Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire- Day 4

It rained overnight but in our luxury Hymercar Yosemite campervan hire from Roseisle, we slept like babies. By morning the clouds were moving out and we woke to a beautiful view over the cliffs at the Port of Lewis lighthouse. We saw two sea eagles as we drove out- that makes several eagles we have seen so far on our trip!

After a leisurely breakfast, we headed in our campervan hire towards Stornoway, Scotland, a fine seaside town with everything you need to stock up on groceries and supplies for your campervan rental, as well as lots to explore.

We took a stroll around the grounds and quick look through Lews Castle, a Victorian wonder built by the man who owned the entire island of Lewis at one time. Then we treated ourselves to a bite at one of Stornoway’s excellent eateries before hitting the independent shops to browse and stock up on some local treats, such as the town’s famous smoked fish and black pudding, plus some delicious goodies from the busy bakery.

Tolsta in a campervan hire

Thus fortified, we loaded back in our campervan hire to explore the Tolsta area near Stornoway, where we heard there was a great beach- you never run out of stunning beaches in Scotland. A short time later, we came on the parking lot for Garry Beach- the beach itself reached by walking down a steep hill- not very far but recommended for the fairly fit, because you also have to walk back up!

Visit Garry Beach in a campervan hire

Garry Beach was totally worth the walk- dramatic high cliffs frame this golden sand beach, where deep blue waves lap and break on the striking geologic features, such as caves and sea stacks, that make this place so stunning, even by Scotland’s standards. We had the beach to ourselves and spent a couple of hours here in the sun- heaven!

Our ferry leaves tomorrow morning for the Scotland mainland from Stornoway, so we’ve made reservations at a nearby touring park, where we can top up our battery, empty our toilet and use the WiFi. They have a toilet and showers here, but honestly, it’s so much nicer in our campervan rental so we’re not even using them.

Time to turn in and get a good night’s sleep- tomorrow our destination is Wester Ross, where we expect to see more eagles.

Photo:

Garry Beach is a fine spot to while away an afternoon.

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire- Day 4

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire- Day 4

It rained overnight but in our luxury Hymercar Yosemite campervan hire from Roseisle, we slept like babies. By morning the clouds were moving out and we woke to a beautiful view over the cliffs at the Port of Lewis lighthouse. We saw two sea eagles as we drove out- that makes several eagles we have seen so far on our trip!

After a leisurely breakfast, we headed in our campervan hire towards Stornoway, Scotland, a fine seaside town with everything you need to stock up on groceries and supplies for your campervan rental, as well as lots to explore.

We took a stroll around the grounds and quick look through Lews Castle, a Victorian wonder built by the man who owned the entire island of Lewis at one time. Then we treated ourselves to a bite at one of Stornoway’s excellent eateries before hitting the independent shops to browse and stock up on some local treats, such as the town’s famous smoked fish and black pudding, plus some delicious goodies from the busy bakery.

Tolsta in a campervan hire

Thus fortified, we loaded back in our campervan hire to explore the Tolsta area near Stornoway, where we heard there was a great beach- you never run out of stunning beaches in Scotland. A short time later, we came on the parking lot for Garry Beach- the beach itself reached by walking down a steep hill- not very far but recommended for the fairly fit, because you also have to walk back up!

Visit Garry Beach in a campervan hire

Garry Beach was totally worth the walk- dramatic high cliffs frame this golden sand beach, where deep blue waves lap and break on the striking geologic features, such as caves and sea stacks, that make this place so stunning, even by Scotland’s standards. We had the beach to ourselves and spent a couple of hours here in the sun- heaven!

Our ferry leaves tomorrow morning for the Scotland mainland from Stornoway, so we’ve made reservations at a nearby touring park, where we can top up our battery, empty our toilet and use the WiFi. They have a toilet and showers here, but honestly, it’s so much nicer in our campervan rental so we’re not even using them.

Time to turn in and get a good night’s sleep- tomorrow our destination is Wester Ross, where we expect to see more eagles.

Photo:

Garry Beach is a fine spot to while away an afternoon.

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire- Day 4

Vanderlust- A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 3 Part 2

What an amazing day of exploring the Isle of Harris on our Highlands and Islands Adventure through Scotland in our Hymer Yosemite

campervan hire from Roseisle!

After our morning stroll down stunning Luskentyre Beach, we were eager to hit another bucket list stop- the Callanish stone circle on the Isle of Lewis. The landscape through which we drove in our campervan hire was a magnificent melange of mountains, valleys and seascapes.

Cruising through one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland is even better in this luxurious Hymercar Yosemite. Like everything, the front seats are designed for comfort on long trips and the view is second to none. Navigating rural unfamiliar roads is a breeze with the Satnav, and with its Bluetooth capabilities, we are enjoying road trip music from our phones. Get your motor running and head out on the highway- it’s a ‘Born to be Wild’ feeling, but with all the comforts of home!

Callanish in a campervan hire

After lunch we made a beeline to Callanish, and as we approached, the sight of this mysterious, brooding 5,000-year-old stone circle overlooking the valley made us both gasp. The other stone circles we have visited, such as at Kilmartin and Orkney, are situated on flat areas, but being high on a hill, the Callanish circle is particularly impactful- not to mention one of the best preserved in Scotland. We spent the entire afternoon taking in this and the other sets of stone circles on adjoining hills, all dramatically dominating this ancient land and seascape.

Our next stop was Dun Carloway, one of the best preserved in Scotland. At an astonishing 9 metres high in some places, this broch, built around 200 BCE, makes for fun and fascinating exploration- and the views are amazing.

Campervan hire Lewis

On a whim, we decided to head to the northernmost end of Lewis, called the Butt, to visit the historic lighthouse and cliffs. The Hebridean Way hiking/cycling trail ends here, and while it’s officially the windiest place in, not just Scotland, but all of Britain, the views are worth a visit. There are sugary beaches and dramatic seascapes here, where the waves crash violently against the cliffs, and seabirds are abundant. As there was no one around, (bliss!) we decided to stay here for the night, and were rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunsets we have ever seen here at the edge of Scotland.

Tomorrow, we are Stornoway bound in our luxury Hymercar from Roseisle Campervan Hire!

Photos:

Experiencing one of our best sunsets ever at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse.

Vanderlust- A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 3 Part 2

Vanderlust- A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 3

It’s been a bucket list-ticking kind of day on our Highlands and Islands Adventure in a campervan from Roseisle and we are only halfway through!

After landing in Uig, we rolled off the ferry in our Hymer Yosemite, and down the road to Luskentyre Beach. It was dark by the time we pulled in to a wild camping spot right before the beach itself, behind the sand dunes. Lucky for us, there were three campers maximum allowed here, and we were the third. There was an honesty box and a small charge for the space and toilets for those who need them. However, we were self contained, which was such a comfort on our campervan hire trip.

Campervan hire in a Hymercar Yosemite

The washroom was one of the highlights of this Hymer Yosemite campervan for me- after all, even when camping you are sure to appreciate the medicine cabinet, mirrors, nooks for toiletries, the handy pull-down basin, powerful sink/shower nozzle and easy to operate loo. When you close the door, the whole thing is totally separate from the living quarters and surprisingly roomy. A hot shower in the comfort of your campervan hire after a long day of hiking and sightseeing- heaven!

This morning we awoke, made steaming mugs of coffee in our campervan rental kitchen, headed over the gorgeous dunes and machair and came out on one of the most spectacular beaches we have ever seen- glorious Luskentyre, or Losgaintir in Gaelic. No people, no buildings, no vehicles in sight- just the soothing sound of the ocean and nothing but stunning views.

Lewis & Haris in a Campervan Hire

Eager to explore the archaeological wonders of Lewis, we hit the road for Harris. The two are actually on landmass but considered two islands, and the roads here are among the best maintained in Scotland, so it was smooth driving through spectacular scenery in our luxury campervan hire. We were tempted to stop at the Isle of Harris Distillery, which we passed, but it was a bit early for a nip! We just stopped for lunch at a friendly community run café and are ready for our next bucket list adventure- Callanish Stone Circle and Dun Carloway

Vanderlust- A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 3

Vanderlust- A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 3

It’s been a bucket list-ticking kind of day on our Highlands and Islands Adventure in a campervan from Roseisle and we are only halfway through!

After landing in Uig, we rolled off the ferry in our Hymer Yosemite, and down the road to Luskentyre Beach. It was dark by the time we pulled in to a wild camping spot right before the beach itself, behind the sand dunes. Lucky for us, there were three campers maximum allowed here, and we were the third. There was an honesty box and a small charge for the space and toilets for those who need them. However, we were self contained, which was such a comfort on our campervan hire trip.

Campervan hire in a Hymercar Yosemite

The washroom was one of the highlights of this Hymer Yosemite campervan for me- after all, even when camping you are sure to appreciate the medicine cabinet, mirrors, nooks for toiletries, the handy pull-down basin, powerful sink/shower nozzle and easy to operate loo. When you close the door, the whole thing is totally separate from the living quarters and surprisingly roomy. A hot shower in the comfort of your campervan hire after a long day of hiking and sightseeing- heaven!

This morning we awoke, made steaming mugs of coffee in our campervan rental kitchen, headed over the gorgeous dunes and machair and came out on one of the most spectacular beaches we have ever seen- glorious Luskentyre, or Losgaintir in Gaelic. No people, no buildings, no vehicles in sight- just the soothing sound of the ocean and nothing but stunning views.

Lewis & Haris in a Campervan Hire

Eager to explore the archaeological wonders of Lewis, we hit the road for Harris. The two are actually on landmass but considered two islands, and the roads here are among the best maintained in Scotland, so it was smooth driving through spectacular scenery in our luxury campervan hire. We were tempted to stop at the Isle of Harris Distillery, which we passed, but it was a bit early for a nip! We just stopped for lunch at a friendly community run café and are ready for our next bucket list adventure- Callanish Stone Circle and Dun Carloway

Vanderlust- A Highlands and Islands Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 3