Outer Hebrides and north
Jan 26th, 2016, 07:33 PM
#21
There are many narrow roads in England and Scotland -- but 'in general' I find the driving MUCH easier in the UK. It is a joy for me actually -- but you won't want to drive IN most (any) major cities.
Many of the single track roads in Scotland are more 'open' that the ones in Ireland. The roads are skinny sure - but you can usually see quite a distance up ahead.
There are some roads that are really narrow - single tracks and 2 lane-ers - in places like the Dales/Moors, Cornwall, etc. But the VAST majority of roads you will encounter are two lane and most of those are comfortable.
You do need to be alert driving through small towns/villages because there are usually lots of cars parked on both sides of the road, leaving less than 2 lanes free.
Many of the single track roads in Scotland are more 'open' that the ones in Ireland. The roads are skinny sure - but you can usually see quite a distance up ahead.
There are some roads that are really narrow - single tracks and 2 lane-ers - in places like the Dales/Moors, Cornwall, etc. But the VAST majority of roads you will encounter are two lane and most of those are comfortable.
You do need to be alert driving through small towns/villages because there are usually lots of cars parked on both sides of the road, leaving less than 2 lanes free.
Jan 27th, 2016, 05:50 PM
#22
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Enjoyed the Lake District, Scotland, and Ireland all more than the 3 days we spent in the Cotswolds some years ago. Driving in Ireland (2001) was pretty easy but that may have been because we were there during hoof and mouth disease and actually only saw 2 tour buses.
Jan 28th, 2016, 01:03 AM
#23
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Roads may be narrow in the Outer Hebrides, but there is little traffic on them. They don't have the stone walls of Ireland. Just keep your eyes open and watch for oncoming traffic. Some roads are so narrow there isn't room to pass. These have designated 'passing places'marked with a sign where the road widens. These look like lay bys, but please don't park in them. If you see a car approaching you, look for a passing place and pull in to let it pass. It is bad manners to ignore a passing place and then meet bonnet to bonnet. Someone has to back, and some people are not very good at this.....
Mar 16th, 2016, 12:14 PM
#25
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Deladeb, I was the OP here. Our three week trip of the Western Isles starts in Oban, and then the first of 10 ferry crossings to Barra, driving to Lewis, then back across to Ullapool and north up the coast to Durness, Thurso and Orkney, then back to Oban and ferry to Islay and eventually back to Glasgow. Perhaps you are more adventurous, but I have bookings everywhere, since summer particularly on Islay and Lewis book up fast. There was nothing in Stornoway for mid-June by January, and the B&Bs wouldn't take a Saturday night only. Many only have 1 or 2 rooms. I also just booked all the ferry travel, which is essential if you are taking a vehicle across. I had to change plans a bit when CalMac changed its routes from 2015 to this year. You can also take advantage of some of the "Hopscotch" pricing.
