Getting to the Hebrides
We are planning to take our caravan to Harris this year and get the ferry from Big to Tarbert. I was just wondering about the logistics for the outward crossing. If we were to get the morning ferry, can we park up overnight at the ferry? Is there a site nearby where we could stay? or, do we just make an early start? If we were to get the afternoon ferry, how long should we allow for getting from Fort William?
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I doubt you can stop the night at the Uig ferry terminal but you could ask Calmac.
Why not get yourself on a Skye CL for the night and make life easier for yourself?
I’ve not used that crossing so can’t advise further.
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I presume you mean Uig, you'll need at least four hours from Fort William (driving, stops and ferry queue.) We're familiar with the drive but haven't done the ferry. The suggestion of a CL or site on Skye is a good one from TW.
Skye is busy, make sure you do a site booking in advance, they're not keen on anyone going without a place to stay.
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"I presume you mean Uig" Indeed I did, Brue
Thank you for your comments
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I've used the crossing recently, but not with the caravan. We were only there for three days, so I could be completely way out here. From what I can remember, there isn't a 'car park's place to stay for any length of time at Uig or Tarbert, although I think there was a site at Uig but it looked like static, to me. When we arrived we went straight into the 'lanes' for the ferry. Calmac may allow you to do this if you ask, if there is no ferry between. We arrived at about 10.15am to catch a ferry at about 2.15pm - but there was only one ferry a day at Easter. I reckon they would let you stay providing you were queueing for the next available ferry - I would give them a ring and ask - we were there 4 hours early and no-one seemed worried. After saying that, there was at least one car park at each, but not large, and wouldn't like to vouch for caravan access. I didn't take much note of Uig as we were really tired after the long journey, but after we had rested and arrived in Tarbert, we did go into a car park for the Harris Gin Company. We sat outside for a hot drink - the hot chocolate was great for me - nice and thick and sweet! It wasn't a public car park and probably no good for a caravan.
A note about ferry tickets/ ferries. If you book online, this is not the ticket. You would need to go into the office at Uig, when you arrive, and they will print out a ticket for you for the journey across and for the return trip. It is not sufficient just to show a copy of your online booking. One great thing about the ferry is that the allow dogs with you on the ship. You dont have to leave the dog in the car like you do if you take the ferry from Dover to Calais. There are dog areas, and they seem fairly relaxed.
It took us about 4 hours from Uig to Glencoe (S of Fort William) (just checked my Google timeline which indicates 3 hours and 59 minutes!), but that was in the car and not towing. May not be much help I'm afraid.
I cant recall seeing many caravan sites, so I would personally do some research on the sites, before taking the caravan across. The sites we did pass were certainly not like CAMC sites. I remember looking at a site south of Tarbert near a beach, which was very basic and poor ground. We didn't take our caravan as the sites and reviews online were not brilliant (I use UKCampsite.co.uk) and we were only there for 3 days anyway. The beaches are wonderful on Harris/Lewis (all appear dog friendly) although the landscape is a little bleak. Do try the Coffee shop at the Harris Gin Company - you may, of course, prefer Gin!!
Don't know if all this is any use.
David
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Harris has dedicated camping places designed mainly for MHs, although Seilebost School, takes caravans as does Horgbost. Check out West Harris Trust and UK Campsite.
On the whole, the other islands serve caravanners better than Harris.
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As said before the parking at Uig isn't really suitable for a caravan, have a look on Google Maps Streetview. It's a few years since I stayed there but there was a campsite about 200 yards from the ferry terminal that took tents, caravans or motorhomes.
Horgabost on Harris is basic, no EHU, but nice. There's no chemical toilet disposal point so you might need to go to the Council yard near Tarbert and pay a small fee to empty your toilet cassette.
Lewis has Laxdale just outside Stornoway and Shawbost on the North west side. Both have all the expected facilities like EHU, water, waste and toilet waste disposal.
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Just a few photos. The first two are of the 'lanes' of the ferry terminal. I suspect the ferry terminal is very much the main thing in Uig. Other than that there is a small campsite which looked to me like static (but I could be wrong), cafes, and some houses and very little else. You can see the campsite to the right of the green road sign (above the car roof). A little bit further to the right, is what I think looks like a small pub (may be connected to the campsite? ). The larger white building on the left, with a conservatory on the back, is the restaurant/ cafe. The second photo, also taken from outside the car is back the other way. The large shed building is the Calmac building where you go to collect your physical tickets. There are also toilets here. The smaller building behind is another cafe.
Onther photos are of various beaches..
David
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We are going this way soon, but to North Uist via Uig, staying at C&CC Skye site for a couple of days. We love the islands and have been several times. To save a bit on ferry charges this time taking the shorter route. Lovely sites now on all the islands, unlike when we first went 10 plus years ago. We like the Uists, Berneray and Eriskay all reachable on causeways.Love it....if the weather is kind.
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When we came off the islands last year we sailed from Tarbert to Uig and then on to Glen Hinnisdal CL site about eight miles from the port. It is basic - no EHU - but very beautiful and may suit you for just one night.
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