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First off would we be mad to go in the last week of August (from a midge POV) ?
And then how can I persuade the family to go ?
I really want to go but getting apathy/downright refusal from the others.
Think I am on a looser to be honest & if we get there & the weather is shite I will never be forgiven.
Solo trips this year.
Send kids to band camp.
Wifey on a cheap cruise.
Mission off to Scotlandshire
August/September there's a risk of fine weather. Midges would be bad except that the wind almost always blows and the Caledonian Luftwaffe doesn't like wind.
TBH unless you're sure they will enjoy the bleakness, the miles of white beaches and tiny villages I wouldn't do it. Some folk actually feel a bit out of sorts at vast emptiness. My brother and I took our parents on an island-hopper and they were a bit bored.
I really want to go but getting apathy/downright refusal from the others.
Go somewhere else then.
Go on your own mate, I would. ( I wouldn't actually cos after going to South Uist last year the Mrs would beat me to it)
The Outer Hebrides aren't everyones cup o tea & I've read/heard that Lewis is a very odd & bleak place that isn't really worth the hassle (not sure myself)
Why not get them to somewhere more....*dunno what the word is*.. like Islay to start with & work up to the Outer islands.
(How many are in this family trip? because http://blackparkislay.co.uk/ is easily the best SC accommodation I've ever stayed in)
cheers guys.
There's 4 of us. Pretty sure there is enough to do & see what with sea life, amazing beaches, history & most importantly for the youngest, surfing, but I reckon the nay sayers (incl myself) are right, & I will just have to pop up there for a few days on my lonesome.
Pretty sure there is enough to do & see what with sea life, amazing beaches, history & most importantly for the youngest, surfing,
All those things are quite a distance apart with quite a lot of nothing in between - Ness to Rodel is 80 miles two and half hours by car - its not a small island and while there are many splendid things there theres lots and lots of time and space separating them all.
How about sticking to the inner Hebrides and mixing it up a bit? Less bleakness hebrideness, you might be able to build an itinerary that suits everyone. The ferries between islands are efficient and the mainland has plenty to offer.
I've just (literally an hour or two ago) returned from a two week west highlands/inner Hebrides trip. We drove to Glasgow, had a couple of nights in the city, then a few hours drive + ferry to mull for the wildlife. Mull was Utterely awesome, sublime. We went for the wildlife mainly but loved the island vibe. Falcons, owls, Eagles and warblers galore for the twitcher in me, plus a boat trip (I heartily recommend sealife surveys) for the minke whales, an incredibly lucky dolphin encounter and otters and seals.
Then back to the Scottish mainland for a chilled few days at an incredible b&b - Kernan house near Lochgilphead if you need a recommendation.
I have no answer except to say that Harris and Lewis are amazing.
Midges will probably be fine near the coast.
Don't take the family - if they don't want to go, then two raindrops or a tad cold in the wind (both 100% likely) and you will not be spoken to for a week.
Go yourself, on a bike.
Hmm, had the same family apathy battle. children, dogs, food, driving, ferries.
Luckily my brother in law saw more as a Top Gear special.
Great road trip/holiday in the end.
Take a kite, it's windy.
[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8119/8646844911_d3a355480a_n.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8119/8646844911_d3a355480a_n.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/eb6kJX ]Postcard from the coast 19[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8263/8660651247_17d7a9bb18_n.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8263/8660651247_17d7a9bb18_n.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/ecj6Te ]Beached[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8256/8664197863_0471544810_n.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8256/8664197863_0471544810_n.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/ecChaM ]Uig sands.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr
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[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8242/8640434101_82ab3a9194_n.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8242/8640434101_82ab3a9194_n.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/eawu2K ]Lewis House[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/polarisandy/ ]Polarisandy[/url], on Flickr
Dreadful place. Can't think why you'd want to go there. Take them to Disney World.
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I'd second the inner Hebrides, Skye, Rhum and Arran all have plenty of interest and some proper mountains. On Skye my favourite ever trip is the boat from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, reckoned to be the loneliest, most inaccessible place in Britain. It's a remarkable place. You can either boat back or walk out by a couple of different routes.
Here: http://mistyisleboattrips.co.uk/
I went to Skye in July once. There were a _lot_ of midges.
I'd second the inner Hebrides, Skye, Rhum and Arran all have plenty of interest and some proper mountains.
and a couple of indoorsy things if the weather isn't so great, which is biggest gamble you take in the highlands and islands. I'd put Kinloch Castle as high on the list, good chance of seeing whales/dolphins on the boat from Mallaig, the Cuillin looks amazing from the water, sea eagles on Rum and the castle is a very impressive example of state of the 18th Century art building technology.
Then, if they like it, you've got them hooked for the outer isles next year.
Where do you live, as it's a long way from lots of places to there 🙂
You may have a great family holiday, or something else - and if the weather is crap then there won't be a lot to do, take indoor games maybe too?
Where do you live, as it's a long way from lots of places to there
+1
You could be in San Diego quicker from London.
As b r says, if the weather isn't great you may struggle to keep a family entertained.
Skye has more "going on" and could be a safer bet for the family. You can quite easily get the ferry from Skye up to the outer hebs too.
I'm just back from a wet weekend on Skye and as always we found stuff to do. More difficult on Harris/Lewis but it can be done.
That said...get decent weather on the outer hebrides and you'll honestly think you've landed in some sort of bizarre scottish paradise 🙂
It's rubbish
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Dont go
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It's great.
Weather just makes it more interesting.
Wind means there's no midges, so it should be blessed. 🙂
And if you are interested in seeing the world's oldest floating concrete ship - that's right, concrete - it's moored in harbour at Scalpay (The Cretetree) It's 100 years old now.
So, did you go?
Take [s]a kite[/s] [b]your thermals[/b], it's windy