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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



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  #1  
Old 23 Dec 2011
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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.
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  #2  
Old 24 Dec 2011
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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.
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
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  #3  
Old 26 Dec 2011
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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

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.
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  #4  
Old 29 Dec 2011
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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.
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  #5  
Old 29 Dec 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hondated View Post
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.
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  #6  
Old 29 Dec 2011
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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 .

Rory
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  #7  
Old 29 Dec 2011
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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'?
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
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  #8  
Old 22 Mar 2012
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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!
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  #9  
Old 3 Apr 2012
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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.
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  #10  
Old 7 May 2012
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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.
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  #11  
Old 7 May 2012
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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
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  #12  
Old 7 May 2012
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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
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  #13  
Old 7 May 2012
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Weather forcast

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

This is the one I usually use.

XCWeather - Forecast for Stornoway


Weather can change very quickly here.

Rory
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  #14  
Old 7 May 2012
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Hi Rob

Hi Rob,

Might hit you for some ideas about island hopping up throught the west coast
cheers
steve
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  #15  
Old 8 May 2012
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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.
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