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    Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

    The Outer Hebrides

    3 reviews

    Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

    From: $1,675.00

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Paul Easto
    View Paul's Profile

    Region: Multi-Location;Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
    Trip Type: Self Guided Cycling
    Accommodation: Classic
    Deposit From: $431

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 104kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    This brilliant, self guided cycling trip offers the chance to explore the Outer Hebrides in five memorable days of riding.

    Starting with a breathtaking flight and an unforgettable beach landing on the Isle of Barra, your route of some 300 km/200 miles will ribbon its way across ten islands and finish in spectacular fashion at the most northerly point on the Isle of Lewis.

    Each day’s cycling combines wild natural beauty with ancient history and rich cultural heritage. As the melodic rhythmic whirr of your legs takes over, enjoy views across stunning sandy beaches and rugged rocky mountains. From coastal fields of wildflowers to the mysterious standing stones of Callanish, you’re sure to be captivated by these remarkable islands. With warm hospitality and tasty local food marking the end of each day, there is perhaps no better way to explore these unique and magical islands than by bike.

    This price is based on a group of six and will therefore vary depending on group size. Please contact the team to confirm the price for your group.

    Trip Highlights

    • Ride the entire length of the Outer Hebrides by bike
    • Experience the beautiful landscapes and breathtaking coastal scenery
    • Enjoy the Gaelic culture, history and hospitality of these amazing islands

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 - Vatersay to South Uist

    We can’t think of a better start to a holiday than taking the short flight from Glasgow to the Island of Barra and landing on the pristine sand. Upon arrival, meet your Wilderness guide and transfer the short distance to the Island of Vatersay, where you’ll make sure your bikes are perfectly fitted. From here, the ride begins by crossing a causeway to join Barra’s west coast. At the north end of the island, take the ferry across to Eriskay and cycle through South Uist to reach a comfortable inn for the night. (B)

    Ride details: 30 km/19 miles | 300 m/985 ft elevation gain

    Day 2 - South Uist to North Uist

    If you thought the first day was good, today is even better. Heading north, you’ll leave South Uist behind and ride up the west coast of the pan-flat Benbecula and onto North Uist. The machair here is a natural marvel, supporting an amazing number of wildflowers in spring and summer. The panoramas are breathtaking, with much of your view encompassing land, sea and sky. Arrive at your hotel this evening; step off your bike and enjoy a cool drink before dinner. (B)

    Ride details: 69 km/43 miles | 265 m/870 ft elevation gain

    Day 3 - North Uist to the Isle of Harris

    Waking to the smell of hot coffee, head out into the brisk sea air. Continue along the coast, cross the causeway onto Berneray and catch the small white ferry to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris. The beaches here are absolutely stunning, and riding up the Atlantic coast above the white sands of Scarista and Luskentyre is sure to be a highlight of the trip. Later, wind your way slowly inland, where the landscape grows increasingly rugged, arriving in Tarbert for dinner and a good night’s sleep. (B)

    Ride details: 70 km/43.5 miles | 605 m/1,985 ft elevation gain

    Day 4 - The Isle of Harris to Callanish, Isle of Lewis

    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and then you may choose to visit the local Harris Tweed Weavers or the community-run distillery. Afterwards, tackle your biggest climb of the trip. Ascend through the hills, enjoying the wild scenery as you traverse beneath the striking mountain of An Clisham. Continue to the Isle of Lewis and across the wind-swept moor. Your destination for today is the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish, a fitting end to a memorable day of riding. Stay at a friendly Guest House only a short distance from the stones. (B)

    Note: If you’re looking for an adventure upgrade, you can follow a coastal road to the western edge of Harris and take a private boat to a remote shore on the Isle of Lewis. From there, you can ride straight to the Standing Stones of Callanish.

    Ride Details: 75 km/47 miles | 780 m/2,563ft elevation gain

    Day 5 - Callanish to the Butt of Lewis

    Your final day of riding is full of stunning scenery and sites of historical and cultural interest. Heading north, pass Dun Carloway Broch and the Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan – both well worth a visit. Later, it’s impossible to miss the Whalebone Arch, recovered from a whale washed up on a beach nearby. As the road bends west, you’re into the last few miles of your ride. Perched on the Atlantic at the edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is the perfect place to finish your Outer Hebrides adventure. After celebratory drinks, head to your accommodation to enjoy your final night on the islands. (B)

    Ride Details: 62 km/38 miles | 677 m/2,220ft elevation gain

    Day 6 - Depart the Outer Hebrides

    Depending on your departure time today, you may have time to explore Stornoway. If so, then a visit to Lews Castle is an enjoyable and informative experience. With stunning views across the inky waters, this gothic-revival castle is steeped in history. Visit the museum, enjoy a coffee at the lovely cafe, and have a nosy around the wee gift shop. Return to the airport and enjoy the short flight back to the mainland, looking out over the islands and chatting about a week thoroughly well spent. (B)

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    Self Guided Plus+ Cycling
    The Outer Hebrides

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

    Fields marked with * are mandatory

    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Book Now

    Price from: £1,675
    Duration: 6 Days 5 Nights

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This itinerary includes 5 nights in 3-4 star accommodation, staying at some of our favourite locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels along our route, each handpicked for their warm welcome and bike friendly facilities. Single rooms are available on request.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast is included each day aside from Day 1. Your Soigneur will suggest a number of options for your lunches and evening meals in each location.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 5 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary: Breakfast each day (Meals indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • Ferry tickets between the islands
    • A Soigneur who also acts as a support driver / bike mechanic / first aider.
    • A support vehicle throughout the trip driven by the Soigneur, who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed.
    • Essential equipment including GPS with pre-loaded routes. Your Soigneur will also have a bike lock, bike tool, spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers if required.
    • Bike cleaning and maintenance throughout the trip.
    • Welcome briefing and expert bike fitting on Day 1 if hiring.
    • Daily luggage transfers and private transfers to and from the start/end point.

    Need a bike? See our bike hire page for details.

    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    This trip has been designed so you can fly into Barra Airport (where the runway is the beach at low tide) and out of Stornoway airport on Lewis. However, if you would prefer to start and finish in Inverness you can travel to the Hebrides in the support vehicle with your Soigneur. If choosing this option please allow for an extra travel day at the start of the trip.

    Bike Hire / Bringing Your Own Bike Read More
    Bike Hire

    We have an excellent fleet of bikes available to hire u2013 including road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and E-bikes.
    Find Out More

    Bring Your Own Bike

    You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike.

    If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced u2013 either by you or by a reputable bike shop.

    In addition, please bring the following:

    • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
    • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
    • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

    Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

    • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
    • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

    Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

    If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

    Photo Gallery

    Speak to an Expert

    Chris Page

    Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

    Ask Chris a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded Road Cycling Holidays 4-6

    Blue graded trips are suitable for people with a good level of bike fitness, who regularly enjoy cycling and may have joined a multi-day cycle holiday before.

    Distances each day will be between 35 – 45 miles, cycling at around 12/13mph. Each day will be rolling and hilly terrain and there will be notable climbs most days. Some of these will be more testing and some riders may opt to push or ride in the support vehicle. Some climbs are also followed by exciting descents. We will be in the saddle for 5 – 7 hours each day plus the odd longer day. There is also time each day for breaks and lunches, plus some visits to sites of interest.

    Compare road cycling grades

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 3 reviews of Self Guided+ Cycling – The Outer Hebrides

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    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    BM

    Beth McKillop

    Reviewed on 07/05/2023

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: England
    Trip Date: 28/04/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    E-cycling from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis was an unforgettable, inspiring trip for this nearly 70 year old. I loved every minute. What skies, what hills, what beaches. Very well organised and accessible.

    AM

    Andy McKillop

    Reviewed on 06/05/2023

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: England
    Trip Date: 28/04/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Trip was well planned and very well carried out. Thank you Wilderness Scotland - our Hebridean Way cycle trip was fantastic, a memory to treasure for years to come.

    PM

    Peter Morrison

    Reviewed on 02/05/2023

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: UK
    Trip Date: 15/04/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    An absolute pleasure of a trip, brilliant!

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