Hebrides - any info?

Not really an expedition as such but a bit of forward planning to a trip camping for a fortnight and touring the Hebrides (Outer & Inner is the plan). Will be just me and my gaylander with bike, kayak and fishing rod all fitted in/on somewhere. Did West coast of Ireland a couple of years ago in a knackered astra and had a great time (albeit a bit centered on Dingle peninsula).

Anyway, looking for advice on what to see and where to go, when to pick (understand insect life can get a bit overwhelming in late summer). What's the deal with 'wild camping' - it is actively discouraged? Don't mind camp sites (essential from time to time) as long as they're not full of caravanners watching sky TV. What are the ferry services like - any hints and tips?

Like I said, hardly an expedition like I read about here, but I've got to be realistic about what the FL and my budget can manage....

Try PMing Sean, he went for a holiday there recently. He put some nice photos up too:

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f16/been-some-good-sunsets-lately-69163.html

Not sure about the islands, but on the mainland in Scotland I was told by a ranger that it's O.K. to wild camp for one night at a particular spot - no camp fires though.

Thanks for the name/link - I knew I'd seen something on here recently but for some reason it didn't come up on a search - probably user error PM sent anyway, hopefully I'll get some pins in the map before too long.

I'm sure there must be some others out there who have visited/know the Isles.....

How do Ossy? I'm from the outer hebridies so I suppose I could give you a few tips. Ferries are operated by 'caledonian macbraynes,' if you visit their website you can get brochure sent out. We now have Road Equivalent Tarrif so fares have come down at last! I think while the summer timetable is running they offer an island hopper ticket, where you can simply turn up and catch the ferry if there's room, best ask for details though. Depending what time of year you travel, the weather can be harsh and disrupt ferry services but by summer, ferries usually run on schedule.
If you visit the 'visit scotland' website you can get a brochure for the area sent out to you also. Outer Hebridies wise, its all worth a visit really. I wouldn't miss out Barra, the Uists, Harris hills and beaches, Uig beaches, Ness beaches, Tolsta beaches and of course our 'capital' Stornoway. We're spoilt for beaches! Callanish Stones and Gearannan Blackhouse Village are worth a visit among other historical sites.
In the rural areas, its tough to say whether wild camping would bother anybody, having said that, there's always one eh! There are camping sites, which will be listed in visit scotland brochure. As long as you respected the area, I would just try your luck really. If someone comes along and tells you to do one, fair enough, mosey on down the road til they're out of site.
If you're up in the summer, watch out for Barra Live and Heb Celtic Festival, the place will be busy. Visit their websites for details.
Regarding the midgies, last summer wasn't too bad for them, a breeze keeps them at bay, but when they're out, they dominate your life!
If you left the islands via Ullapool, I highly recommend a wonder about Sutherland. It's knockout! When the weathers good! Hope this is a help. Enjoy trip

Thanks for the adivce. Sean came through with the calmac website Island Hopscotch / Rover which has been a great help to me.

I'm glad I'm starting this well in advance as I think this is going to be a good trip if I organise it properly.

I'll keep an eye out for live music as I enjoy all kinds of folk and then some so would be good to see some big events if timescale allows.

I'll probably end up on organised camp sites just to avoid any possible hassle. At least you get the good social side of things this way (if you're lucky!).

Thanks again.

Start with a trip to Loch Boisdale, South Uist via Oban. Travel up through the islands to Loch Maddy, North Uist and over to Uig on Skye.
I suggest the type of campers you do not want to meet would not be found on the islands. The midges north of the border are well known and deserve their reputation, probably from late June onwards.
Wild camping web sites give good indication of the law and what you can and cannot do.
Try a visit to RSPB Reserve at North Balranald North Uist, absolutely magic if the sun is up abot mid May. The locals on the island are very friendly and like a wee dram. jealous already, let me know how you get on..

Hi Ossy

I have just launched a non-commercial ( i.e. hobby ) website to provide a directory of wild camping spots throughout the world. Have a look at Basic Google Map Search Now Working ! | World of Wild Camping. Although the site is in it's infancy we already have some Scottish sites which are listed by clicking Quick Search Results | World of Wild Camping.

If you like what you see it would be great if you registered and contributed some spots of your own.

All the best,

Dave