The Outer Hebrides

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)