Cycling the Hebridean Way

[Teetosugars]

Anyone done it?

Looks pretty amazing if I'm honest, and am thinking of heading up this year.
after a monumentally crap 2017, I need to plan more in 2018..

So, any pointers?

[ScotRoutes]

See over there ====>

[Teetosugars]

Have done.
Cheers Colin.

[Mike]

Iv not dobe the route but I can highly recommend the out hebs it's great out there. I'm planning to ride the argyle trail soon

[summittoppler]

Anyone done it?

Looks pretty amazing if I'm honest, and am thinking of heading up this year.
after a monumentally crap 2017, I need to plan more in 2018..

So, any pointers?

I fat biked up that way 18 months ago and yes its pretty amazing.
However as I was on the big tyres I didn't stick to the 'Way' all the time. For info i started at lochboisidale and finished at Callandish Stones. I was mostly on the beach on south Uist, on the road to Tarbet and then the 'Postmans Path' to Rhenigidale and then road to Mangersta and back to Callandish stones. Highly recommended based on the stunning weather i had for the trip

My video should give you an idea on what the area is like....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqpoUpZQJ5s&t=75s

[Sarah]

Planning on doing something up there this summer, with bf and dog in trailer [she needs to learn about trailers first] Loved the film thanks, esp the bothy at the end. Where is it ? Any other tips/suggestions ?

[ScotRoutes]

The bothy is at Mangersta. You can visit it anytime, but should book if you want to stay in it.

http://www.lindanorgrovefoundation.org/site/bothy

[summittoppler]

......] Loved the film thanks, esp the bothy at the end. Where is it ? Any other tips/suggestions ?

Thanks, yep not far from Mangersta, best place I've ever stayed!
Other tips? Stock up on food when you can in the very few shops'cafes

[ScotRoutes]

Any other tips/suggestions ?

Lots.

It's developed quite a bit in the few years since I did it but I've been back for holidays since and we have a steady stream of customers for both bike hire and transport.

I assume you are talking about the road/cycling version now signposted as NCN 780? There is a walkers version also but it's not particularly bike friendly.

Take your time. At least a week. Be prepared for lots of time off the bike.

Book early if you are looking for accommodation. Like really early. Got anything planned this afternoon?

Best time is June. The machair will be in bloom, the birds will have chicks and the days are long.

Most folk head north-east to make the most of the prevailing wind but it's not certain. You can have 5 days of headwinds(though northerlies tend to be drier).

Midges aren't a huge problem (see above).

There are more tea shops/cafes than there used to be but always carry some provisions.

The route through the Uists is straightforward enough, though a detour to the east coast when you get to Loch Druidibeag is recommended. On Harris the best beaches are on the west.

Go all the way to the Butt of Lewis. Folk who say Lewis is flat and boring are wrong.

There is an excellent transport service available that can pick you up in Ullapool and take you back to Oban. Or get the train to Oban and back from Inverness.

That should be enough for starters.

[psling]

Going off on a complete tangent...

if you get the opportunity it's worth reading the Peter May Lewis trilogy - The Blackhouse, The Lewis Man, & The Chessmen. They are fictional crime dramas but he has a style of writing that puts you right there on the Isles, you can smell the peat smoke and machair and, even sat in your armchair, you'll find yourself pulling up your collar against the wind!
[IMO of course, books are subjective].

[Sarah]

There is an excellent transport service available that can pick you up in Ullapool and take you back to Oban.

Where do I find out about the connection or service? Cheers

[ScotRoutes]

www.tickettoridehighlands.co.uk

Fabulous people to deal with. Friendly, knowledgeable, charismatic, modest....


Did I mention modest?

[Sarah]

Brilliant, thanks, major hurdle figured out !!!