fbpx
Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
+44 (0)1479 420 020

Activities

Locations

Selected Trips

    Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

    The Outer Hebrides

    Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

    From £1,375

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Our assurance that we continue to deliver responsible and financially protected adventure holidays.

    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: £343.75 £343.75

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 180kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    For the time-crunched cyclist, this trip offers the chance to explore the entire chain of the Outer Hebrides in 4 memorable days of riding. Starting with an unforgettable flight and beach landing on the Island of Barra, your route of some 300km/200mi will take you through 10 different islands culminating in a spectacular finish at the wild northern point of the Isle of Lewis.

    On this adventure, you will find unspoiled and wild scenery with thousands of years of history that lie close to the surface while enjoying fantastic riding along quiet island roads. Each day’s cycling combines stunning white sand beaches, rocky mountains and wild glens with the rich cultural and natural history of the Hebrides. From coastal fields of wildflowers to the mysterious standing stones of Callanish, we are sure you will be captivated by these remarkable islands. Warm hospitality, great accommodation and excellent local food complete the picture; join us for a memorable trip through the Hebrides.

    This price is based on a group of 6; prices will vary depending on group size. Please get in touch with the team to confirm the trip price for your group.

    Trip Highlights

    • Ride the entire length of the Outer Hebrides, crossing 10 islands by bike and boat
    • Experience some of Europe's most unspoiled and beautiful landscapes with 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. Crossing the Minch off Scotland’s west coast you will get your first glimpse of the islands before landing on the beach and walking across the sand to meet your guide at the airport terminal. We’ll transfer for a short distance to the start point on the Island of Vatersay where we’ll fit the bikes. From here our ride begins across the island and a causeway to join Barra’s west coast. At the north end of Barra we take the ferry across to Eriskay and then ride north on South Uist to reach a comfortable inn for the night. A beach landing and four distinct islands makes for an incredible Day 1. (B)

    Ride Details: 40mi/64km | Ascent: 1,727ft/526m

    Day 2 - South Uist to the Isle of Harris

    If you thought Day 1 was good, Day 2 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 dune system or machair here is a natural marvel, supporting an amazing amount of wild flowers in spring and summer. Continuing along the coast we cross by causeway onto Berneray where we take the ferry to the Isle of Harris. The beaches here are absolutely stunning in all weathers and riding up the Atlantic coast above the white sands of Scarista and Luskentyre will live long in the memory. As we climb away from the coast, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged as it winds its way to your overnight stop in Tarbert. (B)

    (Please note if desired, it’s possible to shorten this day by up to 13mi/20km by taking a more direct route through North Uist)

    Ride Details: 67mi/107km | Ascent: 2,726ft/831m

    Day 3 - Tarbert to Callanish

    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Tarbert before making a visit to the local Harris Tweed weavers and perhaps the community run Isle of Harris Distillery. From Tarbert, your journey continues north with the biggest climb of the trip as the road ascends through the mountains of North Harris. The scenery more than makes up for the effort as you traverse beneath the striking mountain of An Clisham – the highest point on the Outer Hebrides. Crossing the spectacular fjord of Loch Seaforth, continue onto the Isle of Lewis and across the wild moor before turning west back to the coast. Your destination for today is the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish; dating back over 5000 years this ancient site provides a fitting end to a memorable day of riding. For the next two nights, you’ll stay at a friendly 4* Guest House a short distance from the stones. (B)

    If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure upgrade it’s possible to follow a remarkable coast road to the western edge of Harris and then take a private boat to land on a remote shore on the Isle of Lewis. From there you can ride straight to the Standing Stones of Callanish.

    Ride Details: 47mi/75km | Ascent: 2,563ft/781m

    Day 4 - Callanish to the Butt of Lewis

    Your final day follows the west coast of Lewis and is full of historical and cultural interest. Heading north, you’ll 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. Both are well worth a visit. Heading north, an impossible to miss feature marking the way, 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, head back to your accommodation for your final night on the islands. (B)

    Ride Details: 38mi/62km | Ascent: 2,220ft/677m

    Day 5 - Depart the Outer Hebrides

    Enjoy a relaxed Highland breakfast and perhaps a final visit to the nearby Standing Stones before riding or transferring to Stornoway and your flight back to the mainland. (B)

    X
    Self Guided <i>Plus+</i> 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: £1,375
    Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This itinerary includes 4 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
    • 4 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 support vehicle throughout the trip who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed.
    • Soigneur / Support driver / bike mechanic / first aider available 24/7 while on the trip.
    • 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/endpoint.

    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.

    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

    Want more Wilderness in your life?

    Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to hear about trip news, blogs and offers.