A Hebridean Escape
Welcome to the first in a series of ‘Traveller Tales’, getting the story behind the adventures of RP Owners.
Kicking us off we have Rebel owners, Sarah and Rob and their Hebridean Escape.
Where did you go on your trip?
We set off from our home in the Surrey Hills, stopping first in Kendal before heading north to Glencoe and then across to the Isle of Skye. From there we took the ferry to the Outer Hebrides, visiting Lewis and Harris before travelling down through North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and finally Eriskay.
How long were you away for?
We were away for 26 days, our longest trip by far.
What was the inspiration behind going where you did?
Rob has always wanted to visit the Outer Hebrides. He’s a big fan of Scotland’s west coast, and we’ve had a few holidays there in the past (pre-van life). Once I started planning the route, things just started to evolve naturally. We haven’t had a two-week holiday in over 15 years, but this year I was able to take extra leave from work (Rob’s retired), so it all came together perfectly.We’d done a couple of shorter trips in the van since buying it in February, which gave us a few lessons, and the confidence, to go for a longer journey. So we thought, why not?
Were there any challenges along the way?
Unfortunately, because we can’t store the van at home, it lives in secure storage. But the TV had been left on standby and by the time we collected it for this trip the leisure battery had depleted. The smart management system protected the battery, but even after driving a fair distance it didn’t fully recover. Thankfully Steve and the RP support team were fantastic and helped us get everything back online. It was a reminder of the little things we still needed to learn and prepare for, and a blessing in disguise that it happened before the big trip.
If someone asked why they should follow in your footsteps, what would you tell them?
That the Scottish Islands are beautiful. If you love breathtaking scenery and beaches at every corner, then it’s definitely worth the trip.
I’m a planner. I researched everything within an inch of its life, from dog walking spots to fuel stops and food options, so we travelled with a mix of off-grid stops, a few open campsites, and even a couple of cottages - I know that’s cheating - but I figured if the weather turned and we had a soggy dog and damp clothes, a little extra space to dry off wouldn’t hurt.
Three favourite locations along the way?
It’s hard to choose and I must admit our view is slightly ‘rose tinted’, as we had spectacular weather - we had just two and a half days of rain out of twenty-six. But a few places really stood out:
Glencoe (Invercoe Touring Site) – great facilities and amazing dog walks right from the site.
Kinloch, Skye – a remote waterside pitch with stunning views.
Huisinis, South Lewis – a perfect off-grid spot right near the beach, with optional facilities if needed.
Other favourites include:
Pairc Niseaboist – unforgettable sea views.
Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve – a quiet cove beach with loads of birdlife and an amazing snack cabin selling scallop and black pudding baps.
Morvich – a lovely spot for the Glen walk.
Hawes – great dog walks onsite and an easy stroll to town with an excellent chippy.
Any hidden gems you didn’t expect to find?
There were so many approved off-road camper spots and well-marked facilities along the way, more than we expected. The landscapes in Lewis and Harris were vast and dramatic, and the local tourist board guides were incredibly informative. We also loved stumbling across roadside honesty boxes full of homemade produce and little cabins selling delicious food. Such a lovely surprise.
If you could go back to one place, where would it be and why?
Glencoe, hands down. The Invercoe site had everything; friendly staff, incredible scenery, great walks and just a short drive from the amazing Lochleven Seafood Café, which also has a takeaway shop. Heaven.
What advice would you give to someone planning a similar trip?
Book your ferries early, before you plan anything else. The CalMac website is frustrating to use, and the current schedule isn’t as frequent as in previous years due to ferry maintenance.
Also, don’t expect the same food variety you might get on the mainland, especially if you're used to shopping on-demand. Local community stores are brilliant, and the people are lovely and helpful, but it’s more of a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ approach with what’s available.
If you're travelling with a dog it’s worth knowing that the islands don’t have as many dog-friendly places as we’re used to down south. Outdoor terraces are your best bet, weather permitting. And finally, the ‘pub culture’ we’re familiar with doesn’t really exist out there, but the scenery more than makes up for it.
What did you learn from your journey that you’ll carry into future travels?
Maybe to leave a little more room for spontaneity. I planned this trip with military precision, but we met plenty of people who had no fixed itinerary, just the freedom to go wherever the road took them. That sounds incredibly liberating.
I also worked from the van in the week before and after Easter, to give us two full weeks in the middle for exploring. The Starlink Mini was brilliant, but I did learn the importance of arriving early enough to set it up properly. Aligning it for a good connection is essential if you’re relying on it for work, a few panicked moments taught me that the hard way.
We’ve got a couple of shorter trips coming up, but we’re planning another two-week adventure to North Wales and the Llyn Peninsula in August, and hopefully a European road trip next year. The van has been fantastic. The build quality is superb, and we were regularly stopped by people asking questions or taking photos.
We’re already counting down the days to our next adventure!