Overview
This is a camping trip for anyone who'd like to spend a little extra time in the Hebrides. It's 3 nights (Friday 8th May - Monday 11th). It's more flexible than the usual trips, so you are free to travel at your own place and explore as you like.
Tickets are £7.50 which helps us cover costs for the tents. (Our aim long term is to make future camping trips free.)
Plan and Transport
This follows on from the Hebrides trip so assumes you'll be in Daliburgh on the 8th May. If you'd like to join us just for camping, please feel free to make your own way to Daliburgh - just give us a message so we know to expect you!
Friday 8th - Eriksay: There are various buses to Eriksay (W17) 11:54am or 13:50pm or if you like you could walk there 14km. We will likely take one of the buses (as committee we need to make sure the hall is clean before leaving which may delay us, feel free to travel over by yourself). We plan to camp on Eriksay.
Sat 9th - Barra: There are ferries from Eriksay slipway to Ardhmor (Barra) at 13:00, 16:35 and 18:30. We plan to camp on Barra for two nights, we'll likely move to the south end of the island for the second night as the ferry leaves quite early.
Mon 11th - Glasgow: 6:55am Calmac Ferry, Castlebay to Oban (arriving 11:40am). 12:11pm Train, Oban to Glasgow Queen Street (arriving 15:34). You can also book Ember/Citylink buses which will likely be cheaper.
Hikes and Camping
As it's quite a flexible trip (and the islands are very small) there are no 'official' hikes. The main plan is to explore the islands and enjoy a relaxed time on the beaches.
We will be bringing tents (we have 8 and 4 person tents) but if you have your own feel free to bring it if you prefer. (Please give us a quick message if you plan to do this, so we know how many people we need to cover.) Many people in the committee have their own stoves but if you have one it would be helpful to bring it also.
You need to bring your own sleeping bag/mat. You should also be able to comfortably carry your own things for hiking and travelling.
There is a small community shop on Eriksay and a Co-Op in Castlebay on Barra. However, as per Leave No Trace principles, we will be camped away from any towns and houses - so you will need to make sure you have food packed or have a plan for when you will buy it during the day.
If you're comfortable camping the rest will be common sense. Please make sure you have:
- Warm layers - evenings can still get quite chilly
- Large waterbottles - you'll be able to get water in town but should ensure you have enough for cooking in the evenings and walking the next day.
- Food - avoid anything that needs to be refrigerated. We also suggest 'packing down' i.e. removing unnecessary packaging to lower the weight, and to reduce the amount of rubbish you need to carry out.
- Hygeine items
- A dedicated bag for your rubbish
- Swimming kit if you plan to swim.
Other
Please message us if you have any questions.