LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Distance: 64 miles/103km Grade: Hard. Lots of stiff climbs but it’s what’s going on overhead that’ll be your true foe. Download: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/15644817 (log in to Garmin Connect to download)

GETTING THERE

The only UK airport where you can fly direct to the Faroe Islands is Edinburgh, via the country’s national carrier Atlantic Airways. The flight takes just over an hour, with a couple of outgoing flights a week. You can also fly from Copenhagen, if that makes your travel easier.

WHERE TO STAY

Tórshavn, the capital, has the biggest choice of hotels. We stayed at the grassroofed Hostel Kerjalon (the grass roofs across the country are designed for insulation). A single bed in a four-bed dorm costs 250 Danish krone (£30) a night. The hostel is part of a larger four-star hotel, Foroyar, with prices typically costing DKK 1500 (£178) for single occupancy. hotelforoyar.fo

WHERE TO EAT

It’s no surprise that fish is the primary food source for the Faroe Islands (it’s the most important source of income and accounts for 97 per cent of exports). Barbara Fish House in Tórshavn is a classic of the genre. In the capital there’s also Etika (sushi) and Hvonn (pizza), as well as Koks, the Faroe Islands’ first Michelinstarred restaurant ( koks.fo). If you’re looking to dine outside Tórshavn, another option is Gasadalsgardur.

BIKE SHOPS

As far as servicing your race bike, the only performance-orientated shop is a Giant dealer in Tórshavn. ( www.facebook.com/ dahlolsen sukklur)

TOURIST INFO

Your best source of all things Faroe Islands is visitfaroeislands.com. The tourism season runs from May through September, though in July and August you’ll generally find the best climate.