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      | Cycling in the Outer Hebrides

      Self Guided Plus+ Cycling

      The Outer Hebrides

      3 reviews

      Deposit From: £462
      Region: Multi-Location | Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
      Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

      Accommodation: Classic

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 104kg ? 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.

      icon-download Download Itinerary

        From:  £1,795.00 Book Now

        Trip Overview

        Created by: Paul Easto

        This brilliant, self guided cycling trip offers the chance to explore the Outer Hebrides in five memorable days of riding.

        Starting with a breathtaking flight and an unforgettable beach landing on the Isle of Barra, your route of some 300 km/200 miles will ribbon its way across ten islands and finish in spectacular fashion at the most northerly point on the Isle of Lewis.

        Each day’s cycling combines wild natural beauty, ancient history, and rich cultural heritage. As the melodic rhythmic whirr of your legs takes over, enjoy views across stunning sandy beaches and rugged rocky mountains. From coastal fields of wildflowers to the mysterious standing stones of Callanish, you’re sure to be captivated by these remarkable islands. With warm hospitality and tasty local food marking the end of each day, there is perhaps no better way to explore these unique and magical islands than by bike.

        Road bike hire/rental is included in this itinerary, with an E-bike upgrade available for a supplement. For all the details, check out our bike fleet page.

        This price is based on a group of six and will, therefore, vary depending on group size. Please get in touch with the team to confirm the price for your group.

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        Day by Day
        Itinerary

        Day 1 – Vatersay to South Uist Read Less

        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 and landing on the pristine sand. Upon arrival, meet your Wilderness guide and transfer the short distance to the Island of Vatersay, where you’ll make sure your bikes are perfectly fitted. The ride begins here by crossing a causeway to join Barra’s west coast. At the island’s north end, take the ferry across to Eriskay and cycle through South Uist to reach a comfortable inn for the night.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 30 km / 19 miles | 300 m / 984 ft

        Day 2 – South Uist to North Uist Read Less

        Day 2

        South Uist to North Uist

        If you thought the first day was good, today 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 machair here is a natural marvel, supporting a fantastic number of wildflowers in spring and summer. The panoramas are breathtaking, with much of your view encompassing land, sea and sky. Arrive at your hotel this evening; step off your bike and enjoy a cool drink before dinner.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 69 km / 43 miles | 265 m / 869 ft

        Day 3 – North Uist to the Isle of Harris Read Less

        Day 3

        North Uist to the Isle of Harris

        Waking to the smell of hot coffee, head out into the brisk sea air. Continue along the coast, cross the causeway onto Berneray and catch the small white ferry to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris. The beaches here are absolutely stunning and riding up the Atlantic coast above the white sands of Scarista, and Luskentyre is sure to be a highlight of the trip. Later, wind your way slowly inland, where the landscape grows increasingly rugged, arriving in Tarbert for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 70 km / 43 miles | 605 m / 1,985 ft

        Day 4 – The Isle of Harris to Callanish, Isle of Lewis Read Less

        Day 4

        The Isle of Harris to Callanish, Isle of Lewis

        Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and then you may choose to visit the local Harris Tweed Weavers or the community-run distillery. Afterwards, tackle your biggest climb of the trip. Ascend through the hills, enjoying the wild scenery as you traverse beneath the striking mountain of An Clisham. Continue to the Isle of Lewis and across the wind-swept moor. Your destination for today is the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish, a fitting end to a memorable day of riding. Note: If you’re looking for an adventure upgrade, you can follow a coastal road to the western edge of Harris and take a private boat to a remote shore on the Isle of Lewis. From there, you can ride straight to the Standing Stones of Callanish.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 75 km / 47 miles | 780 m / 2,559 ft

        Day 5 – Callanish to the Butt of Lewis Read Less

        Day 5

        Callanish to the Butt of Lewis

        Your final day of riding is full of stunning scenery and sites of historical and cultural interest. Heading north, pass Dun Carloway Broch and the Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan – both well worth a visit. Later, it’s impossible to miss the Whalebone Arch, recovered from a whale washed up on a beach nearby. As the road bends west, you’re into the last few miles of your ride. Perched on the Atlantic at the edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is the perfect place to finish your Outer Hebrides adventure. After celebratory drinks, head to your accommodation to enjoy your final night on the islands.

        Meals Included: Breakfast
        Ride Details: 62 km / 39 miles | 677 m / 2,221 ft

        Day 6 – Depart Read Less

        Day 6

        Depart

        Depending on your departure time today, you may have time to explore Stornoway. If so, then a visit to Lews Castle is an enjoyable and informative experience. With stunning views across the inky waters, this gothic-revival castle is steeped in history. Visit the museum, enjoy a coffee at the lovely cafe, and have a nosy around the wee gift shop. Return to the airport and enjoy the short flight back to the mainland, looking out over the islands and chatting about a week thoroughly well spent.

        Meals Included: Breakfast

        Download Itinerary

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        Self Guided 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: £1,795

        Trip Details

        Expand All
        Accommodation Read More

        This itinerary includes 5 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
        • 5 nights accommodation in 3-4 star locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels
        • Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
        • Ferry tickets between the islands.
        • Bike hire is included in the trip price. See our Bike Fleet page for more information.
        • A Soigneur who also acts as a support driver / bike mechanic / first aider.
        • A support vehicle throughout the trip driven by the Soigneur, who will offer guidance, local insights, snacks, change of clothes, navigation and a boost if needed.
        • 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/end point.
        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.

        Bike Hire / Bring Your Own Bike Read More
        Bike Hire/Rental

        Road bike hire/rental is included in this itinerary, and E-bikes are supported on this trip. If you prefer an E-bike, they are available for a supplement.
        Find Out More

        Bring Your Own Bike

        You are also more than welcome to bring your own bike. If you’re bringing your E-bike along for the trip, please ensure it has a removable battery. Due to limitations around charging, E-bikes with non-removable batteries cannot be accommodated.

        If you choose to do so, please ensure it’s in excellent working condition and has been recently serviced either by you or by a reputable bike shop.

        In addition, please bring the following:

        • Multi-tool, including a chain tool
        • Mini pump and/or CO2 canisters
        • Two spare tubes and a puncture repair kit

        Because we will need to load your bike onto one of our trailers, please ensure that:

        • Your rear wheel is clear of any obstructions; including lights, mudguard or panniers
        • Your tyres are no wider than 45mm

        Due to the nature of our trips, we are unfortunately unable to carry bike boxes or bags with us, so please make prior arrangements if necessary.

        If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly and knowledgable sales team are always delighted to answer any queries you may have.

        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 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.

        Find Out More

        Trip Reviews

        Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 3 review(s) of Self Guided+ Cycling – The Outer Hebrides

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        Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

        That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

        BM

        Beth McKillop

        Reviewed on 07/05/2023

        Age: 70 - 80
        Country: England
        Trip Date: 28/04/2023
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        E-cycling from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis was an unforgettable, inspiring trip for this nearly 70 year old. I loved every minute. What skies, what hills, what beaches. Very well organised and accessible.

        Show More
        AM

        Andy McKillop

        Reviewed on 06/05/2023

        Age: 70 - 80
        Country: England
        Trip Date: 28/04/2023
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        Trip was well planned and very well carried out. Thank you Wilderness Scotland - our Hebridean Way cycle trip was fantastic, a memory to treasure for years to come.

        Show More
        PM

        Peter Morrison

        Reviewed on 02/05/2023

        Age: 70 - 80
        Country: UK
        Trip Date: 15/04/2023
        Trips Taken: 1

        The Bottom Line

        The Bottom Line

        An absolute pleasure of a trip, brilliant!

        Show More
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