EH - Essex > Hebrides...the next step of the adventure?

beanielou

Never been to the OH either!

girlatplay

I haven't been to the OH either.  A friend got married in Plockton a few years ago and that's the nearest I've ever been but that's still on the mainland.  I didn't even make it to Skye as I had to get back for work.

RelievedSheff

Another one who hasnt been to the Hebrides, but we do plan to take the van across at some point in the future. 

EssexHebridean

@lucielle - the beaches are indeed incredible - in Uist, where we stay as a rule (Benbecula where we will be this time tends to get lumped in with “Uist” along with Berneray, Grimsay and Eriskay but they’re all islands in their own right alongside North Uist and South Uist. Then further North of course there is Harris and Lewis, plus their outlining islands) pretty much the whole western side is stunning white sand beaches - just beautiful! We’ve spent a bit of time exploring Skye but never stayed there for more than a night as far as I can think.  This time we’re over for close to a fortnight.  

GAP Plockton is one of those beautiful little places I’ve seen from a train but never visited! And RS - you should definitely take the van across - I can recommend you some campsites if that helps when you start planning! (Although it’s possible to wild camp with a motorhome, it’s best not too as driving them into the machair can damage the landscape, and also the sites tend to be reasonably priced. You stay FAR more popular with the locals and regular visitors by using them too! (At the moment, you have to have sites booked before booking the ferry for a camper or motorhome too in fact, I can see that possibly continuing too as the locals are delighted it’s been introduced!) The Dog would absolutely LOVE it - SO much space to run and explore! 

I’ve had a productive-ish morning. A walk with MrEH first thing, and then late morning a cycle into town to get some bits for Christmas presents. I’ve also:
- sliced and set to stale the bread for breadcrumbing for bread sauce 
- updated my Christmas planning lists
- put together lists for the things we need to get over the weekend
- been out and physically checked my tyre size (the car, not mine, mine is “only just fits my clothes” size!)
MrEH has just cracked the black walnuts for the Christmas cake  which we plan to make later. 

I need to check my list from yesterday for what else I wanted to do I think. 

Picked up a few oddments on Prolific last night and this morning too so that has helped there:
Prolific : £14.75 paid/£2.44 pending
OnePoll : 1430 points
I keep trying for odd Power Of Opinions surveys but getting screened out. 

I have a YouGov one sitting but I’m too lazy to do it. (Honest though, at least!)

RelievedSheff

It will be a couple of years at least before we head to the Hebrides. We have loads of stuff booked in for 2022 and 2023 already. Will definitely be asking you for some recommendations though when we do start planning the trip.

We will be going in the summer though not December. You must be more hardy then we are 

milann

Mmmm…..interesting about booking campsites before booking ferry crossings. 

The furthest I’ve been is Pitlochry for an afternoon trip whilst staying at Dundee….we’re going to rectify that though over the next few years with the motorhome 😁
I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time….sounds idyllic 👍

RelievedSheff

milann said:

Mmmm…..interesting about booking campsites before booking ferry crossings. 

The furthest I’ve been is Pitlochry for an afternoon trip whilst staying at Dundee….we’re going to rectify that though over the next few years with the motorhome 😁
I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time….sounds idyllic 👍

We had a night in Pitlochry earlier this year with the van and loved it. Wished we had the time to stay a second night but it would have meant we were would have missed the Kelpies which I wasn't willing to do. We will definitely go back at some point though.

MrsPorridge

I have been to the OH twice and absolutely love it.  We were planning to go last year, but you know what put a stop to it.  We are planning to go again in 2023.  We were in our motorhome and started at Barra and worked our way up to Harris/Lewis.  I also love the Harris tweed.

Am very jealous - enjoy your trip it will be amazing.

RosaBernicia

Seconding EH's advice about booking campsites on the isles - there is a LOT of sensitivity around motorhomes and camping in many areas at present, including there and the NC500.  I took my campervan this summer and seriously considered a notice in the window saying 'Not A Dirty Camper, Staying With A Friend!'. 

The beaches are wonderful and I also second EH re dog heaven

MrsPorridge

We stop at campsites as I prefer the security - I don't like just parking in laybys or car parks.  Yes, I have heard that the NC500 was horrendous this year with so many people  Whilst we haven't done the actual 500 we have done those roads on motorbike (in our younger days) and also by car.  Some the of roads are quite narrow and I wouldn't be happy going down them in the motorhome!

I live in Cornwall so am only too well aware of tourists.