Holidaying in Outer Hebrides

[Craigie]

I have always fancied taking a holiday in the Scottish Isles and think this may be the year. Older daughter off on her own which leaves me, missus and 14 year old son. We all like walking, outdoors, cycling (all of which the daughter doesn't)

Anyway have had a look at CalMac brochure and ashamedly, my geography and knowledge of the Scottish Isles are awful.

Thinking of maybe doing Oban over to Barra and doing Island Hopscotch up to Tarbert / Harris etc.

Anyone done this, any starters for ten? We would be going first 2 weeks in July and I guess the same issue affects here as everywhere in Scotland - weather and midges??

Is it going to work out dearer than a fortnight in the sun??

[tuffer]

Was tempted to do this last year but just stayed in the Highlands in the end. Absolutely stunning if you do get to go, I spent 6 weeks there when I was in the Forces and always fancied going back. If you get good weather then it will be absolutely amazing, beaches are better than the Caribbean.

[S2red]

Was up working one easter on Colonsay and came back with a sun tan

Brilliant beaches

[IainRS]

Do it! We did the full thing last year in April from Barra to the Butt of Lewis and despite the poor weather for a few days we had a fantastic time and can't wait to go back. You'll have to be into your outdoor stuff though 'cos there's not much else. The beaches are unbelievable, fishing is brill, hills are unspoilt and deserted. If you are on a budget the Gatliff hostels are very good, particularly the one on Berneray I think the total costs for the Island Hopscotch was only £189 for 4-5 ferries and the 2 of us!

[mv6]

Go for it! We went last April and I have booked to go again this April.Hopscotch 23. Lots of well looked after "classics" to spot!

[VetteG]

Agree with all thats been said, your problem in July, in addition to midgies will be cleggs (horseflies) and the weather, you may be lucky but July is pretty much monsoon season for the Hebredies (May/June is much better). On the plus side, thats when the sea trout and salmon start running.

G

[alangla]

Make sure you book your Oban - outer isles & return journeys in advance if you're travelling anywhere near the summer! I spent about 4 hrs in the standby lane in Oban once because I stupidly thought I could turn up & buy a hopscotch to Mull on a weekday in September.

[LLH]

The OH and I went to the Western Isles 4 times last year and loved each visit and could highly recommend it.

the reason for 4 visits was that she does a bit of running so took part in something called the Heb 3 and a few month later did the North Uist and South Uist hill races.

We live in Aberdeen so we drove up to Uig in Skye and got the ferry over to Lochmaddy and stayed in North Uist twice. Whilst there we were able to visit Barra, Bennecula, South Uist, North Uist etc

When we went to Harris (this was my favorite of them all) we again drove to Uig in Skye and took the ferry, this time to Tarbert.

I would really love to do the flight from Glasgow to Barra at some point (check it out).

Have a look at trip advisor when looking for accomodation and places to eat.

[Who me ?]

VetteG said:

Agree with all thats been said, your problem in July, in addition to midgies will be cleggs (horseflies

G

Cleggs = midgies with boots on - not often mentioned ,but once bitten ,never forgotton . I lived up near the coast over looking Sky for a good few years, and don't seem to remember bein bitten .But don't forget most points north is sheep country ,and that means ticks - they don't care if you're doggy ,or human - the blood is just as welcome - so taking a pet -make sure that they're up to date on frontline . You - only cure I can suggest is what we did in the mozzie parts of Africa - taint yer blood with garlic /spices etc -and if you get one - cover it in oil -

[VetteG]

Best thing to repel midgies is Avon Skin so Soft (Ask any deer stalker) put lots on and repeat frequently.

G

[GetCarter]

I go over two or three times a year, Barra & Harris = good call

Pics > http://www.stevecarter.com/harris-2007/hebrides.ht...

[sjabrown]

Weather is variable but the scenery is often more spectacular when it's stormy. Barra is great for fresh seafood but the island does work at a different pace.

[breakdown]

get carter's photos say it all.all so get yourself up to orkney-no midges because the wind is never below 80 mph-joke. but it is breezy. the history is fantastic-neolithic. my late wife and i had benn at least 10 times in the last 15 years.i go at least once a year and always find something new and also people are very friendly. bonus point-the roads are straight and long-the vxr8 loves them....