Harris / Lewis
Anyone taken their van over to Harris/Lewis and got any recommendations for sites and ferry travel?
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Yes, done it several times(from West Wales). Skye to Uist is the Cheapest route, then Berneray to Leverborough on the smaller ferry. Not masses of sites on Harris or Lewis, only one to avoid is 'Minch View'. Plenty of Wild Camping spots all over the Islands just 'leave no sign' of your passing through, water/waste/cassette dumping at all CAL MAC ferry terminals, but not alway evident, so ask. Water usually available at Cemeteries near the coast. Respect the Islands.
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We took our 6m MH across from Ullapool, down through Lewis and Harris crossed to North Uist, drove on through Benbecula and South Uist, crossed to Barra and then sailed to Oban. It’s definitely doable with a cvan although easier in a small MH.
Choose the Calmac ticket that suits you. Their staff are very helpful and efficient.
If you’re only interested in sites on Lewis and Harris, I’d suggest Eilean Fraoich on Lewis and The West Harris Trust spots on Harris. Their official 'wildcamping' places are sometimes OK for caravans. The Tala Na Mara site is only for MHs but the Seilebost School site takes cvans. Horgabost commercial site nearby has no EHU.
I can recommend sites on the other islands if you’re interested.
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I know people on here with caravans have done it and we saw cvans over there, in fact pitched next to them many a time. Eilean Fraoich is no problem at all with a cvan. Harris, perhaps not so easy but still doable.
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Last year we crossed from Oban to Barra working our way up to Lewis. The Calmac ferry web site has loads of information. Agree with TW regarding Eilean Froach campsite on Lewis, excellent facilities and the owners are lovely. Wild camping is not so easy with a caravan and for that reason we booked ferries and campsites. The biggest mistake we made was not allowing enough time. We had a wonderful memorable holiday - it’s a magical place.
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Oh, damn, Damn, Damn Vanbirds you have really put the Scottish Wildcat amongst ABM's pigeons now
.After Tinwheeler started the " Go back to Orkney & Shetland " movement, you've now got me looking at the Western Isles again. At this rate I'll be north of the border for at least six months of next years high season whether the Politico's put passport controls on the M6 / A74 (M) junction or not !!
Think I'll go to bed now & dream dream dream
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I know, Brian. It was a terrific dilemma this year - O&S or The Hebrides. I struggled long and hard and, after much deliberation, eventually decided it was the turn of O&S this year as The Hebrides had their visit in 2018.
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I agree. We drove our 5.75 metres campervan along narrow winding roads to the site on spec. There was no one there (owners or visitors). I looked at the "facilities" and got straight back in the van. I couldn't believe the state of the place and the price being charged.
We didn't book anywhere in advance in May but if taking a caravan I think booking would be a good idea. For the whole of Lewis you could stay at Laxdale Holiday Park which is one and a half miles outside Stornoway. We thought it was a lovely little site (only 19 touring pitches.)
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Eilean Fraoch (Heather Island) Site in the North of Lewis is good too and would recommend it, reasonably priced too. If venturing to Barra or the Uists there are several other good sites. All sprung up in the last few years. Have a good trip.
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The cheapest way to get there is ferry from Uig, Skye to Tarbert, Harris. Last time we went Oban to Barra, Barra to Eriskay, Bernaray to Leverburgh, Harris then Stornoway to Ullapool. Lots of islands to cross but they're connected by causeways. On Harris/Lewis we stayed at Horgabost which is sort of wild camping+. You find a spot & put money in the honesty box. No EHU or chemical toilet disposal. There is a chemical toilet disposal point at the council depot near Tarbert. There are toilets and pay showers near the beach. We also stayed at Eilean Fraoich in Shawbost, Lewis and Laxdale a short walk outside Stornoway.
We have an alternative name for Minch View but I won't use it here or I'll get banned. We stayed there one night whilst cycle camping. The site didn't quite match (understatement) the picture we saw on the advert on the ferry and the view of the Minch was quite difficult to find & over the top of the septic tank.
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It reminds me of stopping at a small site (possibly a CL) on Harris. The owner very apologetically asked if we were leaving on Saturday because the site was not open on the Sabbath. On moving up to Stornoway , we found that everything closed at 6pm on Saturday and didn't reopen till Monday morning.
I think that things have changed considerably since then - there is even a ferry service on Sunday, much to the disapproval of some residents.
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Much remains the same, GW. Visitors are asked not to hang washing out on a Sunday and you won’t find a shop open.
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