Hebrides - Recommendations

[padgett]

We're planning a week in the Hebrides in the next few weeks. Nothing booked yet!

Has anyone got recommendations for places to stay, eat and see?

Plan is to walk a little, eat and drink a lot and see beautiful scenery.

Thanks!

Jamie

[padgett]

I wasn't expecting it to be so busy!

Struggling to find availability for w/c 24 May....

Can anybody help??

[Somewhatfoolish]

I think you should go to Barra, not because there's anything there (there isn't) but because if you fly there you'll get to land in an Otter on the only sand runway in Europe!

[Allanmac]

Which part? I live on Lewis.

For walking, scenery and beaches I would say Harris without a doubt. No question. Easyily enough to get to Harris, boat to Tarbert or to Stornoway, or fly to Stornoway. Tarbert is only about a 45 minute drive from Stornoway, so it doesn't really make a difference on which route you prefer.

For eating I'd say without a doubt Stornoway; Sulare Restaurant, Boad Shed, Manor Restuarant etc.

Also, if your going to stay in Lewis, I would not recommend staying in a hotel in Stornoway, you would be far better off going to a guesthouse such as Braighe House, Crowberry or the expensive, but extremely good Broad Bay House.

If you stay in Harris, I would recommend Blue Reef Cottages. Amazing places, Their 5 star rated, and if you like golf there's a highly rated natural course right in front of it.

Or why not wait for the HebCeltFest? Its a great weekend.

Edited by Allanmac on Sunday 2nd May 21:27

Edited by Allanmac on Sunday 2nd May 21:33

[padgett]

We're booked off work for that week now, so can't be flexible.

We've found a cottage to rent in Govig on Harris, but haven't booked it yet.

Blue Reef is full, as most places seem to be.

We plan to drive up from the 'South' and get a ferry across.

Edited by padgett on Sunday 2nd May 21:37

Edited by padgett on Sunday 2nd May 21:39

[Allanmac]

Govig, you'll literally drive past the door step of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. That is no joke as the road goes round the castle and is literally its doorstep, with no pavement between. I've stayed in the castle before, and been down a few times, its a great place. Just further down the road is Husnish, which has a decent beach, and great views across to the Isle of Scarp. Ensure you go to Luskentyr beach, which overlooks the Island of Taransay (Castaway, Ben Fogle..)

For walks buy this, http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1872405355/ref=...

You could even go to St Kilda, somethign which I haven't done myself, but I'm definatley looking into it for the next couple of years.

[Bonefish Blues]

Scarista House on Harris for a meal - we rolled up at 5pm and the "prawns" were just arriving from the boat for dinner at 7pm. They also have self catering cottages behind the main house, and THE most beautiful beach I've ever seen beyond the dunes out front. May well be camping up there this June...

If you go back via Ullapool, then worth a c1hr detour North to the Summer Isles Hotel bar for one of their seafood platters.

Edited by Bonefish Blues on Monday 3rd May 09:05

[padgett]

Well the Hebrides were great. We'll definitely be returning.

It's so peaceful, beautiful and friendly.

Well worth a visit.

[undred orse]

did you go to Barra?
my grandfather was from there and its many years since i visited as a child.any good places to stay there?