Hebridean Way

[Wandalina]

Hi
Just wondering does anyone have experience of this walk? Im heading over early September just wondering what facilities are like it seems like there's very little by way of shops cheap places to eat and hostels. Im arriving onto the beach at Barra on a Sunday im wondering will anything be open as ive heard the really observe the sabbath on some of the islands. Any advice would be massively appreciated

 

[Ali@59]

If you like you can watch YouTube videos of LiamBrown who has walked the hebridean way he actually wild camps but sometimes watching videos can be a spoiler. There is quite a lot of information online.

 

[Corned Beef]

Im arriving onto the beach at Barra on a Sunday

Flying in?

wondering will anything be open as ive heard the really observe the sabbath

Quick check on the local Co-operative there suggests no as it is open until 10pm. However individual businesses may chose to observe their personal beliefs.

Barra - Castlebay Co-op, Isle Of Barra, Castlebay, HS9 5XD

Barra - Castlebay Co-op, convenience store in Castlebay, HS9 5XD. Visit your local store for big deals and offers on quality food.

www.coop.co.uk

 

[Wandalina]

Flying in?



Quick check on the local Co-operative there suggests no as it is open until 10pm. However individual businesses may chose to observe their personal beliefs.

Barra - Castlebay Co-op, Isle Of Barra, Castlebay, HS9 5XD

Barra - Castlebay Co-op, convenience store in Castlebay, HS9 5XD. Visit your local store for big deals and offers on quality food.

www.coop.co.uk

Yes flying in thanks

 

[Bradypus]

Barra is a predominantly Catholic island and Sabbath observance is generally less of an issue than on Lewis and Harris to the north where most of the people are members of more observant Protestant churches.

 

[Xara712]

I live in the Hebrides, and you will find that Barra, and the Southern Isles do not keep the Sabbath as strictly as Lewis and Harris. You should be able to find cafes and hotels open for food on Barra on the Sunday as well as the Co-op. If you need any more information you could PM me.

 

[Wandalina]

I live in the Hebrides, and you will find that Barra, and the Southern Isles do not keep the Sabbath as strictly as Lewis and Harris. You should be able to find cafes and hotels open for food on Barra on the Sunday as well as the Co-op. If you need any more information you could PM me.

Thanks so much Catriona

 

[antepacem]

I walked the Heb Way in 2019 and it was one of the most SPECTACULAR experiences I have ever had. One of my walking friends and I said to each other afterwards, "Will we ever consider anything beautiful again? How could it possibly compare to the beauty of the Outer Hebrides?"

We used this guidebook: https://www.amazon.ca/Hebridean-Way...-Hebrides/dp/1852847271/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

We did have to do a lot of advance booking & planning and we used a wide array of accommodations - from bunkhouses to bothies to fancy hotels. Once we got stranded (double booking at a bunkhouse) and a taxi driver not only came to get us, but found us a place to stay. I also got help once from a hotel that was booked up; the person at the front desk called around until they found us a spot and dropped us off there, free of charge! We also did a lot of self-catering - loading up at grocery stores and doing our own cooking, etc. We often found that other walkers and cyclists were happy to cook together and share meals.

My favourite hostels were the ones that are part of the Gatliff Trust: https://gatliff.org.uk/ - in particular, Rhenigidale (although you have to schlep all of your food over the Postman's Pass and it's no joke; we met a cyclist there who didn't know it was without resources nearby and had nothing, so it was lucky for him that six of us showed up with stew provisions and whisky for all!). Honourable mention to Berneray, which is right on the beach.

I don't remember any problems on Sundays although it is true that most Lewis and Harris businesses are closed on Sunday. But a combo of advance planning & the kindness of locals will get you everything you need. I loved the Outer Hebrides deeply and I can't wait to go back. Happy to answer any other questions, although it looks like you've got a local upthread who will know more!

 

[antepacem]

I should also say that there is probably less need for advance booking & planning if you're on your own or a party of two. We were six, which occasionally took some finagling!

 

[Wandalina]

I walked the Heb Way in 2019 and it was one of the most SPECTACULAR experiences I have ever had. One of my walking friends and I said to each other afterwards, "Will we ever consider anything beautiful again? How could it possibly compare to the beauty of the Outer Hebrides?"

We used this guidebook: https://www.amazon.ca/Hebridean-Way...-Hebrides/dp/1852847271/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

We did have to do a lot of advance booking & planning and we used a wide array of accommodations - from bunkhouses to bothies to fancy hotels. Once we got stranded (double booking at a bunkhouse) and a taxi driver not only came to get us, but found us a place to stay. I also got help once from a hotel that was booked up; the person at the front desk called around until they found us a spot and dropped us off there, free of charge! We also did a lot of self-catering - loading up at grocery stores and doing our own cooking, etc. We often found that other walkers and cyclists were happy to cook together and share meals.

My favourite hostels were the ones that are part of the Gatliff Trust: https://gatliff.org.uk/ - in particular, Rhenigidale (although you have to schlep all of your food over the Postman's Pass and it's no joke; we met a cyclist there who didn't know it was without resources nearby and had nothing, so it was lucky for him that six of us showed up with stew provisions and whisky for all!). Honourable mention to Berneray, which is right on the beach.

I don't remember any problems on Sundays although it is true that most Lewis and Harris businesses are closed on Sunday. But a combo of advance planning & the kindness of locals will get you everything you need. I loved the Outer Hebrides deeply and I can't wait to go back. Happy to answer any other questions, although it looks like you've got a local upthread who will know more!

Thanks so much for the advice this is all really encouraging

 

[Wandalina]

I live in the Hebrides, and you will find that Barra, and the Southern Isles do not keep the Sabbath as strictly as Lewis and Harris. You should be able to find cafes and hotels open for food on Barra on the Sunday as well as the Co-op. If you need any more information you could PM m

I live in the Hebrides, and you will find that Barra, and the Southern Isles do not keep the Sabbath as strictly as Lewis and Harris. You should be able to find cafes and hotels open for food on Barra on the Sunday as well as the Co-op. If you need any more information you could PM me.

Hi Catriona can i ask you? Would taxis be running on barra on the Sunday? I need to get to the supermarket after my flight and then to Ardmhor ferry for the 3.30 crossing

 

[Xara712]

Hi Wandaline, I am quite sure taxis will be available on the Sunday on Barra. If you check out Airport information for Barra Airport, the phone numbers are on this site. Good luck

 

[Coverbid]

Hi
Just wondering does anyone have experience of this walk? Im heading over early September just wondering what facilities are like it seems like there's very little by way of shops cheap places to eat and hostels. Im arriving onto the beach at Barra on a Sunday im wondering will anything be open as ive heard the really observe the sabbath on some of the islands. Any advice would be massively appreciated

Hi, I just started looking at this route. it looks beautiful. One question - if I walk south to north - what is my plan for getting back to where I started or what are my options for making a return? It looks pretty isolated at the northern tip. Just looking for ideas. Thank you,

 

[Bradypus]

There is a bus service from Ness (the northern tip of Lewis) to Stornoway. From Stornoway you can travel back to the mainland by ferry or by air.

W1 - Stornoway - Ness

Lochs Motor Transport

bustimes.org

 

[Coverbid]

There is a bus service from Ness (the northern tip of Lewis) to Stornoway. From Stornoway you can travel back to the mainland by ferry or by air.

W1 - Stornoway - Ness

Lochs Motor Transport

bustimes.org

Thank you so much...Mike

 

[NewYorkerOnTheCamino]

I walked the Heb Way in 2019 and it was one of the most SPECTACULAR experiences I have ever had. One of my walking friends and I said to each other afterwards, "Will we ever consider anything beautiful again? How could it possibly compare to the beauty of the Outer Hebrides?"

We used this guidebook: https://www.amazon.ca/Hebridean-Way...-Hebrides/dp/1852847271/?tag=santiagodec0b-20

We did have to do a lot of advance booking & planning and we used a wide array of accommodations - from bunkhouses to bothies to fancy hotels. Once we got stranded (double booking at a bunkhouse) and a taxi driver not only came to get us, but found us a place to stay. I also got help once from a hotel that was booked up; the person at the front desk called around until they found us a spot and dropped us off there, free of charge! We also did a lot of self-catering - loading up at grocery stores and doing our own cooking, etc. We often found that other walkers and cyclists were happy to cook together and share meals.

My favourite hostels were the ones that are part of the Gatliff Trust: https://gatliff.org.uk/ - in particular, Rhenigidale (although you have to schlep all of your food over the Postman's Pass and it's no joke; we met a cyclist there who didn't know it was without resources nearby and had nothing, so it was lucky for him that six of us showed up with stew provisions and whisky for all!). Honourable mention to Berneray, which is right on the beach.

I don't remember any problems on Sundays although it is true that most Lewis and Harris businesses are closed on Sunday. But a combo of advance planning & the kindness of locals will get you everything you need. I loved the Outer Hebrides deeply and I can't wait to go back. Happy to answer any other questions, although it looks like you've got a local upthread who will know more!

Would you be able to advise of an estimated low-mid-high end for budgeting. I'm traveling solo and plan to take 12-15 days to walk. Thank you.

 

[antepacem]

Would you be able to advise of an estimated low-mid-high end for budgeting. I'm traveling solo and plan to take 12-15 days to walk. Thank you.

I just saw this, my apologies. And I'll keep apologizing, because I don't truly remember AND it was in 2019, so presumably things are more expensive now. But I know we did a mix of very cheap lodging (bothies) and very expensive lodging (splurging on a hotel). The Gatliff Trust page should give you a good sense of accommodation prices, though!!

 

[duncanwhyte]

I'm walking this now. It's a delightful walk and so far not taxing as the way is mostly level.

The Oban holiday camp. Was 18 for a tent pitch.

I started from Barra. But there is a camp area at the start on Vatersay with toilet. Free.

I stayed at Borve campsite, 10 cash.
Then onto West Kilbride, 11 cash, also a cafe.

Then Gatliff hostel at Howmore, where I camped for 12, using the facilities. I will use their other hostels.

I'd estimate a daily spend of about 20.

 

[duncanwhyte]

Between Horganbost and Stornoway there are few campsites. I burned through 32 miles to wild camp beyond Balallan. Giving me a shorter walk in time for the ferry next day.

It was a decent trail to walk, but just didn't last very long.

 

[NewYorkerOnTheCamino]

I will likely be walking the Hebridean Way in July from South to North taking my time over 18 days or so. I'm just curious if anyone has updated commentary on social experiences as far as generally meeting other travelers along the way. I am a Camino Frances alumni and have no expectations whatsoever for this walk to have the same degree of social opportunities, but am curious to hear about the social vibes along the way. Thanks-N

 

[Wandalina]

I will likely be walking the Hebridean Way in July from South to North taking my time over 18 days or so. I'm just curious if anyone has updated commentary on social experiences as far as generally meeting other travelers along the way. I am a Camino Frances alumni and have no expectations whatsoever for this walk to have the same degree of social opportunities, but am curious to hear about the social vibes along the way. Thanks-N

Emmm I met one walker... There's a lot more cyclists but the same walker would pop up now and then. It's very remote so be prepared for that

 

[NewYorkerOnTheCamino]

I'm prepared for the remote aspect, but are you able to advise if the hostels and hotels along the route were empty? Packed? Were the cyclists typically in groups? Understandably, the demographics of group/soloists will look different in every year and travel timeframe, just trying to get a sense if I will be truly isolated (which is fine-I'm planning on doing a photography project and rejoice at this option) or if there will be more social experiences (also great). Thanks again.

 

[Wandalina]

There were people in the hostels yes. Not many hostels though. Cyclists mainly in groups. Very few cafes or pubs hardly any infact so few places to meet people really

 

[NewYorkerOnTheCamino]

Ok, perfect! Thank you.

 

[Wandalina]

Ok, perfect! Thank you.

Don't let that put you off, if you get the weather it's just stunning . And it's rare to find such a feeling of remoteness enjoy make sure to stay in some of the gatliff hostels Esp howemore a little thatched cottage

 

[NewYorkerOnTheCamino]

Thanks for the advice. I will start planning at the tail end of this year.

 

[duncanwhyte]

Cyclists in mixed groups, women in pairs, lonely old men; comme mois

I didn't meet anyone a second time. The cyclists get about quick and a lot of walkers take to the outer islands for the day.

I used campsites and met people that way, but obviously their heads were set differently. Best likelihood of encounters are the Gatliffe hostels. Very reasonable.

I went in May and it was lovely. Often quite windy. I think conditions would turn by September.

 

[NewYorkerOnTheCamino]

I'm planning on building some rest days into the trip. Can anyone advise of particularly beautiful or quaint villages where you wish you would have spent more than a night? Thanks.

 

[NewYorkerOnTheCamino]

Can anyone advise of a reliable baggage transfer service for the Hebrides? Thank you.

 

[Wandalina]

I don't think they exist

 

[Wandalina]

I'm planning on building some rest days into the trip. Can anyone advise of particularly beautiful or quaint villages where you wish you would have spent more than a night? Thanks.

Its really very isolated I didn't see anywhere on route that I would consider spending a day. Villages are generally a collection of houses with, if you are lucky, possibly a shop. The only village/town would be stornaway at the end of a walk. Or tarbert but there wouldn't be a lot happening there.. Might be your best option for a day off