My Scotland Trip 2024

Last week I did an 8 day tour of the Hebrides, with few friends.

DAY 1
Friday I drove up to Portnadoran Campsite in Arisaig, where we all met up.





On the drive up, I had the idea of using the front wall I'd made for my awning, on it's own. A micro shelter, thought I would try it out although the weather was fine.



The idea of the micro shelter was to put my Bivvy under. This was plan 'B' incase it got too windy for the RTT.





 

Day 2

Got up earlyish as we had a ferry to catch.

 

 

 



We got the Ferry from Mallaig to Lochboisdale, South Uist

 

 

 

 

 



Once off the ferry, after a short drive we found a nice place to stop for a brew. 



Then onwards, to find somewhere to camp for the next two nights. We found a nice spot next to the Balranald Nature Reserve on the beach. 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a quick 15 minute rain shower at 7pm. Then went for a walk on the beach.

 

 

 


 

Day 3

The weather took a turn for the worst! Rained most of the night and got a bit blustery.  We stayed here for two nights as we had planned, hoping the wind would die down. But it didn't!





Day 4
We got the ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris

 

 

 

On our drive up the island, we stopped off for a walk up to the Eagle observatory.









 





We found a campsite at Kneep Beach, a hot shower was called for.





 

Day 5

Managed to pack up in the dry this morning, before having a drive up to Eilean Glass Lighthouse. Then a drive back to Tarbert, before finding a spot to camp for the night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   



The locals seem very interested in us, as well as causing road blocks.

 



youtube.com/shorts/rzPZkTB9V4k?feature=share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 6

Early start this morning with a 04:30 alarm to catch the ferry from Tarbert to Uig on the Isle of Skye.

 

 

 

 

 

After getting off the Ferry at Uig, we drove down through Portree and over the Skye Bridge after a short brew stop. We then called in at Eilean Donan Castle. Then up over Applecross Pass, with the summit at 2054 ft.
Now at Applecross Campsite for the night.
Pub tea for tonight as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 7

Left Applecross campsite this morning and drove back over Applecross Pass. Now heading to Armadale to catch another ferry back to Mallaig.
Just stopped off for lunch at Tokavaig near Dunscaith Castle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camped at Arisaig on the shore of Loch nan Ceall tonight.
Not a bad view to wake up to.

 

 

 

Day 8 - our last night before heading home in the morning.

We have been very lucky in the fact that each time we set up camp and packed up, we did it in the dry. Pretty amazing really!

We caught another 10 minute ferry (can't do a day without ) from Ardgour to Corran. Heading our way to Loch Lomond via the Trossachs.

Just popped up my rear awning as it looked like rain for breakfast, but it didn't really do anything.

 

 

Before arriving at the campsite we did the Three Lochs Forrest Drive.

 

 

Saw this farm so decided to stop and try their Ice Cream made from goats milk.

 

 

 Lastly some pictures of Loch Lomond.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great week, weather could have been a bit better (less wind for Saturday & Sunday) but on the other hand, I think we were also lucky going off the weather we had the week before.

I did a total of 1300 miles and for the whole trip averaged 38 mpg.

On my way I called at a public weigh bridge and discovered I am quite a bit over weight when all packed up with a full tank of petrol and 15 litres of water on board. Total weight was 1600kg so about 165kg overweight   it did really surprise me, so a weight loss program is under way 

Fantastic trip.

I did a similar trip in the late 80s, but backpacking. We left the car in Oban, ferry to South Uist, then walked up the white beach, on to Benbecular, past missile control, then to North Uist. Ferry to Harris, then a bit more walking, ferry to Skye (Uig), a couple of days on walking the ridge, then a bus all the way back to Crainlarich and finally a train to Oban.

All I can say is it would be easier by Jimny.

Robin

Blimey, good effort. Can't imagine doing that on foot, let alone carrying all your gear