The Hebridean Way to Cycle

Author

Mike has a real passion for cycling, hiking and just generally being outdoors. Being from Warrington, he is only a few hours away from North Wales, The Peak District, Yorkshire and the Lake District. He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and done a lot of the mountains in the Lake District. His new passion is walking his dog and enjoying a pint at the end.

13th March 2022

by Mike Payton

Are you in Scotland looking for a beautiful route to bicycle? Try the Hebridean Way, an amazing island chain located at the Outer Hebrides. It is popular because of its traffic-free roads and breathtakingly beautiful scenery. You can always find some cyclists adoring the beaches that come on the way. Thankfully, a waymarked cycling path is available to guide you and it's called the Hebridean Way.

Set at 185 miles approximately (around 297 km) across 6 causeways, 2 ferries, and 10 islands, this is bound to take your breath away.

The Hebridean Way begins at the Island of Vatersay, which is right at the southern end of the archipelago and ends at the Butt of Lewis located in the farther north.

The waymarked route has been officially named to be the National Cycle Network Route (NCR) 780. But, you will need to go through the map to help you learn the various detours so that you can enjoy the attraction points, cafes, and, of course, beaches.

To make it more inspirational for you, a typical day involving cycling might have a portion of being beside a sandy white beach that meets the turquoise glory of the sea. And right after that, there is flowery machair. Thereafter, you can head straight to the inland across the rough hilly creations to get more of the sea and hills sight in your system. Doesn't it sound irresistible!?

How to Reach?

The Outer Hebrides is an island that is mostly visited by ferries that come from the mainland. So, if you want to go to the starting point of the Hebridean Way, you will have to go to Vatersay by catching a ferry. You can get one from Oban that will take you to Castlebay. From there, you have to cover a cycling distance down south to Vatersay Island. Most people begin from Barra but this option is certainly worth trying.

If you want to turn your steps back to the mainland, the ferry terminal located at Stornoway, Lewis, is always ready to help you find your way to Ullapool. Another way of watching the famous spots of Ullapool and Oban is to take a train from Glasgow at the beginning of the trip. When you reach Oban, cycle your way to Garve or Inverness, and you can get a train back to the southern side.

If you are cycling in a book, the best would be to go for a transport company like SLM Cycle Transport that can help you bring your bikes from one place to another.

Outer Hebrides' Bike Hire and Support

There are 3 companies which work together to give bikes for hire. They also are good at repair jobs and support on the Hebridean Way. These are Barra Bike Hire, Bespoke Bicycles Hebrides, and Berneray Bikes. You can find their contact details online in case you want their help.

How Long Would it Take You?

This journey is around 185 miles long and can be covered with a bicycle in a single run if you have the strength and the legs to do so. But, our advice would be to take your sweet time and enjoy what the Outer Hebrides has to offer you.