15 replies to this topic

[paulthepict]

Myself and the Mrs are going on a wee Hebridean tour with car next week. We'll be taking in Skye, Harris, Lewis and then over to Ullapool. Never been to the islands before. Can anyone suggest any 'must see' activities?

Cheers

[Donaldo87]

If your up for it climb the storr on Skye, the views are amazing.

Then reward yourself with a trip to the Talisker distillery.

[giblet]

Bosta Beach on Little Berneray, Isle of Lewis (see my picture).

[jailender]

Callanish Stones

[Flat Earth]

Which way are you going to Skye? If you take the ferry from Mallaig then you can skip past castle Tioram and the Seven Men of Moidart, plus Glenfinnan, and reward yourself with a paddle on the beach at Morar. If going over the bridge you will go past Eilean Donan, the most beautiful castle in Scotland, probably the world.

On Skye the road north from Portree past the Storr is awesome. You can stop at the kilted rock, visit Flora Maconalds grave, and visit a black house museum. There is a decent brewery in Uig as well.

Then there is Luskentyre beach in Harris, Calanish, the broch near Carloway, and a walk round the Castle grounds to the Creed and Cuddy Point in Stornoway.

Try www.walkhighlands.co.uk for more ideas. There is a clickable map which takes you in to specific areas in Scotland and then gives you a range of walks from a few kms to serious full blown hill climbs.

If you see a wee red MX5 give us a wave. We're doing much the same as you, starting in Oban and finishing in Plockton via Arisaig and Uig next week. Staying on the mainland though.

[Huddersfield]

I've probably got to make a trip up to Skye in a couple of weeks & am determined to go on this to get there:

http://www.skyeferry.co.uk/

[giblet]

On the Ferry look out for Basking Sharks. We went in July and the Ferry stopped twice as they were all around us, magnificent creatures.


We stayed at Dunvegan prior to getting the ferry across. Great little campsite. We did Lewis and Harris the first year, then went to most of the other islands the year after, with our base in Benbecula. Cottages are great value over there, the cost of the Ferry puts some people off, but it is definately worth it. Some of the beaches on the Uists and down to Barra and Vatersay are phenomonal.

[rasputin]

You could have went on the Oban to Castlebay ferry and taken in Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist in addition to what you have mentioned and came back from Harris/Lewis via Skye. The Thursday sailing goes via Coll and Tiree as well.

[Heuch Moray]

Where to start, you'll be needing at least a week on Syke alone. FE has already suggested the Storr and Kilt Rock and I'll add the magical Quiraing all in the northern Trotternish peninsula. Walk and climb amongst the amazing rock formations of the Needle and the Prison and you'll experience many stunning views.

Best drive has to be from Broadford to Elgol on the single track road passing Loch Slapin there you'll sight the majestic Blaven and from Elgol you will experience the best stunning views of the Cuillin. Enjoy the chilli scones in the local cafe before or after a trek to the coastline where you have to visit the caves, Spar being the most challenging and unforgettable.

Loved Stein Inn on the Waternish peninsula, it's the oldest pub on the island with great hospitality and all the better if you make it for sunset. Another place to watch the setting sun is Coral Beach, parking the car you take the coastal route passing a few beaches before reaching the white beach and once there you'll forget where you are.

You know you'll really need two weeks. Can't go without a mention of Neist Point Lighthouse. Now that could be a challenging misty drive amongst hundreds of stray sheep and when you meander over the boggy land that wondrous sight is there before you.

Edited by Heuch Moray, 30 May 2012 - 05:05 PM.

[andymac]

I've probably got to make a trip up to Skye in a couple of weeks & am determined to go on this to get there:

http://www.skyeferry.co.uk/

Stop and have a wee wander about Glenelg on the mainland side. Couple of great broches there.

On the island side there is a great seal/otter/wildlife hide.

[paulthepict]

Thanks for the replies. We are not walkers but It looks like i'll need to invest in a pair of good boots!

[giblet]

Was with my young family for our tours, didnt do much walking to be honest, most of the days were driving to the different islands and beach combing etc, the place will change your life in the way you think of Scotland.

[paulthepict]

Not long back from a fantastic trip. Skye looked stunning in the sun. Think it was voted one of the top ten most beautiful islands in the world by Lonely Planet magazine a few years ago and I can see why. Enjoyed Harris and Lewis too. Harris very craggy and at times strange and other worldly in looks. Highlight was a trip to the Historic Scotland Blackhouse at Arrol. A proper step back in time- kept just as the final occupant left it in 1965, complete with peat burning hearth.

[Flat Earth]

We picked the right week for it. Awesome weather almost all week.
Our photos are here

[Flat Earth]

Can't go without a mention of Neist Point Lighthouse.

Neist Point was utterly awesome and thanks for the recommendation. Glorious day and we could see the entire outer Hebrides right across the whole western horizon from south to north. Just wish I'd had a map on me to work out what was where. Wonderful! Also the easy climb to the top of the cliffs scared the bejeezuz out of me. When all you can see at your feet is about a metre of grass and then nothing but sea about 200 metres below you, well it makes my knees a wee bit wobbley.

Did the Quirang as well but missed the path up into the prison and the needle, we must have bypassed that on the outside. Will definitely climb up there next time.