Journey to the Outer Hebrides - and a big surprise! [CC]

Dougal and I head to the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, taking the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry Loch Seaforth from Ullapool to Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis. The Northerly swell created a bit of a bumpy ride!
Along the way we had quite a surprise.
To check out Karla's Blog, please see: adventurewheel...
Meanwhile, a huge 'Thank You' to Adria UK for the loan of the Adria Twin 640SLB. Check it out here: www.adria.co.uk/
Music on this video is as follows:
It Devours
Mama's Whisper
Parsifal Breathing
All are available to download for free from the KZbin Audio Library in the KZbin Creator Studio.
My equipment is as follows (Amazon Affiliate Links):
MAIN VLOGGING CAMERA: Canon G7X - amzn.to/2IjdWon
(most of this vlog was shot on this camera)
DEAD MOUSE FOR CANON G7X: Micromuff skinny wind muffler (currently unavailable on Amazon)
SMART PHONE: iPhone 7+ - amzn.to/2DQ12c1
WINDSCREEN SUCTION MOUNT: amzn.to/2GPJH6F
MAIN CAMERA: Sony A7Sii - Now discontinued so check out amzn.to/2DNljil
ACTION CAMERA: Sony FDR-X3000 with waterproof housing - amzn.to/2DMtriY
DRONE: DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2V2x0Zq
VOICEOVER MICROPHONE: Rode NT-USB - amzn.to/2FZacV8
TABLE TOP TRIPOD: Neewer - amzn.to/2V3iS1U
LAVALIER (LAPEL) MICROPHONE: Boya BY-M1 - amzn.to/2GqT3pi
LED LIGHT: Neewer dimmable on-camera LED light - amzn.to/2GvJupg
AUDIO RECORDER: Zoom H4n - amzn.to/2S8izBk
WIND MUFFLER FOR SOUND RECORDER: amzn.to/2DPV62J
CARBON FIBRE VIDEO TRIPOD: Calumet legs (discontinued) with Manfrotto head. Try this new equivalent - amzn.to/2Saq6PY
SELFIE STICK: Similar version - amzn.to/2IkSUWh
GIMBAL (STABILISER): Feiyutech a2000 - amzn.to/2TSWSH4
(nb - this is a link to the one-handled version as I have. I would recommend you learn from my mistake and go for the two-handled version as the rig gets very heavy very quickly. The two-handled version is only £20 more - amzn.to/2S5aOMh )
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[@Lynnefromlyn]

Re-watching this three years later. Oh the delight on your face as you arrived on Stornaway…was a joy to behold!🥰

[@janetbowen7854]

Just found this vlog. Magic, thank you Andrew. Haven't been to Scotland for ages, looking forward to adventures in our Campervan soon.

[@southerntexashomestead5028]

Thought I saw a smile on Dougal's face. ♡ Good for you and your new home. Wise choice. Wishing I were there.

[@andrewjditton]

😊 thank you

[@stephanieruggles7783]

Dougals face is so funny. I always love your Hebrides videos. In 2018 I took the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway myself. On that ferry a Scotsman told me to come back to the isle of Uist. That was when I felt the magic pull of the Hebrides and fell for it. Unfortunately I was with a group there back then. Imcfied the complete flight back to Frankfurt since it felt so wrong to fly back. I finally found home. So I need to come back alone. The group leader stuffed into 9 days in September 2018: Rosslyn - Isle of Iona - Standing Stones of Callanish - Edinburgh. That is way to less time since you need a lot of driving to do. And my family stems from the Isle of Lewis. Lewis is the gaelic word for wind. When we took a walk we needed to be careful otherwise we would have been blown off the coast into the rough sea. But I know how to keep my head and body warm. I am a sailors daughter. And I never saw Dougal being so excited like he was with Steven.

[@prou5]

That was a nice motor home passing me on A14 Cambridge, then noticed the Airstream attached to the back of it & thought it could only be one man & his dog with that set up, nice to see you Andrew. Very nice man in the yellow van, thumbs up 👍

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers! I thought we’d get papped. And yes, I’m old enough to remember ‘a very nice man. A very very nice man. A very very VERY nice man!’ 🤣🤣🤣 All the best 👍

[@edl6398]

He may not smile but he’s clearly a happy dog with a very enviable life!

[@JohnSmith-ji6lu]

Its a beautiful part of the UK. I spent many of my summer holidays as a child on North Uist with my grandparents who lived there. I am 57 now and I have not been back for 20 years but really must revisit it soon.

[@andrewjditton]

You must! Such a wonderful part of the world.

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

Dougal is a stoic observer of the human condition :-)

[@griffinjohn3232]

not sure if you guys cares but if you are bored like me during the covid times then you can watch all of the new movies on InstaFlixxer. Been watching with my girlfriend recently xD

[@lucianodominic6186]

@Griffin John yea, I have been using instaflixxer for years myself :D

[@Brooksontour]

What a lovely surprise to see Stephen and Karla. Your joy at being back in the Hebrides is shown in your smile, enjoy your trip, looking forward to watching the series.

[@aliciaking2464]

I’ve been to Ullapool about 20 yrs ago🤗,so good to c abit of it today,..thank for yr great videos

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephenwills1986]

Couldn’t resist using a bit of data and giving this a watch. Fabulous as always, especially the big surprise 😜! It was lovely to be part of the journey out there with you and see the bits I was ermm.... absent for 😆! Thank you kindly for linking the blog 👍👍👍. S+K 😁

[@jimjdrive]

Superb, i was up on the Isle earlier this year and the ferry crossing was so calm from Ullapool i had to pinch myself at how rare this was. I have a lot of family on Lewis and they absolutely love living in such a fantastic place, have a great time .

[@frankwbeveridge]

Not only can Dougal smile sometimes, who knew he can sing for his friends too. Sooo talented. 👍🖖🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👏👏

[@joann5157]

I love, love, LOVE all the ferry rides! Dougal is always such a good passenger--trains, ferries, motorbikes, caravans. And HE gave YOU a kiss at the end of this video!! Yeah!!!!

[@jonathanbanner8421]

I'm sure Dougal was smiling inwardly to be back in the Hebrides!👍😀

[@behappyynot]

That s what my wife reckons ;-)

[@AlanDCowie-gn1gh]

Hi Andrew and Dougal , I hope you are really happy in your new home living your dream , all the very best for the future Alan Aberdeen

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Alan!

[@cinnamon--girl]

When Dougal is chasing a ball he always smiles! 🐶Looking forward to what is up ahead Andrew!

[@scottwilson5426]

There's always a sense of magic when the ferry engine tone changes, revs up and pulls away from the dockside. . Fab countryside viewing! ! Can't wait what's coming. .

[@spitzspitz5463]

I just don’t know how anybody can give this a thumbs down... says a lot about those individuals! Great to watch .

[@henrylinsdell9598]

Great to see you and dougal back in the beautiful hebrides, and very much looking forward to seeing your vlogs. Me and wendy love watching your vlogs never thought the day would come when we would rather watch someone waffle on you tube compared with TV, but your vlogs are so good and though we don't have a motorhome or caravan we hire cottages in Scotland, and love your footage and patter. More please, love to dougal

[@andrewjditton]

Oh yes, more waffle than an American Breakfast! Glad you like the vlogs, and cottages are always a good call in the wilder weather.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Delightful. Thank you.

[@andrewjditton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thanks Andrew. Looks like we have similar weather. I didn't even bother to put my winter clothes away. Except for the snow boots. Thank God. Dougal gave you the most wicked side eye during the intro. LOL. As if thinking, throw the ball and I smile. Boring waiting gets no smile. I'm not a golden retriever. 🤣💙

[@wolfstock6030]

Ganz ganz große KLASSE !!!and the little Terrier namend Jane ? looked sooooo nice and handsome. Greatings from Cologne/ Germany.

[@carino1201]

Great video and really helpful! We are just about to do that journey for the first time. I am beyond excited to go! X

[@andrewjditton]

Have a brilliant time, Helen! :)

[@andrewjditton]

Serendipidous... serendipity... serendipities....

[@simonwatkins4237]

Andrew Ditton now write it out, a hundred times.

[@lesleybarlow7592]

You look quite emotional to be back home Andrew. Hope you're having a fabulous time :-)

[@claudi3020]

I'm german and I've been to this part of Scotland many many times. The last Time was this year in june. I really Love this area ( ullapool, assynt etc ) so much, it is nearly my second Home now. I have also been on the hebrides a long time ago. In October I will be there again. Looking forward to this so much! Btw really nice Video!

[@andrewjditton]

Excellent! I hope you find the next few videos useful.

[@claudi3020]

@@andrewjditton surely 👍😊

[@julianeaston8607]

A two and a half hour crossing and you can take Dougal all over the ship, what a contrast to the English Channel crossings, ninety minute crossing and dogs have to stay in the vehicle!! Come on P&O buck yourselves up and follow this example. Andrew another well put together video, but don't forget Dougal smiles sometimes.

[@andrewjditton]

Indeed, I agree 100%. I still cannot fathom why the other short sea operators can't manage it. This is why we stick to the Outer Hebrides with CalMac and don't visit the Shetland Isles, as with Northlink he will need to stay in a kennel :(

[@jimdevlin2138]

Hi Andrew , best bit of this episode was your smile when you realise you are back on the Hebrides, and come on Dougal Please Smile for us (:).

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Hello Andrew. Had to watch this again. I've just put photo's of Loch Seaforth on my blog. It's a lovely boat. ilona

[@jimdevlin2138]

11.06 I have seldom seen a man and dog so happy

[@stevegreenwood7837]

Hey great video Dougal ...l mean Andrew ;-) cant wait for the next

[@keithhicks1750]

Hi Andrew As a result of your excellent series How to Hebrides, we are off to the islands on Tuesday in our Motorhome Thought you’d like to know that your videos are being effective in promoting the wonderful islands. One tiny snag, we live in Devon. Thanks again Cheers Keith

[@JeffCM1]

I've never seen Dougal so excited. Does Stephen have bacon bits in his pocket or is it more Hebridean magic?

[@LunaBusAdv]

Your smile driving off the ferry says it all 😍😍😍

[@maryodonnell5760]

Dougal is literally falling asleep as you introduce this, the mention of breakfast may explain things... this is very like Ireland except bigger and possibly a lot more blowy cold wind...I prefer it to the cypress trees

[@theindigotraveller]

I always feels excited watching your videos. You go to the places I haven't been to yet. I have just finished a 9 month contract in Lochgoilhead. Now I am in Tyndrum. so if you are passing )). I will be here until September, maybe October. I have bought a bigger tourer, and now I am about to redecorate it and get it ready for a winter tour.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Kelly! Yes, I kind of guessed where you are and got it right :) I have a huge rush on when heading back from Oban (I have one day to get to Hull) so prob won't see you unless it's just for a coffee at the Real Food Cafe? Congrats again on the new job and luxury apartment :)

[@theindigotraveller]

@@andrewjditton well i am literally 5 minutes form there, so if you like that would be great.

[@paula-mariez.5367]

Hello Andrew, we have been to Scotland in september, including Harris and Lewis and I would like to say a biiiiiiig thank you for your videos, especially the "how to hebrides" series. They helped us so much and everything was exactly as you described it! The outer hebrides hve been on my bucketlist since I read the books from Lillian Beckwith (do you know her stories?) decades ago and I´m sure we will come again, even if it is a really long journey from Germany with a car and an 45 year old caravan. By the way: We saw a silver pickup truck towing an old Sprite caravan like yours on saturday, 21september on the motorway anywhere between Folkestone and Dover. Could it have been you? Best wishes to you and Dougal from Germany

[@gerryforristal]

Big ferry. Big sea. Big Dougal shaped smiles. Just lovely Andrew. looking forward to the new series!

[@joann3493]

Wahoo! Can’t wait to watch this series, thanks to you and your advice I’ve just come back from a nine week trip there and I’m still smiling now!! Hebridean Magic indeed!

[@raymondporter2094]

Just a reminder - next time you pass through, give the teas/coffees/cakes/food a try at Cafe Margot in Ullapool. Go up those steps at the back of the Ullapool ferry port car park and it is virtually straight opposite at the top on West Argyll Street, in the shop that USED to be the Post Office. Seriously good coffees and SERIOUSLY naughty cakes. And gelatos..... Bang goes the low carb diet for that day!

[@andrewjditton]

You confuse me for someone who was organised enough to get there in enough time to try it out Raymond! ;)

[@pacaluvr7963]

Always a joy to see you and Dougal in the Hebrides. 👍

[@rojomostrat]

Great video Andrew. Ah the lovely Loch Seaforth ferry. Loved my recent crossings with the coach on this ship.The magic always gets me too. All my best to you...John

[@lindahealey6992]

Thank you for the music and heartfelt words. Happiness shows-

[@jsk9756]

Hi Andrew I’ve just subscribed to your channel I found you through watching train journeys with my husband on KZbin he had an accident in work 4 yrs ago which has left him needing to use a wheelchair ,we have 2 dogs and they come everywhere with us , we are now considering buying a motor home as I think it will be good for his mental health and mine lol, we are binge watching your videos at the moment. They are so full of interesting places things to do. Thank you so much ☺️🙏 for sharing with us ❤️

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks June - and maybe see you at the NEC in October? Don't forget to check out Karla's blog in the description below the video. All the best.

[@valerieann8007]

@Andrew Ditton. Andrew, at the next big caravan/motorhome show you visit, could you please do a comparison of light colored, top of the line Airstream and Cathargo? Thanks! ☺ ❤

[@davidmbell]

Almost tears of joy at the end Andrew ☺️

[@marilyndenler1370]

Andrew, you looked so happy! I’m sure Dougal was smiling on the inside :) .

[@rogerstarkey5390]

Dougal seemed really happy! Lots of waggage!

[@andrewjditton]

Lots of waggage indeed!

[@dreadedscotslass]

I've done that crossing and totally fell in love with Lewis, To the point of we are now contemplating moving there

[@andrewjditton]

Yep... you're not the only one Sharon!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

That water is very powerful. Im from Minnesota too.

[@AmmaLittleOwl]

Me too! I'm on the shore of Lake Superior, and the water looks just about the same. Probably about the same temperature too. Brrr...

[@hikenadventure]

I watched this because of Dougal. And glad I did.

[@patriciabracken7546]

Dougal is adorable. Enjoy your trip. Beautiful scenery. Outer Hebrides looks magical. Have a great trip. 💖💕💟💞 Love from Ireland.

[@nealeburgess6756]

You only called it Hebredian magic because you can't say serendipity! The sea looked a bit lumpy. I was just thinking. Dougal takes all the different forms of transport in his stride. Cars, vans, trains, boats, even motor bikes! Nothing fazes him. Great dog!

[@willsgetoff1157]

Stunning scenery on the way to the ferry, looked a bit brisk on the voyage over. Looking forward to the new series.

[@grannylyn757]

I've missed both your happy faces! I'm staying tuned to catch the new series,,,,sounds fun!

[@sallyfenney429]

You were beaming! We will be heading that way later in the year.....cant wait! Hugs for Dougal!

[@dawngreen4074]

Yay.can't wait for the forthcoming vlogs....have a fantastic trip.you pair.

[@travelswithstan7091]

Happy days the Scot vlogs are back ! That beaming smile says it all 😁 love it 👍

[@colinrimmer789]

Great Andrew you look so happy, grinning like a Cheshire Cat, enjoy and I’m looking forward to your reports, best wishes.

[@Mads_1313]

I love Ullapool, I get a very calm feeling that I could just BE there - just sit and watch the world go by. 😊 I was enjoying the big waves, then it occurred to me that I wouldn’t so much if I was there! 😁 Have a great time, enjoy your happy place xx

[@hayard61]

Thanks Mr D. Dougle's eyes were smiling though. 🐶👍😁

[@zeldaray5562]

Aww darling Dougal with his smiley Dad. 😁

[@paulonthemove5543]

You look like you are where life meant you to be. Stay safe

[@tonyrigger]

Excellent as always Andrew.

[@johndunne5582]

The views to die for why o why do i love Scotland canna wait for the next episode Andrew take care .

[@annegretewardrope5668]

Thank you Love you’re dog he is beautiful 💕

[@paulmorris3613]

I look forward to seeing your production, as always. Have a wonderful time.

[@Mal_Outdoors]

Thank you for another lift of the spirits! 😊 (Great music over the ferry crossing)!

[@bigalb1913]

One day he will smile Andrew! That will surprise a lot of people of course. Excellent filming on the ferry - you've captured that feeling of expectation that , I must admit, I always get when on a ferry.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers Big Al!

[@naomitinker3759]

As always it looks amazing! Hope you are both having a wonderful time.

[@tonymarsh6748]

Great video, nice to see Steve and Carla too, look forward to the next 1 👍🏻👍🏻

[@trishatkinson544]

Thank you so much for making my morning!!

[@HereWeTow]

It’s great to see you heading off where you and Dougal love. Nice to see Stephen and Karla are enjoying it up there too, shame about that rough crossing. Looking forward to the next one 👍

[@maureenclayton8554]

That was lovely Andrew. I'm a Kiwi, from New Zealand. Douglas is gorgeous, a handsome boy. I look forward to watching more videos, Thank you Maureen

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks Maureen! Funnily enough that crossing reminded of a crossing from North to South island which was even more rough than that!

[@campervanhygge]

Enjoyed your video and wish we were there with you. You can't beat that part of the world it draws you in and holds your heart.

[@andrewjditton]

Absolutely!

[@nfoss5656]

I thought I saw Dougal smile when Steven showed up.

[@karenrobinson3283]

I loved every minute of this...😀

[@stuartrogers621]

Love you’re Blogs! I have been to Lewis once stayed at a small settlement called islivig, would love to go again one day! Thanks for letting me ride along with you and Dougal in spirit!!!

[@CaravanChitChat]

Lovely video Andrew and what a coincidence you bumped into the lovely Steve and Karla! Can’t wait to see your series on the Hebrides, I have a feeling it will be bringing back such unbelievable and happy memories from our trip to Harris in the Bailey back in April, looking back it doesn’t actually seem like it happened! Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@stevenmackenzie9105]

Hey Andrew, must have just missed you on your travels as am just back from Stornoway myself. Had a bumpy ride crossing the Mintch myself, but absolutely beautiful weather and manage to get sunburnt. Spent time up seeing family and friends, plus taking loads of photos. Really happy you made this video. Missed out in meeting Dougal and yourself....maybe next time. Keep up the great vids as always and Tabhair aire mate.

[@andrewjditton]

Cheers! Maybe next time?!

[@LornaCallaghan]

Great video, can't wait to be there next month. Looking forward to the rest of the series. x

[@weebolddavy]

Enjoy your trip Andrew. We're just back from our first ever trip to the Outer Hebrides (just Harris and Lewis) absolutely loved it, can't wait to go back again for a much longer trip and visit the rest of the islands.

[@rowingfrance]

So much more interesting this time as I came across to Lochmaddy myself yesterday ... and lost my car keys today. 😕 The owners at the Balranald campsite, John and Anne Maclellan, in North Uist have been so helpful. Really looking forward to your new vlog series. Keep smiling and enjoy your stay. 🙂

[@andrewjditton]

Good luck finding your keys David! Might bump into you later this week.

[@windsurfer49]

"You look to be one "happy camper"", the orange paint work really glows, on a overcast day a nice vid.

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Excellent vlog, enjoy your time there, as I know you will. Big thumbs up.

[@lindagriffiths5739]

So looking forward to your journeys. Safe travels.

[@garryclayton2001]

Totally loving How to Hebrides! This has got to be the most enjoyable vlog for me. Not that you make bad vlogs, but I am captivated by all aspects of the video.

[@craigscott7798]

As soon as you reached Ullapool Dougal definitely had a spring in his step! 4 weeks and counting and we will be following in your footsteps trying out the same van model, so looking forward to your review and forthcoming Vlogs. (Doggys on tour)

[@andrewjditton]

Nice one! That sky roof makes for amazing views while stood at the kitchen (check out my Twitter feed for pics).

[@craigscott7798]

Andrew Ditton Wow! Just looked at your pics. That's certainly a van with a view. Can only wish for sunsets like that when we get there.

[@TheVera9966]

Hi Andrew, what a awesome landscape!!! I wish I could do the same. Take the most of your time and enjoy with the lovely Dougal. I became a fan of Caledonian, you know why? Because I have 3 lovely pets.

[@garyoliver5808]

Missed you by a month. I have wanted to do the Hebrides for so long and your vlogs are so brilliant. I went for a month.

[@andrewjditton]

Nice one!

[@williamdonnelly2705]

Hi Andrew, Nice to see you have arrived in your spiritual home. Looking forward to the series. I was in Harris around Easter again. Loved it. Cheers

[@lindsaybenison683]

Enjoy your holiday in your natural home.. need to go back again soon.. not sure when though, as we are planning Orkney next year for our 40th Wedding Anniversary.. Hugs to smiley Dougal x

[@SMITHYSKONTIKI]

Another great video Andrew😀and the views are spectacular.

[@CaravanVlogger]

Great vlog. How funny meeting Stephen and Karla. I met them at the NEC what a lovely couple ! Graham

[@davidbutler4363]

Brilliant guys thanks 😁👍👏👏👏

[@tammievawter9477]

Oh so glad to see you back there! I wasn't sure if the huge grin on your face at the end was due to comedy from Dougall, tho' I hear you explain that as I type...I was there in '06 and went the same way via hired car w family...just north of the turn off to Ullapool is the history site, Ardvrek Castle that was owned in the day by a Chief line of the MacLeods of Lewis...worth a drive by visit if you have the chance sometime...my smile is as big as this is so memory laden for me...cheers!

[@bobarty]

Thanks for sharing Andrew love a Ferry journey not long back from a Craignure to Oban after a damp but excellent week on Mull.

[@sandrabebbington4422]

Super, how lovely.

[@paula.jackson5463]

My Nostrils are flared and I can Smell Bucket List!!!!!!

[@andrewjditton]

Better than nostrils flared and doing a Kenneth Williams impersonation... not that I would ever do that! ;@)

[@ournomadslife]

The adventure begins 👍🏻have a great time