Getting Around Outer Hebrides
Contents |
Getting Around The Outer Hebrides
Travelling in Outer Hebrides | Getting Around the Outer Hebrides | Orienting Yourself
Introduction
You should allow plenty of time to explore the islands fully. With your own transport and travelling from top to bottom, a week would be enough time for a whistle-stop tour but not enough to explore in any depth or scratch beneath the surface. You will need to allow for the lack of public transport on Sun on most islands, and for the fact that weather conditions frequently affect ferry and flight timetables.
By air
Loganair (operating as British Airways) fly between Barra, Benbecula and Stornoway Mon-Fri. For full details, Tel. 08457-733377. The car ferry to Eriskay from South Uist no longer operates following the opening of the new causeway in Aug 2001
By boat
Passenger ferries run regularly between Ludag in South Uist to both Eoligarry in Barra and to the island of Eriskay,Tel. 01878-720238/265. Car ferries There are CalMac ferries between Harris and North Uist, and South Uasdfist and Barra (see above for details).
By bus
Bus services have improved and now run regularly to most main towns and villages on the islands. Details of local services are given under each destination. You should also invest in a copy of the Highlands & Islands Travel Guide (£1) which is available from the local Tourist Information Centres.
By car
Most of the islands' roads are single track but in good condition and, unlike other parts of the Highlands and Islands, not too busy. On Sun you'll barely meet another soul, save for the occasional perplexed tourist looking in vain for somewhere to go. Drivers should note that petrol stations are few and far between, expensive and closed on Sun. The normal rules for single track roads apply and, as elsewhere in the Highlands, you need to look out for wandering sheep. Also note that distances are greater than most people imagine. For example, the distance from Nis (Ness) at the northern tip of Lewis to Leverburgh in the south of Harris is 85 miles. From Stornoway to Tarbert is 37 miles. And the distance from Otternish in the north of North Uist to Lochboisdale, the main ferry port on South Uist, is 50 miles. Several local car hire agencies offer reasonable rental deals. Expect to pay around £15-25 per day, depending on the size of engine and age of the car.
By bicycle
Cycling is a great way to explore the islands. You can fully appreciate the amazing scenery around you without the risk of driving over the edge of a cliff, and it only costs a few pounds to transport a bike by ferry. There is, of course, the major problem of strong winds, which can leave you frustrated and exhausted, especially when cycling into the prevailing easterly wind.
Bike hire agencies are given under the relevant town.