Isle of Lewis !
 

Hi everyone, even though I have reserved my ferry crossing for the TT I am noture that I want to go again having been a few times now so I am thinking of doing something else.
I am now thinking of riding up to Scotland and going over to the Isle of Lewis as I have also been up to the Highlands a few times now and I was wondering whether Lewis is a place worth visiting and whether you have to book a ferry and camp site prior to going.
I thought I would go there and then on the way back home attend the not to be missed Ripley meet.
All advice would be welcomed.

Greetings from Stornoway
 

If you get up to my neck of the woods give me a call.
No need to book the ferry for a bike, but, for peace of mind you can book it the day before you travel.
Campsites are not a problem. There are a few comercial sites. Wild camping is not a problem. I can show you several good spots close to facilitys and out in the wilderness. We have lots of fantastic beaches that are virtualy deserted.
We have a vibrant motorbike culture on the Island with two MC Clubs. I am a member of one of them, HEBRIDERS MC.:mchappy:
I would sujest that maybe you consider traveling the whole of the Western Isles. Perhaps getting the ferry from Oban to Castlebay, (Isle of Barra) and traveling up through the island chain to Lewis and leaving via Stornoway to Ullapool ferry.
If you need any info give me a call.
Rory

As Rory suggested try and ride all the Outer Hebrides from South to North. I did this in Spetember this year and it was fantastic - apart from getting struck by lightning on Harris :D

I took camping stuff planning to wild camp but ended up not bothering partly as it was very very windy with HEAVY showers (hence the lightning) but also coz I happened upon the Gatliff trust chain of Hostels/bunk barns. All lovely places, rustic and basic, cheap and clean and I met some very interesting people. Recommended.

Thanks for your responses Rory / Austin by what you have told me its definitely something I will give a lot of consideration to doing.Either of you going to the Ripley 2012 meet.

Ripley 2012 - probably not as I will either still be in South Africa or just returned.

I don't usually go to meets "down south",( a bit to far for a weekend trip:()
I can only go on one trip a year - I'm heading to Athens on the 19th June for a few weeks :thumbup1:.

Rory

Hondated
How can you even think of not going to the TT, especially as you have a ferry reservation?
you 'lost the plot or what'?

Hondated
I have a couple of biker friendly pubs in Stornoway, 1 with a couple of rooms above..If you need any help or just a roof for a night, give me a shout!

I have been to Lewis with nine other bikers in about 2009 and stayed in the Hebrdian Guest house. I plan to go again approx the 27th this month.
There is standing stones to see and a traditional village. The folk are friendly and help you get about. I also went my self so the Island Hopper ticket is worth while buying. I went to Lewis North and South Uist and Barra then Oban. Thhe price was less as one payment than mutiple payments. My advice is go fo it and let us know how you got on.
All the best. Thanks to those from the Island.

Isle of Skye - Lewis - Harris
 

Hi, my first post on the site but been reading for a few months.

We are heading up there around 19th May for a week or so.
Plan on camping/hotel/B&B's all depending on the weather; which isnt looking too good at the moment.

Love to hear from any of you who can recommend places to stay both camping and hotels etc and sights to see.

Craig&Manda.

Welcome to Eilan Sair
 

If you arrive in time, there is a ride-out by the local club "Hebriders" raising money for the "Macmillan Nurses" on Sat 19th May. Good for a whistle-stop tour of the Island.
As for accomadation, there is all sorts to suit your budget. Hotels, B&B, campsite's, Pubs with rooms (Carlton Bar, ask for Murry) also, weather permiting, lots of wild camping.
Bike security is not an issue on the Island, even in the main town.
Let me know youre arrival info and if you would like I can do a quick route plan for you (POI, Campsites, B&B).

Rory:thumbup1:

Rory,
Thanks for the quick reply.
Hopefully weather will improve from whats forecast or we may have to have a "plan B". We knew it wouldnt be tropical this time of year but best forecast I have seen is cloudy/rain and freezing at night and not nuch above during the day.
If things improve we will be looking to get the 09.40 ferry from Uig to Tarbert and heading towards Stornoway for a night or two. Then its 5-6 days wandering round Lewis and Harris before the ferry back.
Really want to see the beaches/scenery on the west coast.

Will keep you posted later in the week.
Thanks again
Craig&Manda

Weather forcast
 

I don't know where you are getting yer forcast from, but it sounds a wee bit extream:stormy:

This is the one I usually use.

XCWeather - Forecast for Stornoway


Weather can change very quickly here.

Rory:thumbup1:

Hi Rob
 

Hi Rob,

Might hit you for some ideas about island hopping up throught the west coast
cheers
steve

Rory,
Well your up there and the weather site you sent must be accurate(more so than the ones I looked at!) so I will keep an eye on that site and leave the others alone as they do conflict somewhat!
Thanks for the link.

Craig&Manda.

Side trip
 

You might consider calling in to the Mini Highland Meet on your way up.
It's a great way to start the week in the Highlands. bier
Let me know what type of things you are looking for and I can work out a route for you, beaches , old buildings, stunning cliffs, surfing, wild camping ,hangovers ?
The only thing I can't garentee is the weather doh :stormy::Beach::freezing::rofl:
Rory