Outer Hebrides - 14 Islands in 11 Days

Just back from a great trip to the Outer Hebrides, 1125 miles in 11 days, a mixture of sunshine and rain and only 2 minor running repairs required using cable ties (wipers and drooping radiator hose)

We used a CalMac Hopscotch ticket £225 for the van and 2 adults which covered the 5 ferry crossings.

We visited, Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris, Lewis, Scalpay, Great Bernera and Skye.

Before departing from Oban to Barra we visited Seil Island and crossed the "Bridge over the Atlantic"



An early start from Oban saw us leaving the campsite at 0630 (midges horrendous - fastest time we've ever packed up the van) for the 7hr sail to Barra via Coll & Tiree, we stayed at Borve on Barra the most westerly campsite in the UK



Barra is linked to Vatersay by causeway - great beaches and some good wild camping spots



Then we headed over to Barra Airport to watch the daily Glasgow flight land on the beach



Next stop Eriskay where the story of "Whisky Galore" was based and we got to handle some of the original whisky bottles - sadly no free samples



Next, heading North all the time we crossed to South Uist and Benbecula, all linked by causeways



When the sun is shining the scenery is absolutely fantastic and diverting off the main road brings you to many little beaches



Then onto the Isle of Berneray - what can I say, our favourite spot of all






In the ferry queue to cross from Berneray to Harris. On our trip we saw loads of white RV's, quite a few T25's/T4's and T5's but only 5 classic campers



The Isle of Harris - on the east side nothing but rocks for miles and a road only just wider than the van - great concentration required



More great views out across the Minch to the Isle of Skye



We had 2 nights at Lickisto Blackhouse Camping (the in-place it seems, recommended in Cool Camping and lots of other places, quirky and very chilled out)



Then the Northern most point on the trip at the Butt of Lewis



To prove that it wasn't all sunshine here we are queueing for the Skye to Mallaig ferry in the pouring rain with a nice splitty just arriving. With a lousy forecast for the next 4 days we had an overnight at Arisaig on the Road to the Isles then headed home.

Looks great!

The virtually treeless landscape of the Isles always looks amazing.

Great that you had plenty of sun! Were there many midges out on the islands - or are they a mainland treat?
Your pics are very very good. Did you have to book ferries ahead or could you just turn up?
(We were there in the first 2 weeks in May - certainly no midges and no flowers on the machair at that time - but very impressive with fantastic scenery - remain very keen to return!)

Looks amazing chaps. The West Coast is certainly one of my favourite places to tour.

docmark wrote:

Great that you had plenty of sun! Were there many midges out on the islands - or are they a mainland treat?
Your pics are very very good. Did you have to book ferries ahead or could you just turn up?
(We were there in the first 2 weeks in May - certainly no midges and no flowers on the machair at that time - but very impressive with fantastic scenery - remain very keen to return!)

Not too many midges, there was a breeze on the islands, only in the still morning air at Oban was it bad. We booked the 1st crossing in advance then rang up the day before each sailing for our next reservations - nearly came unstuck leaving Harris for Skye the only sailing of the day was full but we queued up early and they squeezed us on.

The machair was at its best this week, the campsite at Balranald RSPB reserve on North Uist is right in the midst of it all.

Wow!  That looks like an amazing trip!  Some fantastic photos and places.  I have more places on my list of where to go in my van now :-) thanks for sharing.
EJ

Very nice we love that part of the world we spent our honeymoon up that way in our splitty will def go that way again

FAB pics guys - looks like you had a great time

Looks amazing. And hardly anyone else around. Result!

Great pictures - must add this to the 'bucket' list

Great pics - thanks. I've done this trip twice and can't wait to do it again. I don't think there is a better place than Harris.

Sounds like an ideal tour to do. Love the photo's.

fantastic scenery. A truly breathtaking part of the world

I'm not usually prone to envy but on this occasion I'm prepared to make an exception. 

Looks out of this world. I've added this trip to my bucket list.

Just booked a CalMac Hopscotch ticket for the end of August. One week island hopping then a week on Skye - hope our weather is as good as yours looked, Geoff.

Fantastic views- we did some of the west coast last year- think we need to do more !