THE HEBRIDEAN WAY
Ride the length of the Outer Hebrides, the wild and empty islands on the very edge of Britain.
WHY IT’S SPECIAL
Your task: cycle 185 miles across 10 islands, traverse six causeways and sail on two ferries in the midst of some of the UK’s most spectacular and remote landscapes. The Hebridean Way runs from Vatersay in the far south to the Butt of Lewis, the UK’s most north-westerly point.
For cyclists it’s a joy, for the roads are lightly travelled by motor vehicles. The North Harris hills may take your breath away, and so will beaches such as Vatersay Bay in the south, Scarista on South Harris, Traigh Ear on North Uist and Dalbeg on Lewis. In between the route passes through the wilds of South Uist, the lochs that coalesce to form the island of Benbecula, and the haunting Neolithic stones of Callanish. Outstanding cafés await in the middle of nowhere, such as the Wobbly Dog (wobblydogoflewis.com) in
Ness on Lewis. For a treat, stay at Galson Farm (galsonfarm.co.uk), which has both comfy rooms and a hostel and a stunning location on the coast of Lewis.
YOU’LL NEVER FORGET...
Cycling along the west coast of Harris past 14 miles of unbroken, stunning beaches with a backdrop of the North Harris hills that is positively cinematic.
INSIDER TIP
Official pit stops along the route range from shops to cafés, hotels and B&Bs that provide shelter, hot drinks, free refills of water bottles and the chance to dry wet clothes.
HOW TO DO IT
Start with visitouterhebrides.co.uk for details on the route, ferry crossings and places to stay. Heb Shuttle (hebholidays. com/hebshuttle) will drive you to the ferry ports. Good cycle hire shops include Barra Bike Hire (barrabikehire. co.uk) in Castlebay on Barra (in the south) and Bespoke Bicycles (07876 570932) in Stornoway in the north.
Sail to the Outer Hebrides with Calmac (calmac.co.uk) from Ullapool, Skye, Oban or Mallaig. Fly to Stornoway with Loganair (loganair.co.uk) or take their service from Glasgow to Barra.
Mark Rowe
Travel within the UK and overseas is subject to restrictions. See Page 2.