Scotland Experiences

Outer Hebrides Road Cycling Tour

Experience the Island Wonders of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Itinerary

Trip Highlights

• An unforgettable bike tour and island safari of Scotland’s favourite islands.  Explore nine beautiful Hebridean islands, cycling through some of the most natural and unspoiled landscapes in Europe
• En route, enjoy the regales of local Gaelic culture and history of the Outer Hebrides
from your guide and visits to local sites
• Opportunities to see white tailed eagle, otter, and dolphins in this wildlife rich region
• This trip includes visits to impressive ancient sites such as the Callinish Standing Stones and the newly renovated Lews Castle.

Outer Hebrides Isles of Barra ~ Uist ~ Harris ~ and Lewis

Duration: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Price: from £2.095 per person sharing

INTRODUCTION

This extraordinary journey will take you through nine amazing islands, covering a distance of 173 miles/280 kms along the entire Hebridean archipelago. Every day’s biking combines the stunning white sandy beaches, rocky mountains and wild glens with the rich cultural and natural history of the Hebrides. It will be a journey to remember.

From vast coastal fields of wild flowers to the mysterious standing stones of Callanish, we are sure you will be captivated by these special islands. Here, where Gaelic is still spoken, you will find a rich culture and history.

With warm hospitality, great accommodation and food completing the picture, join us for a memorable trip through the Hebrides!

Day 1: Inverness to South Uist

We meet in Inverness in the morning and drive west through the highlands. Crossing by ferry to the Isle of Skye, where your adventure begins.  Lots of opportunity to watch out for whales and other marine wildlife on the crossing, before we alight at the wonderful Outer Hebrides at Lochmaddy. Onward to the islands of North and South Uist. Welcome dinner and a cosy overnight stay (D).

Day 2 – Barra And Eriskay

This morning we ride to the Isle of Eriska, steeped in stories of local lore. It is here that Bonnie Prince Charlie and ‘the Seven Men of Moidart’ landed in 1745 to begin the Jacobite Rising. Onward by ferry to Barra where we take a loop bike ride of the island, taking in Kisimul Castle ~ the Castle in the Sea ~ at Castlebay. Further along the West Coast of Barra, we capture the beautiful views of the Atlantic. Later this afternoon we return by ferry to the Isle of Eriskay and South Uist, your home again for the night. (B,L,D) Distance 37 m / 59 km

Day 3 – South Uist, Benbecula & North Uist

This morning we follow the wild machair covered west coast, taking in all the sights and sounds as you weave past the wild flowers and white sandy beaches. The Machair is a wild, fertile habitat supporting an abundance of wildflowers in Spring and Summer. Here, you will also find sand dunes and fresh water lochans where an extensive array of wild birds thrive. Ease your way north along flat terrain and across the tiny island of Benbecula onto North Uist and Benerary. A short ferry crossing takes us to the Isle of Harris and a transfer to your harbourside hotel.

(B,L,) Distance 47 m / 75 km 

Day 4 – The Golden Road and Luskenture

Today offers one of the best days biking on the Hebrides. We follow the “Golden Road” on winding roads to the east of Harris, known local as the Bays. The route offers amazing scenery and views across the Isle of Skye. Arriving into Rodel, we stop to visit the 15th century St. Clements church before lunch at Leverburgh. After lunch we follow the beautiful coastline to the beaches of Luskentyre and take a short beach walk. Optional transfer or follow the beach route to a final descent back to Tarbert, the islands ‘capital’ and your lovely hotel right by the harbour. (B,L) Distance 36 m / 59 km

Day 5 – Harris to The Isle of Lewis

After breakfast we visit the famous Harris Tweed weavers to see the worlds most famous weavers at work. Today will be your most challenging day as we climb through the hills but the striking scenery is a reward worth earning. As you traverse beneath the striking mountain of An Clisham – the highest pint of the Outer Hebrides. you should keep an eye out for golden Eagles.

 

Crossing the spectacular fjord of Loch Seaforth, we continue on to the Isle of Lewis, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides archipelago. Turning west we bike towards the historical Callanish standing stones. These mysterious stones are over 5000 years old. The ancient site provides a fitting end to a memorable day of riding. For the next two nights your home will be a friendly 4 star Guest House located nearby. (B, L) Distance 39 m / 64 kms

Day 6 – Callanish to the Butt of Lewis

Your final day of cycling follows the west coast of Lewis and is full of historical and cultural interest. Heading north,  we 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.

Discover the Whalebone Arch, recovered from a huge whale washed up on a beach nearby. Perched on the Atlantic at the very edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular place to end our journey through the Outer Hebrides. This brings you to the end of an unforgettable bike tour and island safari of Scotland’s favourite islands. We return to Callanish for your final overnight stay and a celebratory dinner. (B, L,D) Distance 34 m / 56 km.

Day 7 – Callanish to Inverness

After a relaxed breakfast, you have time to take a final bike ride to the village of Stornoway. Alternatively, we can ride in the van to explore Lews Castle, recently renovated, with restaurants and museum. Lots to see and do here, including the excellent Gaelic cultural arts venue and nice cafes  where you can have lunch. Early afternoon we board the ferry for a scenic journey to Ullapool on the mainland. From Ullapool it is approximately 1.5 hour’s drive to Inverness, where we will arrive close to 6.30 pm. (B)

What’s Included?

What’s not included?

Dates and Pricing

Helpful Notes