A Campervan Journey Through The Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides are a string of islands running parallel to Scotland’s west coast. But they are much more than that. Their iron age settlements are among the most intact in Europe, despite an invasion by the Norse Vikings. The climate is mild and steady thanks to the benign influence of the North Atlantic Current, ideal for an Outer Hebrides Campervan Journey. The most convenient place to rent a holiday motorhome is the quaint city of Inverness. From there, a pleasant half-day drive leads to a choice of ferries to several larger islands.
Outer Hebrides Campervan Journey
The Outer Hebrides Road Between Vatersay and Calanais
We say ‘between’ because the journey is equally pleasant in either direction. In this case, we travel from south to north. The road that connects the Outer Herbrides islands is the domain of cyclists, walkers, the sparse population going about their business, and the occasional delivery van. We have two bicycles attached to the back of the vehicle so we can reach the remote beaches.
We recommend a compact camper van for the 297 kilometre (185 mile) route, because a larger motorhome might have difficulty negotiating narrow lanes in fishing villages. However either type of smaller RV would suit if sticking to the main road. The ‘official’ cycling time is eight days. This gives ample time, if motoring to take long hikes along beaches and across hillsides every day.
The Highlights of Our Drive Through the Outer Hebrides
We pass through the islands of Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, South Harris, North Harris, and Lewis on our holiday. There are close to a hundred more smaller ones. Now if we has a skiff on the roof we could try to row to some of them, provided we carefully took local advice. Our camper van holiday settles into a peaceful reverie of sleeping late, and then cooking a delicious breakfast on the camping stove outside. And then, with dishes washed and our new home swept, we head for the next island a small distance away.
Sometimes we cross over a short bridge. Occasionally, we join a local ferry for an hour. New friends greet us warmly each time we land, as they admire our smartly turned out recreational vehicle. My goodness, they say, it’s like a little house on wheels. And then they burst out into laughter. That’s the nature of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Real people who insist on showing us around their tiny villages, and suggesting how best to while away the peaceful afternoon.
Rental campervans are the best way to explore new surroundings like these, for we have an open schedule and we are completely in charge of our time. Alas, all good things must come to an end. We catch the ferry back to Ollapool on the mainland, and return our faithful motorhome rental back to Inverness or one of the other motorhome rental depots in Scotland such as Edinburgh or Glasgow Airports. We shall always remember our lazy days on the Outer Hebrides. For three days we were kings and queens of the islands.
