As some of my holiday arrangements were cancelled due to Covid-19 I decided to head off on my own and visit the Hebridean islands. As I live in London and was driving myself I planned the whole journey very carefully beforehand and booked reputable B&B places (which could ensure cleanliness) and ferries to the islands well in advance. This worked well in England, mainly with excellent Premier Inn arrangements (including free cancellation) and motorways to get me to places in a reasonable time, so I could rest too. This worked well in England, but less well in Scotland where the roads were not as fast and carried heavy traffic – a couple of times I had underestimated the driving times and was very tired by the time I reached my hotel. This did not apply in the islands. Calmac ferries, which serve the Western Isles had nice boats, were very efficient and strict on Covid-19 regulations. The roads on the islands were very empty (compared to London!) and driving was easy – even on single track roads where passing places were well-marked and visible from a good distance. The scenery was stunning and I often pulled over just to walk for a while and enjoy the views. I also visited Calanais on Lewis which was very interesting for anyone who likes prehistoric sites. The islands are rich in history. The weather was changeable, but mainly dampish rather than very wet. For recommendations, I would say plan carefully and pre-book accommodation and ferries; In Scotland don’t try to drive too far in one day or there won’t be time to enjoy the scenery; stop frequently and get out and walk for a while to get the best of the surroundings.
