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AWG
Original Poster
365 posts
25 months
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Hi folks, I have planned a highland tour this year at the end of September and considered taking the Caledonian ferry over to the Hebrides for four or five days. Starting at Barra and ending in Stornaway. Anybody had any experiences or 'must see' places while there? Thanks a lot. Andy 
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GetCarter
16,693 posts
148 months
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Just pray for good weather. More than anywhere else, the experience will be weather related. In Sept the ferries won't be full, so you can take a last minute decision. There is sod all to do in the Outer Hebrides if it's raining! We go every year at least once, but always wait for good weather. With 5 days, you'll have time to see everything... but basically all the beaches are on the west. If you get up early, you'll have them to yourself. Feel free to ask where any of these were taken: http://www.stevecarter.com/harris-2007/hebrides.ht...Take a camera. ETA... don't miss the road to Luskentyre on South Harris. It's a dead end road so you might not take it. If you do it leads you here... (Click on the pic for full size) 
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AWG
Original Poster
365 posts
25 months
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Thanks Steve, your insight into the Highlands was much appreciated. I saw from your website that you have some terrific memories of Lewis and Harris.
As for the weather...I can see it being wet!
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Nicholas Blair
4,002 posts
153 months
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Just done Lewis and Harris and back today - fantastic. We've already decided we're going back to do Mull,Uists and Barra as soon as we can. Ferries were excellent and all crosssings hassle free. Stayed here in Lewis http://www.borvehousehotel.co.uk/ brilliant hotel, huge family room and great location. Camera worked overtime  It's taken me 40 odd years to make it to a part of Scotland that's on my dooorstep. Wish I'd done it sooner. Cheers Nick     
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jet_noise
1,198 posts
51 months
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Dear AWG, Mrs noise & me spent a couple of nights on Harris/Lewis. Ferry from Uig>Tarbert. B&B in Tarbert Ceol Na Mara. Breakfast on ferry surprisingly good. We were very lucky with the weather, the one sunny day we had was the driving round the beaches day, fabulous.  Stornoway is a mix of everyday living and expensive gift shops, regards, Jet
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AWG
Original Poster
365 posts
25 months
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Thanks Nick, good timing for the thread! I am considering camping to bring the costs down however I see that hotel is near where I plan to stay being the Borve campsite! From the looks of things, and per Steves comment above it appears like a great place to take the Cannon If I can fit the bike in the back I may bring it with me as I see from Google that some parts are best accessed by footpath. Jet, that beach looks terrific. If only I could get a day like today to spend on it! Out of the islands which ones would you recommend spending more time on?
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Nicholas Blair
4,002 posts
153 months
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Thanks AWG You'll not be disappointed by any route. I picked up the Rough Guide book to Scottish Highlands and Islands, was invaluable and very helpful. Will give you plenty of pointers. Cheers Nick
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AWG
Original Poster
365 posts
25 months
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May sound silly but are there any castles or forts on the islands, or are they all quite baron?
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yellowbentines
3,449 posts
76 months
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GetCarter said: but basically all the beaches are on the west. Ahem, all?...my mother is from Lewis and I've been up once or twice a year for my entire life, I always head east for beaches  Tolsta  Coll  ..but you're not wrong, there's good beaches everywhere, the Western Isles on a good day is heaven IMO.
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GetCarter
16,693 posts
148 months
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Fair comment. Let me rephrase. 95% of the good beaches are on the west coast, but there are a few stunners on the east.
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