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With the many improvements of recent years, the road to
the
isles is a great deal less arduous than it once was. Although it will
take you a good deal longer than travelling here by air, the journey
really is part of your holiday, giving you opportunities to explore
other Scottish highlights on the way, perhaps the mountains and glens
of the Highlands, or the west coast.
You can leave the UK motorway system near Perth and
follow wide, smooth
trunk roads past Inverness to Ullapool. Then take a short voyage on the
Isle of Lewis, the pride of Caledonian MacBrayne's fleet, with
observation lounge, restaurant, bar, children's play area - and some of
the finest views in Scotland.
Or perhaps you'll take the scenic route to Oban or the
Isle of Skye and
cross with another of CalMac's large, modern ships. Typically carrying
more than 100 cars and 600 passengers, these ships are surprisingly
large - roughly the length of a football pitch. They're all drive-on /
drive-off and offer a relaxed, stress free journey. No customs, no
immigration, no fuss. The ferry journeys are truly important aspects of
your holiday, with amazing scenery slipping
past the ship, plus an opportunity to observe the every
day comings and
goings of islanders. Of course, travelling in your own car, you'll
enjoy familiar comforts, and you can bring as much baggage as you like
- even your mountain bikes! Once in the Hebrides, all your inter-island
ferry crossings, which are included in the holiday package, will also
be on CalMac vessels. Because they're purpose built for the route they
operate, the Calmac ferries vary widely in size and facilities, but each
offers a uniquely fascinating journey - an everyday function of life
for the local population, but almost certainly a source of inspiration
for every visitor.
Whether you choose to cruise or prefer to arrive by air,
our resident
holiday advisors will look after every aspect of your booking,
tailoring your accommodation choices to your interests and favoured
touring route. A car is the ideal way to see the islands but it's not
essential - whether you travel here by train, coach or bike, we can
provide just the holiday to suit you - all you need do is ask us. Calmac MV
Loch Portain links Berneray and Harris Helpful, friendly Calmac
staff.
LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN....
Lewis and Harris, via Inverness and Ullapool. 3 nights
(not sleeper)
departing any Scottish station, except Lockerbie & Dunbar. From
£199. 5 nights departing London, including 2 nights on
sleeper
train. From £269. Barra or South Uist, via Glasgow and Oban.
5
nights departing London, including 2 nights on sleeper train. From
£299. In association with FirstScotRail ShortBreaks, these
holidays include overnight sleeper train, ferry travel, hotel
(B&B)
and transfers.
Rail connections are available into London for your
sleeper departure
from Euston. From Inverness, a direct Scottish Citylink coach takes you
past beautiful scenery to Ullapool and your ferry onward to Stornoway.
For an even quieter holiday, a sleeper to Glasgow, is followed by a
daytime rail journey on the famous West Highland line to Oban and ferry
to Barra or South Uist, plus 3 nights on one of these
islands.
Travel by train and you can still tour, if you wish,
using either a
hire car, excellent bus links, or a bicycle (why not bring your own?
· see page 22). 4
CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES AND WESTERN
ISLES OF SCOTLAND
Cycling holidays in the OuterHebrides - itineraries by
air, with Flydrive car or by ferry with your own car.
The prices and schedules below are shown as a guide. Your holiday price
may vary, depending on the accommodation you choose, the
number
of guests in your party and other factors.
Please call our advisors on 0845 2301236 or 01851 706611 for an exact
quotation.....
BIKE HEBRIDES - 5 NIGHTS FROM £259
- experience the pleasure of the islands’ open
roads.
Outer Hebrides cycling bicycle holidays with hotels,
inns, guest houses and B&B accommodation in Lewis Harris Barra
Uists
ISLAND CYCLE HOPPING STARTS AT OBAN, WITH
SECURED CAR PARKING AVAILABLE (NOT INCLUDED).
5 NIGHTS FROM ONLY £ pp B&B.
Travel by car or train to Oban, then take your cycle, to Barra or South
Uist by Caledonian MacBrayne, on one of their most scenic
routes.
Our advisors will help you plan a sensible itinerary, book all your
accommodation and ferries, as well as providing helpful documentation -
you’ll probably more or less follow the route of the Island
Experience and leaving your car at Oban will show a substantial saving.
If there are points along the way where you wish to stop off, to stay
with friends or family,for example, it's no problem for us to fit
additional days into the itinerary,without accommodation.
The direction of travel, from south to north, takes advantage of
prevailing winds - though there is no guarantee of their compliance to
the rules. The weather should be considered helpful for
cycling
as there’s usually plenty of ‘frequent’
nice weather
in between the fairly ‘frequent’ showers that
sometimes
prevail. Long periods of continual rain are not often a major problem
during summer.
Cycling in the Outer HebridesThe best known cycle route through the
islands is from Barra to the Butt (also known as Butt to Barra for
those tackling it the hard way). Distance is around 140
miles,
depending on the exact route chosen and the only really serious hill to
be conquered is the mountain pass between Harris and Lewis, with a
climb of around 200 metres. It's worth it for the freewheel on the
other side.
For your return journey to your departure port, normally Lochboisdale
on South Uist, you may choose to use public transport some of the way,
where carriage of bicycles is available for some of the
route.
Call and ask one of our advisors about this cycling package and a price
quotation.
see Scotland differently
 Hazelbank
Garage provides ample parking for guests of the Hebridean Princess
cruise line and has confirmed to us that they will also assist our
cycling holiday visitors with their secure facility.
To book, contact them direct on 01631 566476
Price £7 per night, or £35 per week.
|
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Cycle shops offering repairs:
Rothan Cycles, 9 Howmore, Isle Of South Uist
01870 620283
www.rothan.com
Alex Dan Cycle Centre,
67 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of
Lewis
01851 704025
www.hebrideancycles.co.uk
CARRIER TRANSPORT
You'll see from the notes below that availability of public transport
for bikes is becoming somewhat disjointed. An alternative
means
of having your bike moved, while you travel by bus, is to use a carrier
such as Hebrides Haulage (01851 703255). In this way it's
possible to get your bike/s from Stornoway (or further south)
to
a ferry port such as Lochboisdale with no effort and at reasonable
cost.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE THESE CHANGES ON STORNOWAY TO LEVERBURGH
ROUTE:
The Hebridean Transport bus between Stornoway and Leverburgh used to be
a 53 seater at all times with plenty of boot space for bikes to see
Scotland differently.
from April 2009, without prior notice, it has been necessary for HT to
reduce the number of trips using the 53 seater and while they will try
to accommodate cyclists' needs with the smaller buses, capacity is not
guaranteed at any specific time - it's up to the driver to
decide.
The 8.25 am service from Leverburgh Pier to Stornoway and the 12.35 pm
service from Stornoway to Leverburgh Pier will normally be 52 seaters,
but please do not take this as meaning 'always' - you should
build some flexibility into your schedule.
Cyclist visitors often ride the islands in one direction, then use
buses to return to their start point. You can take cycles on a number
of buses, for nearly the entire length of the islands.
However,
in some areas buses do not have space for bikes, so you will
occasionally have to get back on your bike and ride it some of the
way.
Depending on your schedule, it's possible to travel part of the way by
ferry between Lochmaddy (North Uist) and Tarbert (Harris) - this should
only be done in one direction as the road journey for this stretch is
one of the most spectacular days of the entire route, as you explore
Berneray and south-west Harris.
It can be an attractive proposition to see Scotland differently, when
crossing the Clisham range,
between Lewis and Harris, to pop your bikes in the boot of the
Hebridean Transport bus, then get off on top of the mountain pass and
freewheel down. A thoroughly exhilarating experience, which make the
entire holiday all the more worthwhile, especially travelling on the
smooth, sweeping tarmac south towards Tarbert. Check your
brakes
first!
You'll find bus routes, timetables and operators' phone numbers at the
website of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar by following this link.
Bus operators in the Hebrides are a friendly group of people and will
do their utmost to help you see Scotland differently. A phone
call to the one that
operates the sector you're interested in will provide any information
you need.
Travelling from Butt of Lewis to Barra (north to south), the following
services are used:
W1: Port of Ness - Stornoway
Operated by Galson Motors (GM) 01851 840269
W10: Stornoway to Leverburgh
Operated by Hebridean Transport 01851 705050
FERRY
W19: Berneray to Lochmaddy
Various operators and it's most likely you will ride this section, as
the vehicles are generally too small for bikes.
W17: Lochmaddy to Eriskay
Operated by:
Hebridean Coaches(HE) 01870 620345
W Macvicar(WM) 01870 603197
FERRY
Barra: It's most likely you will ride this short section.
Most bus operators will carry unaccompanied luggage, normally charging
an adult fare per case or rucksack. If you place your luggage on a bus,
you must meet it at the ferry terminal, otherwise the driver will
probably just leave it in the waiting room. Probably perfectly safe,
but entirely at your risk.
Buses do not cross on the ferries, so you must accompany any luggage on
board.
Cycling holidays in the OuterHebrides
Choose to cruise Choose to cruise
· take your time, relax and
enjoy the scenery
Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:03 Page 4
Enjoy the speed, comfort and convenience of your Flybe*
flight, direct from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness to Stornoway's
modern air terminal. Compared to a road and ferry journey, you'll save
time getting here and you'll be ready to see scotland differently, as
soon as
you arrive. Flybe* also provides flights from Glasgow to
Benbecula and Barra - a great experience for aviation lovers, landing
or taking off from the world's only airport operating scheduled flights
on beach runways. Our 'Flydrive' holidays include airport car hire at
Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra.
usually be met by one of our advisors, who will happily answer any last
minute questions and point you in the direction of your first night's
accommodation. Our own small fleet of cars is normally
reserved for 5 night 'Island Hopper' holidays, which are available from
1st March to 31st October. A stylish wicker picnic hamper (with
cutlery, crockery, linen and a flask) is provided in your car so you'll
have all the equipment you need for en route snacks while touring the
islands. We've even remembered to include a rug to sit on, binoculars
and a large umbrella (which we hope you won't need). Our 'Weekender'
air holidays normally include an economical car from a reputable local
hire fleet, though you can upgrade for a modest
charge. In fact, because all our holidays are 'made-to-measure' we can
offer any combination of air travel, accommodation and transport, from
a single centre holiday to a full island hopping experience - just ask
our advisor for your choice of options. Throughout your stay, our
locally resident team is just a phone call away, ready to offer any
advice or assistance you may want. Often, we'll even be at the airport
at the end of your holiday, to see you safely homeward bound.
Connecting flights by Flybe or Flybe are available at
reasonable extra cost from most regional airports. Simply call us
for
details. The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL
Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6349.
Flydrive Holidays Flybe Saab 340
·
Flights operated by Loganair 5 Flydrive Holidays
· convenient, time saving and
affordable
Flydrive visitors are welcomed on arrival Flybe Twin Otter
lands at Barra Enjoying a picnic on the Isle of Lewis
Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:05 Page 5
Isle of Lewis
· HISTORIC, TRaNQUIL,
ENIGMATIC ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Walking: Lews Castle Grounds. Coastal track from Tolsta to Ness.
West-side coastal walk.
Organised walks: RSPB Summer programme - see www.rspb.org.uk or call
01851 703296. Golf: Stornoway Golf Club offers 18 demanding holes in a
parkland setting. £20/day £60 /week.
www.stornowaygolfclub.co.uk - 01851 702240 Boat trip: Charles
Engebret's full day boat trip is to the Shiant Islands, viewing
wildlife, especially Puffins, from about June to mid-August.
Charles
encourages all his guests to try a little fishing during the voyage. He
can usually combine individual people and small groups to make an
economic cost per person, around £50 to £100 each.
This
means you should be be flexible about the day of your trip. Phone 01851
702304 / 07766 375434 Guided excursions: Chris Ryan, of Out and About
Tours, is a knowledgeable and entertaining local guide. Half or full
day trips for up to 6 guests, including birdwatching, other flora and
fauna, archaeology, culture and history. Learn about many aspects of
Island Life. £70 half day, £120 whole day, for the
entire
party, including all transport. www.hebridean-holidays.co.uk - 01851
612288
'Extreme' Sports: Tim Pickering's Adventure Hebrides offers activities
for both beginners and experienced participants, including: Power
Kiting and Kite Buggies with a qualified instructor at a local beach
(up to 3 people). Sea kayaking: In one of the world's best locations, a
chance to see seals, otters, porpoises, lots of sea birds and a host of
other sea life (up to 4 people). Climbing: With a qualified instructor
for novices or experienced climbers (up to 4 people). All above with
equipment and instruction ·
£45 per
person (half day) £90 (full day).
For all his activities Tim generally recommends a half day for novices.
Larger groups please ask. www.adventurehebrides.com - 01851 820726
Surfing: Lewis Surf Trek, run by Mark Lumsden, an accomplished,
qualified instructor offers a £30 (per person) half day
session
(minimum of two people). He'll contact you on your chosen day to tell
you the location he has selected for the most suitable swell on the
day, then meet you there and provide all equipment.
www.lewissurftrek.com - 07939 194 880 Adventurous, scenic boat trips:
Murray Macleod's Seatrek, from Miavaig near Uig, is a firm
favourite
with visitors. 2 hour trips in his fast, Delta-Rib powerboat provide
views of islands and lagoons, seacaves, seals and nesting birds -
there's a good chance of viewing sea-eagles, too. £25 per
person.
Seatrek also offers trips in combination with Adventure Hebrides -
£85 per person full day including sea kayaking, climbing or
abseiling (and lunch!). www.seatrek.co.uk - 01851 672464 Bike Hire: The
Cycle Centre, Stornoway. From £9.50 per day to £38
per
week. www.hebrideancycles.co.uk - 01851 704025 Even though Lewis is the
most
populated of the islands, it sometimes seems like the quietest -
perhaps because there is so much space over which the population is
scattered. In fact, the total landmass of Lewis and Harris, is the
third largest of the British Isles. Stornoway is the main point of
entry to the Outer Hebrides, offering two or three daily ferry sailings
from Ullapool (not Sundays) and a modern airport with around a dozen
flights daily (limited Sunday services). There's a diverse range of
shops, serving local
and tourist needs. Visitor attractions include an excellent museum of
local history, the Lewis Loom Centre where you can learn about the
history of Harris Tweed and the delightful grounds of Lews Castle.
Travel a few miles in any direction from Stornoway and you'll find the
treasures of Lewis. Close to the lighthouses at Tiumpan Head or the
Butt of Lewis, you can view seabird colonies and migrating birds on
passage - maybe even whales or dolphins. Take a trip round the
West-side, where superb sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and crystal clear,
clean breaking waters attract surfers and kayakers. The coastline is a
joy for climbers, walkers and those who just sit and watch. There's a
wealth of history, too, with restored
Blackhouses at Arnol and Gearrannan, which give a fascinating glimpse
into island life of the last century. A little further on, you'll find
the ancient Carloway Broch and the 5000 year old stone circles of
Callanish - a little smaller than Stonehenge, but some find the
accessibility provides a better experience. Continuing along the
Atlantic coast, into an even more remote area, the re-created iron age
fort at Bosta dominates a beautiful, almost white, shell-sand beach at
the north of
Bernera. More extensive beaches and machair lie alongside the ocean as
you travel further south-west, towards Uig. Along this road, said to be
Europe's longest cul-de-sac, you'll find an amazing area of sand of
around two square kilometres. The land here is more rocky and rugged
and you've a fair chance of glimpsing red deer, plus golden or even sea
eagles. 6
Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:06 Page 6
Isle of Harris ·
A RICH, ROMANTIC LAND OF CONTRAST Isle of Harris ACTIVITY
HIGHLIGHTS Walking: Particularly recommended are various hill walks in
the wild, rugged northern area of Harris, plus a number of valley walks
off the road to Hushinish. Guided walks: If you are not used to
hill-walking, you might enjoy the services of a local guide. Mike
Briggs will provide an informative day, helping to identify flowers,
wildlife and geological features. You'll get tips on navigation and
map-reading, plus an insider's view on life on the islands. He can also
offer advice on wildflower photography. Between them, Mike and Peggy
Briggs are also qualified to teach Pilates, yoga, Swiss Ball and tennis
(at the Bunabhainneadar court mentioned opposite). They have an
entertaining style of
guidance and realise that visitors might not share their own level of
super-fitness. For rainy days they offer fitness sessions in a
well-equipped studio. Costs vary, e.g hill-walking £70 full
day
up to 6 people, Swiss Ball, Pilates and Yoga £25 per hour
individual tuition, tennis £25 per hour coaching up to 8
people,
or court hire for just £8 per hour.
www.mikeandpeggybriggs.co.uk.
01859 502376. Organised walks: RSPB Summer programme - see
www.rspb.org.uk or call 01851 703296. Golf: Harris Golf Club has 9
holes overlooking the ocean at Scarista. £12 per person per
day
(2006 rate) Life membership £250! Honesty box at
most
times. "Forget America's Augusta National, England's Swinley Forest and
even Scotland's Old Course at St Andrews. The most exclusive golf club
in the world is on Harris. I squeaked in as a member after Nick Faldo
told me that on a fine day it is Paradise" - Ian Wooldridge (Daily Mail
03.03.99). www.harrisgolf.com Seallam Visitor Centre: You can browse
among exhibits dealing with the history and natural
environment of the Hebrides. This centre houses a
huge collection of resources for people wishing to research the family
history of the islands. £2.50 entrance. www.seallam.com.
01859
520258 Surfing: Scarista beach produces an excellent left hand break
for 'goofy' footed surfers. Frequent, consistent surf - for
intermediate to experienced surfers. Off-road Mountain Biking:
Spectacular views and downhill mountain tracks. Climbing: Adventure
Hebrides (see the Lewis page, opposite) with qualified instructors,
offers an opportunity to try the sport on the cliffs of
Harris.
With all the equipment and instruction for up to 4 people.
£45
per person (half day) £90 (full day).
www.adventurehebrides.com.
01851 820726 Boat trips: Angus Campbell provides day visits to the
World Heritage site of St Kilda - the island that was evacuated in
1930. From Leverburgh, a full day trip allows plenty of time for guests
to explore the island at their leisure. Each visitor receives a map of
Hirta and a suggested route to take for a tour on foot. Price per
person £140. www.kildacruises.co.uk. 01859 502060 An island
of
contrasting scenery - where the moonscape features of the ancient,
glacier scoured mountains in the north,
give way to the rich machair and stunning, golden sandy beaches of the
Atlantic west coast. Tarbert is the main town, with a few small shops,
bank and ferry terminal for services to Uig on the Isle of Skye and
Lochmaddy on North Uist. Harris tweed is still woven by crofters here,
on traditional foot driven pedal looms and weaving demonstrations are
available. You can drive round Harris's circular road in around three
hours - but it's sure to take you longer, as you won't resist frequent
stops to take in the stunning land and seascapes. It's really worth
visiting the delightful villages set amongst the rocky inlets of the
Bays area of the east coast, such as Ardvey and Flodabay, then
experiencing the deep contrast with Seilabost and Horgabost set among
the sandy inlets and machair of the west coast. Don't miss the sands at
Luskentyre.
In the south, near the small sheltered harbour of Rodel you can visit
St. Clement's church, where Clan Macleod chiefs worshipped since the
1500s.
The nine hole course at Scarista is a test for
every golfer, but the views will turn every round into an even greater
pleasure. To the west, a tortuous, 14 mile single track road reaches a
magnificent conclusion at Hushinish, with its wonderful soft sand beach
and views to neighbouring islands, including Taransay and Scarp (the
setting for the highly acclaimed feature film, The Rocket Post). The
road actually passes through the grounds of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, built
in 1865 for the 7th Earl of Dunmore, and now used as a prestigious
venue for house parties. Also a little way along this road is the most
remote tennis court in Britain. In a beautiful setting overlooking the
Atlantic ocean on the road to Hushinish, North Harris, the new court at
Bunabhainneadar offers a top class artificial grass surface and a cosy
wooden pavilion (in case it rains!). At the southern tip of Harris lies
the small ferry port of Leverburgh, where a ferry weaves its way,
several times a day (including Sundays) around the reefs and shallow
water of the Sound of Harris to the Island of Berneray. 7 Brochure5.qxd
05/12/2006 18:07 Page 7 Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
· SPECTACULAR, COLOURFUL AND
ENCHANTING
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS Walking: On beaches, moors and mountains. There are
plenty of walks for casual strolls, challenging hikes for the more
experienced and professionally guided walking for the more ambitious.
Guided walks / climbing / wildlife: George Yeomans offers a range of
guided walks, scrambles and rock climbing, from absolute beginner level
to experienced climbers. His guided wildlife walks are likely to be of
special interest, giving guests a better chance to view otters, seals
(common and grey), eagles (golden and sea), deer (red and roe), nesting
seabirds, dolphins and minky whales to name but a few. Price
£40
per person per day. 01478 650380 Seals: Boats leave Dunvegan Castle
jetty every 20 minutes, during the tourist season. Adults £6
Castle and gardens admission £7 (2006 prices).
www.dunvegancastle.com. 01470 521206 Pony trekking: An STB 4* activity
centre, Skye Riding Centre, near Portree, offers varied trekking
&
riding opportunities, for experienced riders and absolute beginners.
Treks from £18 for an hour, £31 for two hours.
www.skyeridingcentre.co.uk. 01470 582419 Visitor Centre: Award winning
AROS, at Portree offers a programme of exhibitions and
shopping,
plus guided minibus tour. Give your driver a rest and join a 3 hour 'On
The
Wing' tour from AROS, during which you'll take a leafy, lush ride.
You'll confront hairpin bends and travel up onto the top of the island.
Maybe you'll see an eagle there. Throughout the tour, you'll learn
about the island's clans, culture, castles, prehistory, wildlife and
landscape. Price £12 per adult. www.aros.co.uk. 01478 613649
Whisky Tour: Talisker Distillery, Carbost. Admission (2006 price) of
£5 includes a discount voucher towards a 70cl bottle of
single
malt whisky. The distillery shop at Talisker stocks a wide range of
rare and unusual malts. Please note that children under 8 years old are
not admitted to the production areas. Tour times vary through the year
- please see the web site or phone. www.malts.com. 01478
614308
Golf: Isle of Skye GC, Sconser. 9 holes and 18 tees, beside the sea
with views of the Red Cuillins, the Isle of Raasay and Ben Tianavaig.
18 holes £18, day ticket £22. (Juniors
£10/£12). www.isleofskyegolfclub.co.uk. 01478
650414 Boat
Trips: Highly recommended by Skye hosts, Bella Jane is a modern,
powerful, fully licensed vessel, built in traditional style and
accommodating up to 30 passengers. It sails from Elgol to Loch Coruisk,
offering the opportunity to view the seal colony and
other wildlife. Landing and non-landing fares
available, from £12.50 return. AquaXplore is aboard Bella
Jane's
sister craft , the Rachel Charlotte, a 9 metre offshore power boat
(rib-style). Travelling at speeds up to around 25 knots, trips of up to
8 hours are available, with time ashore to explore remote islands and
their wildlife. Landing and non-landing excursions available, from
£15. www.aquaxplore.co.uk www.bellajane.co.uk. 0800 731 3089
or
01471 866244. Perhaps made most famous by the Skye Boat Song, this
island presents some of the most varied landscapes in the Hebrides,
from the dominant, rugged mountain range of the Cuillins in the west to
the green, wooded Sleat Peninsula in the south and soft sand beaches on
the coast.
If you can be persuaded to invest a day or two extra for your Hebridean
adventure, Skye is a fascinating place to linger awhile, before or
after touring the Outer Hebrides, using the short crossing between Uig
and Tarbert (Harris) or Lochmaddy (North Uist). We're sure you won't
regret a stay here. Arrive on the short half hour ferry crossing from
the mainland port of Mallaig to Armadale, or take the spectacular
bridge across from Kyle of Lochalsh. Broadford is the main centre in
southeast Skye. From here you can explore the Sleat Peninsula, with its
ruined castles, lighthouses and the Castle Gardens at Armadale. You
might, perhaps, think about
taking a brief diversion to see the mainland
village of Plockton, made famous by television's Hamish Macbeth. The
Cuillin mountains, jagged and shattered by time, are both a visual
treat, photographed by leisurely travellers from many angles, and an
area to which mountaineers are drawn. Northwest of the Cuillins lies
the Talisker whisky distillery, and further northwards lies Dunvegan
Castle, home of the Macleod Clan Chiefs for over 700 years. No trip to
Dunvegan is complete without a trip by boat to view the seals, a
close-up experience that you'll almost certainly treasure forever. The
gardens of Dunvegan may reinforce your impression that the citizens of
Skye are able to exploit the island's more sheltered position for their
horticultural efforts - especially attractive
when the rhododendrons are in bloom. In the northeast, the town of
Portree has a charming colourful harbour and its attractions include
the award winning Aros Experience. Further north lie the wonderful
landscape features of the Trotternish Peninsula, such as the old man of
Storr, Lealt Falls and the rock towers of Quiraing. Skye is, perhaps, a
little more commercialised than its more remote neighbouring Outer
Hebrides, but this does not detract from its beauty, as the various
attractions are mainly sympathetic to the environment, adding value to
your experience. 8 Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:08 Page 8
South Uist, North Uist, Benbecula, Berneray and Eriskay
· GREEN PASTURES, SHELL SAND
BEACHES AND CLEAR WATERS
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS Walking: Particularly recommended is a walk around
part or all of the Berneray coast. The machair, which runs virtually
the length of the west coast of all the islands, plus the many miles of
white shell sand beaches alongside, are inspiring and invigorating.
RSPB reserve: Balranald warden, Jamie Boyle, will provide further
advice on the programme of summer organised walks. Also otter walks at
Langass. www.rspb.org.uk or call 01876 560287. Organised
walks:
Brian Lowe, also working for the RSPB, normally leads weekly wildlife
walks in North Uist, orientated towards birds and otters. He is usually
able to advise on privately organised walks for groups. Call 01876
510725.
Golf: Askernish Golf Club - possibly the friendliest in
the world - 9 holes and 18 tees on a legendary, 1891, Old Tom Morris
course, alongside the Atlantic ocean. £20 per day May-Oct,
£10 per day rest of year. Open seven days a week and free
club
loan usually available. Handicap certificate not required, no need to
book, simply pay in the honesty box and play. For cup and medal dates
check www.askernishgolfclub.com. Benbecula Golf Club - 9 testing holes,
18 tees, water features requiring great judgement and club selection
and some natural hazards such as rabbit scrapes to add to the fun of
the game! An unhurried game of golf on a flat course, £10 per
day
in the honesty box, open 7 days a week. Booking not normally needed.
www.benbeculagolfclub.co.uk. Sea Kayaking, surf kayaking, power
boating, rock climbing and abseiling: Uist Outdoor Centre, at
Lochmaddy, is run by Niall Johnson, who offers
extensive expertise and training in key adventure
activities. He holds five major Instructor qualifications in four key
disciplines and heads a team of qualified and experienced instructors
in what they describe as, "delivering some of the finest adventure
experiences available on the planet." Day and longer activities
available; phone for prices . www.uistoutdoorcentre.co.uk.
Smoked
salmon: Salar smoked salmon - "is a uniquely different product - a
delicious taste experience; succulent with a firm, flaky texture..."
Call at Salar Smokehouse, Lochcarnon, South Uist, where you'll find the
perfect picnic snack. They sell local oatcakes, too, which go well with
the salmon. www.salar.co.uk. 01870 610324. Museum: About 7
miles
north of Lochboisdale, alongside the main north-south road, Kildonan
Museum is more a visitor centre, than just a
museum. It houses a collection of items collected
by local Parish Priest, Father John Morrison, during the 1950s and
1960s. Some of the collection is displayed within the rooms of a
recreated croft house. Kildonan is a good stopping off point for
refreshment during the day, with an excellent cafe. Open April to
September, including Sunday afternoons. Berneray, said to be HRH Prince
Charles's favourite island, is the landing point for the short ferry
crossing to or from Harris. This tiny island is a gem, with superb
beaches and colourful machair flowers. Be sure to spend an hour or two
here, before or after crossing the short causeway that links Berneray
to North Uist. An island of dark, rolling moorland, North
Uist's
inland fresh water lochs are a trout angler's paradise, while the west
coast is punctuated
by beautiful, soft shell-sand beaches and the
RSPB nature reserve at Balranald. On the east coast, Lochmaddy, is the
main town, with a ferry terminal for sailings to Tarbert (Harris) and
to Uig (Skye). A visit to the arts centre at Taigh Chearsabhagh is well
worthwhile, to experience the arts, culture and heritage of the islands
in a friendly and stimulating environment. The Isle of Benbecula -
Beinn na Faoghla - with its causeway links to North and South Uist, and
its airport offering a daily service to Glasgow, is the main
communications and commercial centre of the Uists. Here you may try a
round of golf, perhaps, or explore the local heritage at the iron age
fort at Nunton Steadings. Or comb some of the miles of white sanded
Atlantic beaches on the west coast like Shell Bay or Culla
Bay.
South of Benbecula, the Isle of South Uist - Uibhist a Deas - is softer
and greener than the islands to the north, with a central, hilly spine.
Again, the west coast is peppered with stunning white shell-sand
Atlantic beaches and flower strewn machair. The village of Howmore is a
worthwhile diversion, with its traditional thatched croft houses,
ruined churches and a beautiful beach.
Lochboisdale provides ferry connections to
Oban on the mainland and to Castlebay on the neighbouring island of
Barra. Anglers can experience some of the best salmon, sea-trout and
brown trout waters in Europe - while non-anglers will find it a great
place to buy smoked salmon. Eriskay, linked to South Uist by a
causeway, was the arrival point of Bonnie Prince Charlie, but is
perhaps more celebrated for its connection with the SS Politician,
which sank and lost its, "Whisky Galore." From Eriskay, if travelling
south, you can continue your journey to the Isle of Barra by the ferry
service, which runs four times each day. 9 Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006
18:10
Isle of Barra
· LIKE A JEWEL BESIDE THE
ATLANTIC OCEAN ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Walking: On beaches, moors and hills. There are plenty of walks for
casual strolls and challenging hikes for the more experienced walker.
Kite buggies and landboards: Barra Power Kiting offer a complete range
of kite lessons from basic beginner through to intermediate level in
all aspects of land based kite sports. The activity is winddependent
and the instructors will not allow you to take on more than they're
sure you can cope with. Both Nick and Kay are fully qualified PKSF
instructors in Power Kiting, Kite Buggying and Kite Landboarding, and
carry full public liability insurance. Prices, per person, from
£15 for an hour. www.barrapowerkiting.co.uk. 01871
810950.
Sea kayaking : When not running longer tours, Clearwater Paddling
operates day trips all around the island exploring uninhabited islands,
and undisturbed wildlife. As you slip quietly by in the sea kayak, you
may catch a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises or basking sharks, plus
eagles and a host of sea birds. The sea kayaks are comfortable, roomy
and designed to remain upright, so you should stay dry. You will
quickly discover that it is easy to paddle your own sea kayak and in no
time you will be confident and in control. Prices from £15
per
person for an evening trip. www.clearwaterpaddling.com. 01871
810
443. Boat trips: Barra Fishing Charters is run by Donald B MacLeod, who
spent most of his working career in charge of his own fishing trawler.
The vessel complies with MCA safety and licensing regulations and is
licensed to carry up to 12 people. His most popular, full-day, trip is
to Mingulay, viewing puffins on the cliffs and other wildlife. Price
£35 per adult. A two hour outing including
equipment and
bait for fishing is from £15 per person.
www.barrafishingcharters.com. 01871890384. Bicycle hire and boat trips:
John Macdougall offers bikes for £12 for the first day and
£6 each day thereafter. Such a small island is ideal for
exploration by bike, even for those who may be out of practice,
provided the weather is kind. John also
offers afternoon boat trips on board his new 12
passenger MCA certificated fast rib. The £20 trip is aimed at
giving visitors opportunities to see basking sharks, dolphins,
seals |
Bring your own
car
on Calmac Ferries or fly direct to the Outer Hebrides from several
airports in Scotland, then enjoy Scottish island hopping with
a holiday
hire car rental included. 
