Scottish Isles by SR4?

Tim in Yorkshire · 14 May 2015, 15:23

Thinking of heading up to the Scottish Isles for a holiday at some stage, the question is how to do it?

There will be two of us. We like fishing, kayaking, surfing, walking and being on the little Avon SR4 or camping in our VW T4. The question is how best to do a week or so, what to do and wher to go.

Options that spring to mind:

1. VW Camper with surf boards and kayaks, flexible location wise and sport, no rib though

2. VW Camper with surf boards, kayaks and RIB flexible location wise and sport. Starting to become a lot of kit, ferry prices add up with trailer?

3. VW Camper van with RIB only - less kit, less options, still ferry issues etc.

4. Trailer RIB to Scottish mainland coast, continue from there on the SR4 - less options sport wise (no surfing), more planning required for accomodation (the girlfriend likes a shower now and again), and how sensible is cruising in a little SR4 - may be restricted in destinations.

So for a first trip what would you suggest (how/where) from the above?

Many thanks.

two stroke mick · 14 May 2015, 17:32

Dont know the area. Would it be a runner to transport the camper by Ferry and use the rib to get to the same island?

Poly · 14 May 2015, 17:49

Which islands are you thinking of?

Trailing the boat on the ferry is probably not much extra (on the Van) than the fuel cost of a well laden SR4 in many cases.

Tim in Yorkshire · 14 May 2015, 21:11

Western isles, still trying to whittle down the vaguest of plans/ideas!

Perhaps SR4 loaded with surfboards!

jambo · 14 May 2015, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim in Yorkshire

Western isles, still trying to whittle down the vaguest of plans/ideas!

Perhaps SR4 loaded with surfboards!

Inner or Outer theres a hellva difference

Last Tango · 15 May 2015, 15:24

You're going to get everyone's favourite so there'll be a long list. Personally I'd have thought what's ideal for surfboards is ruddy great waves.....not what I actually seek out.
For the rest.....Skye, (particularly the west coast of Skye) and there's a "toll free" bridge, or Wester Ross (Gairloch, Gruinard, Summer Isles).......time for Google.

The Gurnard · 15 May 2015, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Last Tango

For the rest.....Skye, (particularly the west coast of Skye) and there's a "toll free" bridge, or Wester Ross (Gairloch, Gruinard, Summer Isles).......time for Google.

Im not sure Gruinard Island will be anyones favourite !? ...

I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy..but I appreciate is supposed to be "safe" now. It was contaminate by Anthrax in 1942 and for 50 years no one set foot on it

Could add a new dimension to "wild camping" for anyone wishing to land and stay overnight on it

Last Tango · 15 May 2015, 17:08

Perhaps not the island specifically (although it is supposed to be safe) but there's an awful lot more to Gruinard than that one small island. There are some cracking beaches in the area that are pretty much only accessible by boat. Thing being, if you take the "two week holiday" cruising range of a sailing boat based in the Clyde, Loch Broom would be a stretch so once you get this far North it becomes much quieter.

http://www.visitscotland.com/info/to...rd-bay-p314331

stevedonna · 15 May 2015, 21:08

There are loads on here with more knowledge than me but Lewis would be great for remote , surfing , campervan spots and rib . A good few years ago we went over from Sky which at the time cut the ferry cost down considerably . It was before I had campervan or rib and a good few years ago so worth checking out first .

Sent from my iPad using RIB Net

spartacus · 15 May 2015, 21:37

This is my summer cruising ground. Get yourself to Lewis (courtesy of Cal Mac and the new Loch Seaforth ferry) and head over to Uig. Fantastic camping at Reef or Ardroil. If you get the weather, it's simply hard to beat. Respect the Sabbath (when in Rome and all that).

Surfing, then Mangersta beach should be on your list.

My work here is done.

9D280 · 16 May 2015, 09:34

Fwiw I priced up my rib to Aran on the ferry as an option for a family holiday. It was cheaper for my wife to take the car across and motor the rib. Didn't do it as the idea of watching 2 small kids on a ferry for a couple of hours didn't fall into the "holiday" category!

Poly · 16 May 2015, 09:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

Fwiw I priced up my rib to Aran on the ferry as an option for a family holiday. It was cheaper for my wife to take the car across and motor the rib. Didn't do it as the idea of watching 2 small kids on a ferry for a couple of hours didn't fall into the "holiday" category!

Arran has only had road equivalent tarrif since end of last year though. RET makes a big difference on the western Isles routes. And the risk of not being able to come home is substantially lower in the Clyde than the the hebrides.

Last Tango · 16 May 2015, 17:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

Fwiw I priced up my rib to Aran on the ferry as an option for a family holiday. It was cheaper for my wife to take the car across and motor the rib. Didn't do it as the idea of watching 2 small kids on a ferry for a couple of hours didn't fall into the "holiday" category!

There's also no pontoon facilities to keep the rib once you get there. The only one as far as I know is at Lochranza and it's for short term us only (and not particularly sheltered.)

Brian · 17 May 2015, 08:46

You "could" park at the end of the stone Pier at Lamlash Bay-if you are very careful. A word with the Harbour Master at the end of the pier, a quick lunch and back.
It is only for a short term park though and beware the dropping tide!
Don't obstruct the steps though!

Tim in Yorkshire · 17 May 2015, 18:33

Thanks for the tips so far!

bigbadbob · 31 July 2015, 11:55

Have You been yet Tim?
If not, then go well prepared if you're heading for the outer isles. very exposed out there for an SR4. great for surfing though.
Even here on Skye the weather can change very quickly so it's best to have a plan B at all times.
We use bigger Ribs for work that handle it well even in winter but I tend to use my own sr4 in summer only and we don't seem to be getting a summer this year.

My recommendation would be to use the rib around the inner islands and find somewhere to park it up (the Locals are friendly but the Tinks will nick it given the chance)and head out to the outer isles for the surfing. saves on ferry costs for the trailer.
Whatever you decide, hope you have a good trip.