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Scottish Islands
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Given all the staycations going on because of the pandemic and not wanting to sidetrack the Islands thread, here's a new thread dedicated to the Highlands.
I'll start with a couple of pics from a week in Ullapool. The Ceilidh Place is about the best hotel but very pricy. The Arch Inn is not bad and the Ferry Boat Inn is basic but friendly. Most of the others are tour bus type hotels, cheap and cheerful. Any other recommendations welcome.
Let's see/hear your best from Assynt, Coigach, Argyll, Lochabernomore, etc.
I'll start with a couple of pics from a week in Ullapool. The Ceilidh Place is about the best hotel but very pricy. The Arch Inn is not bad and the Ferry Boat Inn is basic but friendly. Most of the others are tour bus type hotels, cheap and cheerful. Any other recommendations welcome.
Let's see/hear your best from Assynt, Coigach, Argyll, Lochabernomore, etc.
Looking to do this in April over about 10 nights if I can hire a camper, hoping April won't be too busy.
Looking to plan my route. Anybody done it before, got any hints/tips, best places to visit/stay overnight?
Tripster do you have any recommendations for the NC500 - routes, camper sites, B&B's, overnight accommodation, places to eat etc?
Looking to plan my route. Anybody done it before, got any hints/tips, best places to visit/stay overnight?
Tripster do you have any recommendations for the NC500 - routes, camper sites, B&B's, overnight accommodation, places to eat etc?
Recycling Bin
This could be a good place to start
www.northcoast500.com
We did it just before Covid hit. I will post our route/stops later as we are currently enjoying the sun in the Canaries
North Coast 500 - The ultimate road trip around the North of Scotland
Bringing together a route of just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, the North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most beautiful road trips. Explore opulent castles, sample a dram of whisky or take an exhilarating wildlife safari, enjoy a truly unique touring...
www.northcoast500.com
We did it just before Covid hit. I will post our route/stops later as we are currently enjoying the sun in the Canaries
Legion
Did it two years ago a rented motorhome. Two bits of advice:
Go anti-clockwise, the scenery gets better an better. If you do it clockwise it sort of fizzles out as you go along the top towards John O' Groats.
Stay two nights at your chosen sites (assuming you're using campsites). We didn't do that and the whole thing was a rush, setting up camp on an evening, packing up early next morning, it got quite stressful. Take a day to sit outside or walk and enjoy wherever you are staying.
Go anti-clockwise, the scenery gets better an better. If you do it clockwise it sort of fizzles out as you go along the top towards John O' Groats.
Stay two nights at your chosen sites (assuming you're using campsites). We didn't do that and the whole thing was a rush, setting up camp on an evening, packing up early next morning, it got quite stressful. Take a day to sit outside or walk and enjoy wherever you are staying.
We've been a couple of times but a long time past. Any recommendations where to stay - I fancy a 'But & Ben' as a base and have day trips out but not sure where.
David76
Go to an island.
The less populated the better.
The feeling of having a deserted, pristine beach to yourself is pretty special.
Skye is ok if you don't intend to spend time in Fairy Pools etc and want to do some longer walking
The less populated the better.
The feeling of having a deserted, pristine beach to yourself is pretty special.
Skye is ok if you don't intend to spend time in Fairy Pools etc and want to do some longer walking
hannah
Plockton for me, lovely location to go up and down coast and easy to get to Isle of Skye, further north Ullapool is a good base too
Legion
Plockton gives you access to lots of areas, still on the main land but an easy drive over the bridge to Skye, from Skye it's worth taking the ferry to the Isle of Rasaay, I have relatives in Plockton and you have got a couple of nice pubs overlooking the sailing boats in the bay and some interesting hikes.
One of the perks of my job is that I get to go to the islands.
What Scottish islands have you been to?
Which ones did you like and why? Are there any you never wish to set foot on again? If so, why?
What Scottish islands have you been to?
Which ones did you like and why? Are there any you never wish to set foot on again? If so, why?
Legion
I'm a big fan of Iona, beautiful wee island. The fact it's only 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide means it's pretty easy to explore, although it's got a really rugged coastline in places, particularly on the west side.
Despite not being religious I find the Abbey pretty fascinating, some great stories and history surrounding St Columba, the Vikings and the MacDonald Lords of the Isles.
The highest point of the island is Dun I at 101m. Easy enough climb up although can be boggy in places. If you've got binoculars take them as on a clear day you'll get views to Tiree, Mull, Staffa, Jura, Islay and the Treshnish Isles to name a few, possibly even as far as Rum.
The best thing about Iona is the beaches, especially to the north. The top picture below is the White Strand of the Monk in the north east. The other one is of Traigh an t-Suidhe in the north west, possibly my favourite beach in Scotland. Usually very quiet and great views to NW Mull, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.
Lastly if you've got the time (and the sealegs) then take a trip out to Staffa with Staffa Trips. Well worth the £30. About 50 min each way and then about an hour ashore. The columnar basalt rock formations and Fingal's Cave are magnificent. No puffins at this time of year but the trip itself is good for seabirds and often marine mammals. I've posted a picture of the island earlier on in the thread.
Enjoy yourself.
Wanted
We got typical end of October weather but the views were unreal.
Will definitely be back next summer.
Will definitely be back next summer.
Son Of Jack
Day trip to Lismore yesterday. A breakfast roll from a Taste of Arran and over on the boat for 12. This gave a few hours to do a circuit of the southern half of Lismore - going to the ruins of Achanduin Castle, over the hill to Loch Fiart and then up the main road to the ferry landing. The views back to the mainland hills were suitably glorious.
Mull from near Achinduin Castle at the bottom end of Lismore.
And a rare appearance of the sun and Mull together on the sunset ferry back to Oban. A tremendous way to spend a day and a fiver return ferry.
Mull from near Achinduin Castle at the bottom end of Lismore.
And a rare appearance of the sun and Mull together on the sunset ferry back to Oban. A tremendous way to spend a day and a fiver return ferry.
I'm thinking of visiting some of the islands this year once we are able to travel again - so it might be closer to autumn/winter.
I've never been to any before, any recommendations?
I've never been to any before, any recommendations?
D
Deleted member 63
Watching with interest. When I get to Scotland again, the Highlands and islands will be my target. I did Glasgow and Edinburgh when we were there on a tour of the UK in 2019.
Ray Gin
A couple of years ago, I did Islay and Jura over 4 days, but no whisky tours. Did it end of April start of May and was quiet. Loved every second of it, but I'd say avoid Port Askaig Hotel. It's a throwback to the sixties.
Islay is by some way my favourite island I've been to.
Skye is a wonderful place but don't do it at peak times. It is heaving and can spoil the ambience
I looked at nipping over to Knoydart from Mallaig. At the time it was £20 each way, put me off a bit. I will do it one day though
Islay is by some way my favourite island I've been to.
Skye is a wonderful place but don't do it at peak times. It is heaving and can spoil the ambience
I looked at nipping over to Knoydart from Mallaig. At the time it was £20 each way, put me off a bit. I will do it one day though
Gemma
The ferries are all extortionate. It is one thing that put me off making weekend trips to the islands when I stayed in Tyndrum.
Thinking of making the Outer Hebrides next family holiday.
Any recommendations on places to stay? Good ones already booking up and quite pricey across the board. Its a minefield online as so many options. Air BnB had lots for example but either weren't appealing or the price was a lot.
Any recommendations on places to stay? Good ones already booking up and quite pricey across the board. Its a minefield online as so many options. Air BnB had lots for example but either weren't appealing or the price was a lot.
Dylan
Agree with this. That's what I've seen when I was there.
Franco Pinion
When you visit places like that, preferably with the phone off - unless taking pictures - you just feel the stress and worry disappearing, a great place for the soul.
Micro Dave
The first time I went up there with my wife to visit her sister and husband (who is from Lewis) and their two young kids. I couldn't get over the white sands and crystal clear water. The water which isn't too cold for swimming in either.
It's a great place to escape the rat race, not sure I could stay permanently though.
It's a great place to escape the rat race, not sure I could stay permanently though.
If anyone has a rough itinerary that would be helpful. I'm thinking Fort William, Mallaig and the Isle of Skye but recommendations are welcome.
With a car I did Fort William (stayed in a hotel that used to be a prison) then I went up to Ullapool which is lovely. Then after that, we drove up to Thurso. Also had a look around Wick and went to John 0'Groats.
Without a car, I did Aviemore, Inverness and we had a look at the Highland Line up to Wick and Thurso. I'd recommend the Highland Line as the scenery is incredible on the way up. You can also do the Kyle of Lochalsh line from Inverness.
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