Outer Hebrides

Day 1 – Inverness to South Uist

We meet in Inverness in the morning and drive west through the Highlands. Our adventure really begins as we cross first to the Isle of Skye from where we board the ferry from Uig. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for whales and marine wildlife on the crossing, before winding our way through a scattering of skerries to alight at Lochmaddy, our first landfall on the wonderful Outer Hebrides. From here we transfer south across the islands of North and South Uist to our accommodation on the southern shore of the island where we enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2 – Barra and Eriskay

This morning we will ride from the hotel to the small island of Eriskay, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and ‘the Seven Men of Moidart’ landed in 1745 to begin the Jacobite Rising. Here we board the ferry to Barra, where we’ll have the opportunity to visit some old churchyards and ride a loop of the island, taking in Kisimul Castle – ‘The Castle in the Sea’ at Castlebay. Continuing up the west coast, we get glorious views of the Atlantic. Later this afternoon, we take the ferry back across the Sound of Barra to the Isle of Eriskay and enjoy a drink at the Am Politician pub. (B, L)

Ride details: 43.5 km/27 miles | 528 m/ 1,731 ft elevation gain

Day 3 – South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist

We begin at an ancient standing stone outside the inn and head north, following the west coast with the wild machair on either side of us. The machair is a fertile habitat supporting many wildflowers in spring and summer and combines beautifully with brilliant white beaches, gentle dunes and expanses of fresh-water lochans where a host of bird species thrive, including buntings. The terrain also makes for very flat cycling, and with the prevailing wind easing our way north, we cross the tiny island of Benbecula and continue onto North Uist and Benerary. A short ferry crossing takes us to the Isle of Harris, where we transfer to our harbour-side hotel. (B, L)

Ride details: 91 km/56 miles | 470 m/1,543 ft elevation gain

Day 4 – The Golden Road and Luskentyre

Today is one of the best days riding in the Hebrides. Following the “Golden Road” from Tarbert, we pick up the winding single-track roads of the east coast of Harris, known locally as the Bays. Our route has some amazing scenery and views back across the water to the Isle of Skye. We will visit the 15th-century St Clements Church before having lunch. Our ride then swings north and follows the coast past some truly amazing beaches, where we will stop to explore the golden sands of Luskentyre beach with a short walk. Afterwards, you can opt to jump in the van and transfer back to the accommodation or continue by bike. A short climb awaits as you pedal away from the beach and a final descent back to Tarbert. (B, L)

Ride details: 69 km/43 miles | 946 m/3,105 ft elevation gain

Day 5 – Harris to the Isle of Lewis

Following breakfast, we will visit the local Harris Tweed weavers – to see the island’s world-famous export. From Tarbert, our journey continues north, this being our most challenging day as we climb through the hills of North Harris. The scenery more than makes up for the effort as we traverse beneath the striking mountain of An Clisham – the highest point in the Outer Hebrides. Keep an eye out for Golden Eagles here. Crossing the spectacular fjord of Loch Seaforth, we continue onto the Isle of Lewis and across the wild moor before turning west back to the coast. Our destination for today is the mysterious Callanish standing stones; dating back over 5000 years, this ancient site provides a fitting end to a memorable day of riding. For the next two nights, our home is a friendly 4* Guest House a short distance from the stones. (B, L)

Ride details: 64 km/38 miles | 660 m/2,160 ft elevation gain

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. 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 miles. Perched on the Atlantic at the very edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular and fitting place to end our trip through the Hebrides. After celebratory drinks, we head back to our accommodation at Callanish for our final night on the islands. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 56 km/34 miles | 490 m/1,600 ft elevation gain

Day 7 – Return to Inverness

On our final morning we have the option to do one last ride – crossing the Isle of Lewis to arrive in the island capital of Stornoway. Or we can ride in the van if we feel our legs have done enough! In Stornoway we can visit the freshly renovated Lews Castle with its museum and restaurant. Following lunch we will board the ferry for the scenic journey back to Ullapool on the mainland. From Ullapool it is approximately 1.5 hour’s drive to Inverness where we will arrive around 6.30pm. (B)