Western Isles - 4/5 day itinerary

[GS TRV]

Hi Guys,

Im planning a few days over in Sept to travel around the western isles.

We have never been before and was hoping for a few recommendations on where to see etc. We will be coming on day1 from Cairnryan and were thinking of Oban on first night then ferry next day to Mull and then on from there.

We arent campers so will need a decent b&b recommendation too.

My gf doesnt want to do big miles so a realistic itineray will have to do

We got some great recommendations from you all for Skye on our last trip so will be keen to see what ideas you come up with.

many thanks

Trev

 

[shuck raider]

Trev, there was a post a while ago by GC about his run through the Isles

I've only visited South Uist to fish for seatrout but was enchanted by the place. I stayed at Kinloch B&B which was fine.

Hope you both enjoy the trip

 

[paintman]

We toured the Western Isles in May 2010, got the ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy and spent four days bimbling around until we arrived in Stornaway were we ferried bact to Ullapool, the whole trip was fantastic and well photographed in the link to GC's report below.

Tips,

Try and book your accomodation in advance as options are fairly limited, we didn't and ended up with some rather expensive beds.

The ferries can be busy so arrive in good time and get your place in the Q.

Be prepared for a little dampness.

 

[G.C.]

Im sure that I can look out some good off-road tracks for you Trev.
Think i might have some pics somewhere

 

[rce]

The Callanish Standing Stones are a must http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callanish_Stones

Also some lovely jewellery being made in garden sheds, well worth a look if you pass a sign for one.

 

[Coolcarbon]

some lovely jewellery being made in garden sheds, well worth a look if you pass a sign for one.

Always pop in here when over...

 

[gerarddwatts]

Decent weather=======finest place in the world....crap weather=====worst!!
Most incredible fishing, Callanish, Luskentyre Beach, Golden Road all world class. Everybody should go top to bottom once, just pray for decent weather. Great time to visit while the ferries RET is still running! Can't last! Find B&B's as you go from tourist offices.

http://www.paircant-srath.co.uk/

is very good, if pricey.

 

[Grizzly]

Loads of Info and Photo's

The website linked below has loads of info & stunning photo's - enjoy!
I keep trying to plan a trip there but it's not happened so far!!!

www.virtualheb.co.uk/

Cheers.................Grizzly

 

[raboomdea]

If you were thinking of going further West. We travelled from Ullapool to Stornaway and wandered south to Barra before sailing (violenlty) across to Oban. Two up on a 650 GS called Geraldine camping or bunk housing all the way. For some reason I will now describe our route backwards...

Barra - Must do's
Castlebay- Cafe Kissimul -Fine Indian Fayre
Barra Airport - Wonderous French Toast (Try and watch a landing or take off)

Tootle across to Eriskay and up to South Uist - Stop at Kildonan Museam for Salmon Pate and super soup

Mooch along to North Uist where I can recommend Moorcroft Bunk House. Then trundle to Lochmaddy Community Centre for more souper soup and home made relish, cheese pate platters.

Float across to Harris, stop at the Butty Bus in the harbour for, well, a butty.

Wander to Tarbet - Lovely coffee shop to the right as you turn down the hill to the harbour (Dont recall its name ...also forgot to lock the lavy door and had an unanounced visitor during morning movements!!)

Stop off at then Erisort Hotel (Owned and run by Yorkshire folk) Fabulous Herring platter.

We also mooched around Stornaway but alas I didnt rate it much.

After our traumatic sail home (Storm force vomiting and an upended Geraldine) we stayed at Hotel Wully and Fruitcake which was a wonderful and welcome highlight. Not sure its open to the public though ;-)

And yes ...I mainly ate my way around the Isles. More wine shops the further South you get

 

[Coolcarbon]

Barra - Must do's
Barra Airport - Try and watch a landing or take off

Having watched it several times over the years, last year decided to take advantage of the 'Tourist Flight'.

Essentially you can buy a return flight to Benbecular, if there are empty seats, about 20 minutes each way...well worth the experience..

We were lucky with a clear sunny day....

Just arrived from Glasgow..

Nice soft walkway...

The runway...

View from my seat, very 'cosy'...

Coming back into Barra...

Great views from up there, too nice to bother with the camera...

 

[oyster]

Youth Hostels

We had a great time using the Scotish Youth Hostels starting at Loch Lomund/Oban ready for the Ferrry for Mull/Tobmorey Youth Hostel/Loch Ness.
we travelled through Galloway Forest, day trip to Skye, Invergary,Inverness and the Green Welly Cafe.