The Hebridean Trail

Day 1 – Inverness to The Island of North Uist

We meet at 8.30am in Inverness and travel to Uist by ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye. Arriving into Lochmaddy, we transfer a short distance to our hotel on the west coast of the island. After checking in, there is some time to get the bikes set up for the week ahead and to go for a short ride. (L, D)

Day 2 – Riding South Uist to North Uist

We start the day with a transfer to the neighbouring island South Uist. The start of the trail follows the west coast of the island through delightful coastal flower meadows, called machair. A trail runs for approximately 30km right the way up the west coast of the island which is defined by its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise seas.

From the north of the island, we head inland and follow the road across to the tiny island of Benbecula and then cross back to the island of North Uist. We finish the day riding to our hotel. (B, L, D)

Ride distance: 71km

Day 3 – North Uist to the Isle of Harris

This morning we take a short transfer to the island of Berneray where we take the ferry across the Sound of Harris. On arrival on the Isle of Harris, you will see an immediate change in the landscape with mountains dominating the west coast. Harris is arguably the jewel in the crown of the Outer Hebrides with its stunning beaches and rugged mountains.

From the ferry, we follow the west coast road with incredible views before heading off-road again. Taking a series of ancient ‘coffin roads’, we spend the afternoon riding some fine single-track through a landscape of thousands of lochans. One final road descent takes us the charming village of Tarbert where will we stay for the next two nights. (B, L, D)

Ride distance: 62km

Day 4 – Reinigeadal & Isle of Scalpay

Today we can enjoy one of Scotland’s rarely ridden classic off-road routes, or take it easy exploring the Isle of Scalpay and the area around Tarbert. For confident riders, the Reinigeadal Loop is superb, offering amazing mountain biking through wild and mountainous landscapes; and visiting one of the island’s most remote coastal villages before taking a tour at the Harris Distillery. It is well worth extending the day by visiting the Isle of Scalpay with its strong fishing community and a historic lighthouse built by Stevenson back in the 18th Century. Overnight hotel in Tarbert. (B, L, D)

Ride distance: 35km

Day 5 – Tarbert to Callinish, Isle of Lewis

An unforgettable day of island adventure as we combine mountain bikes with a couple of short boat rides by RIB to open up the otherwise inaccessible west coast of Harris and the Isle of Lewis. In the middle of nowhere, we rendezvous with a RIB which transfers us across a sea loch to the west coast of Lewis*. Once on Lewis, we follow a trail through a dramatic glen, flanked by spectacular peaks on either side, before descending back to the coast and rejoining the RIB for a final ride to the Standing Stones of Callanish. This mysterious stone circle is over 5000 years old and a remarkable place to visit, especially in the evening when it is usually deserted. Our guest house accommodation is nearby. (B, L, D)

*Please be aware the RIB journey is subject to weather conditions.

Ride distance: 53km

Day 6 – Callanish to the Butt of Lewis

Our final day follows the west coast of Lewis and is full of historical and cultural interest. Heading north, we soon pass the ancient Dun Carloway Broch and then the Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan which offers an insight into what island living was like not so many years ago. For the next 20km, we switch between coastal trail and road as we edge nearer to the end of our island journey. An impossible to miss feature on our final push is the Whalebone Arch, recovered from a huge whale washed up on a beach nearby. A turning of the road to the west signals the last few km. Perched on the Atlantic at the very edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular and fitting place to end our Hebridean Trail. After celebratory drinks, we head back to our accommodation at Callanish for our final night on the islands. (B, L, D)

Ride Distance: 64km

Day 7 – Return to Inverness

Following breakfast we will head into Stornoway – the largest town in the Outer Hebrides – for a free morning to explore, shop and relax. There is plenty of interest here including Scotland’s newest distillery, a Gaelic cultural and arts venue and nice cafes and bars. After lunch we will board the ferry back to Ullapool on the mainland. From Ullapool it is approximately 1.5 hour’s drive to Inverness. (B)