights and fall asleep to the sound of the waves breaking!

 

The West Harris Trust have set up a really good scheme. They have two "proper sites" but a number of wildcamping spots overlooking Luskentyre beach which is first come - first served.

 

We saw lots of wildlife including a Golden Eagle in West Harris. No otters though but plenty of gannets diving for their supper at Cliff Machair on the north west side of Lewis [next to Uig].

 

We actually extended our trip by a few days and CalMac were very helpful & obliging in changing our ferries a couple of time.

 

Will we return? Probably but maybe with a smaller motorhome - we felt a bit "restricted" at times with our 7.5m long van trying to park up at some of the touristy areas.

 

PilgrimPhil

 

 

Delighted you enjoyed it

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We were there at the end of May - early June, so can only comment on that time of year.

 

We had no midge problem at all - probably as there was always a wind of some sort [breeze; light wind; gale;storm!].

 

We only had one day where we couldn't get out & about due to rain & low cloud and we used that to change our location from West Harris [Luskentyre] to North East Lewis [Tolsta].

 

There were lots of motorhomes around but the islands never felt overcrowded. Lots of cyclists too doing the Hebridean Way [sustrans Route 780]. As I commented earlier, there are a multitude of wild camping spots available - just look for a picnic bench symbol on the OS maps and pitch up.

 

We have visited the Shetland Isles in May/June too and always had reasonable weather. We just tried to avoid the large motorcycle rally [simmer Dim rally?] that happens in mid June.

 

Hope that helps

 

PilgrimPhil

 

 

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