Isle of Lewis and Harris-Driving/Planning Advice needed

lisa,

I've been researching a trip to that area also (perhaps next year), and one place I've found for accommodations is.....

http://www.scalpayharris.com/

A few thoughts about driving......

• Reserve WELL in advance to get an automatic transmission. Even with a reservation, it would be prudent to be prepared for the eventuality that the rental firm may not have any automatics when you arrive (it does happen).
• As you're aware, you'll be driving on the "correct" side of the road. In that area, the roads are likely to be very narrow and in some cases only wide enough for one vehicle.
• Be sure to monitor your fuel levels, as petrol facilities may be few and far between.
• I find that its a good idea to go over the controls in the car prior to leaving the rental lot. If there's anything confusing, best to ask the rental staff before the wheels even turn.
• Have a look at a few websites on "driving in the U.K." as they have a lot of good tips on the minute details. One thing that's different is that turns on red lights are not permitted (in this area, a right turn on a red light is allowed if safe to do so - in the U.K., left turn on red are not permitted, as I recall).

If I can think of anything else, I'll post another note.

I would do your second choice. It' s is at least an hour and a half--and likely more like two hours when you factor in stopping for views and getting used to the roads from Stornoway to Luskentyre. And from South Dell it is another 45 minutes at least. So, you need to think about it.

As for driving, the good thing is that you are on an island. Locals will likely know that your car is a rental car. :) There are some great tips for driving in Scotland, here. And here is another page on Single Track roads. Don't worry too much about the Single Track. Get a small car and just remember that you ALWAYS stay on your side of the road no matter which side the passing point is on. So, if the bulge is on the right, you stop on the left and let the oncoming traffic drive around you. You'll catch. Be sure to wave to everyone! :) And waving is just lifting your fingers off the wheel as a car goes by.

Pam

Have you checked the real price difference between renting the car for two days versus four or five?

Thanks, everyone! I will look into all your suggestions. I have been driving around using Google maps/Earth and also watched some videos about roundabouts and one lane streets with passing zones. It seems like it is not too difficult. I would avoid Stornaway only because it is busy there and I would get nervous. I have plenty of time to plan but I also know I have to make reservations early as possible. I am just waiting for Flybe to post their flight times/fares for next June/July/August before I make any definite plans as I would have to fly out of Glasgow into Stornoway.

Also...if anyone who has been here has any tips on the following, I welcome your posts or messages:

1-Good places to buy wine and takeaway food that are close to South Dell and Scarista
2-A place to buy a cheap camp chair to use to sit on the beach
3-Any "hidden gems" that are easily reached by car or bus

Many thanks!

I would recommend that you post this query on the TripAdvisor Forum for Lewis as well.

And while it won't likely be open when you are there, check this out!

Laura makes an excellent point -- sometimes the price differential is so much less between a 4-5-day rental and a rental by day for one or two days that it doesn't make sense to do just the one or two days. It's definitely something to check out before you make your decision.