Calmac (Caledonain Mcbrayne) ferries and tie-downs
 

Another newbie question from me….
I’m heading around the outer Hebrides the last week in July on my first mini bike tour. I’ve had the bike on a couple of very short ferry crossings so far but I just wandered if I’d need to consider taking any tie downs incase the crossings were rougher? I’m assuming not, and at worst case they’d give me ‘something’ (aka large muckle rope) to help.
I have a heavyish bike and only a side stand.
Cheers

Calmac
 

Good on you - the Outer Islands are some of the most beautiful places on earth.

I doubt youll need to worry about rough crossings but there is sometimes chop on the runs into Lochmaddy and Lochboisdale.... July though? dunno. At any rate, Calmac have plenty of tiedowns and straps for loads, caravans etc. I bet theyd have some for bikes. Ring them at Oban - they will be able to tell you

Shouldn't be a problem - when I came in from the islands to Oban they secured my FJR to a handrail using tiedowns and foam packing.

Just hold the bars on the short crossings - but as has already been said - there shouldn't be a problem.

The winds on the single track roads can cause a few missed heartbeats though ...

Calmac tie downs
 

Hey there wanderingscotsman, good choice for a 1st tour. Done the same thing in May, As for tie downs on the Calmac ferries; Don't worry, the guys on the ferries are used to bikes crossing and they have plenty of tiedowns and big lumps of foam for protection. I found that they were quite willing to let me get involved in tying my bike down. You should enjoy the roads the other side of the "Minch" (the stretch of water between the mainland and the outer hebridean isles), but watch those single track roads in Harris for stray sheep! happy riding. Domac:thumbup1: