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A Cycling Tour Around The Hebrides

by: AngusMacLeod
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When planning a cycling vacation you need to balance the challenges with the pleasures. You will want to visit an area with spectacular scenery with a number of tourist attractions worth visiting while planning a route that you can manage reasonably easily. On the other hand you may want to venture into the more challenging aspects of cycling and plan a trip to an area that may be hilly or even mountainous. One place which continues to grow in popularity as a vacation destination for cycling tours is the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

Found off the west coast of Scotland in the United Kingdom the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are a group of over 200 islands (although only a few are inhabited). It is possible to tour most of the main islands from Barra and South Uist in the very south, up to North Uist and across to the Isle of Harris which is joined to the Isle of Lewis in the North. During the tour you will find that there are a number of single track roads to negotiate, several causeways and bridges as well as one (and maybe more) ferries.

One of the best ways to tour the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides is by starting in the south traveling north until you reach Stornoway. Stornoway is the main town of the region and where you will most likely depart by ferry or air however it is well worth exploring even further north if you have the time. The southern parts of the islands appear much flatter with South Uist having long stretches of flat road until you reach North Uist. North Uist is very much like the Isle of Harris which you reach by ferry and by the time you reach Tarbert you are greeted by an ominous climb up the hills of Harris and over to Lewis (which is once again rather flat).

When cycling in the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides it is important to keep a number of things in mind with relation to safety. It is incredibly important that you understand that you do not have to be blinded by the sun to end up being badly burnt by the UV rays. Great care must be taken on the roads as the scenery is often so astounding that you find yourself distracted and unaware of others on the road. The best idea, at all times, is to stop to admire some of the views, moving well away from the road while doing so.

It is especially important to take care on the single track roads and when on these roads you should not ride two abreast. Locals, and many visitors, can drive at some speed and, as the road often twists and turns, riding alongside each other can be dangerous. Always keep an eye out for oncoming traffic but also be aware of traffic suddenly appearing from behind. Simply ride close to the edge, or better still pull into one of the many passing places (or over to the left if it is on the right), to allow traffic to pass. Do not be alarmed if a vehicle chooses to remain close behind you until you reach a passing place as the locals care greatly about your safety and are acutely aware of the dangers of rushing past. If faced by a large lorry it may be best to pull off the road to let it pass!

On the Isles of Lewis, Harris and some parts of North Uist, Sundays are unique. Due to the strong Protestant faith there is a strict observance of the Sunday Sabbath which means that virtually everywhere is closed. Obviously you should always take care to ensure that you have everything you will need by stocking up on the Saturday or even on the Friday just to be certain.

Although there are now a few places that open on Sundays in Stornoway you should ensure that you arrive before then, especially if you are needing to visit the local bicycle shop for spares or repair (they also rent out bikes). Stornoway is only a small town and should be explored on foot, and, if you have time, make the effort to take a stroll in the Lews Castle grounds if the weather is nice.

If you are unable to face the challenge of a full cycling tour of the Outer Hebrides you may find that staying on the Isle of Harris provides numerous opportunities to enjoy cycling at a more leisurely pace. Many cyclist choose to stay in hostels or camp but if you can afford it bed and breakfast in a guest house or hotel is greatly appreciated after a day's cycling and even self catering accommodation is far more inviting.