We have about 2 and a half days at our disposal between our days on Skye and a handful in Speyside. Very interested in the Callanaish Stones on Lewis, but also the megalithic sites on Orkney. Interested in traditional music as well. We can only do one. If you've been to both, which would you recommend ?
Posted by
Lake District, England
5767 posts
With that time span then the choice to me is obvious. Hop over from Skye to Harris on the ferry. Drive up to Lewis, then ferry back over to Ullapool.
Three hours Ullapool to Speyside.
Orkney is just too far out of your way from Skye, then much further back to Speyside from any Scrabster or Gills Bay.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
6323 posts
I would agree - Lewis is wonderful and can easily be seen in 2+ days, whereas the time to get to Orkney and back will make it hard to see everything there in the time you have.
I would check the Old School Shawbost Facebook page for upcoming traditional music events. The Criterion Bar in Stornoway also has live traditional music - check their Facebook page for more information.
You can also check the website of Elsa Jean McTaggart and Gary Lister to see if they are performing someplace when you are there. http://music-info.elsa-jean-mctaggart.com/Home/calendar-2/
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2713 posts
I loved both, but I have to say Skara Brae put Orkney over the top for me. That said, I agree with the other posters that Lewis fits into your itinerary much better than Orkney. Save Orkney for another trip.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1836 posts
Another vote for Lewis, especially if you are already on Skye. You don't have the luxury of time needed to get to Orkney for a worthwhile stay. Save it and come back again when you can spend more time on Orkney!... isn31c's suggested itinerary is spot on!
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1121 posts
Yet another vote for Lewis. Easy ferry trip from Uig on Skye and you could come back via Stornaway into Ullapool and hop across to Speyside via Inverness.
Posted by
OP
50 posts
Thanks, all! Maybe we will do an Orkney and Shetland trip someday.
Posted by
Atlanta
2469 posts
Seymour Travels, (Mark Seymour is a former Rick Steves guide) does a tour to the Orkneys and Shetland Islands that looks so interesting and tempting. Check out his website, Seymourtravels.co.uk. Possibly for a future trip to Scotland.
Posted by
Northern Colorado
74 posts
I just returned from Shetland, Orkney, Lewis and Harris and more. Orkney definitely takes and needs more time and is fantastic. Callanish standing stones on Lewis were wonderful but I didn’t really like Lewis overall as it is a lot of peat bogs and desolate scenery though the beaches on Harris and overall scenery there is magical so head that way after the standing stones if you can. You are in for a treat any way you go, so enjoy!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1836 posts
Maybe we will do an Orkney and Shetland trip someday.
Yes do - they are completely different to Harris and Lewis. Allow plenty of time for a visit as there is so much to see. On Shetland, do try and visit some of the other islands as they each have their own unique character.