Hebridean Trail Cycle Tour

Highlights: Guided

• The first mountain bike journey through the Outer Hebrides
• 174 miles/280 km across seven islands with some of the most unspoiled and spectacular scenery in Europe
• Fascinating history, culture, wildlife, and island hospitality

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Inverness – Island of South Uist
We meet in the morning in Inverness for our journey through the Highlands taking in Loch Ness and the dramatic Isle of Skye before taking the ferries over to the Outer Hebrides and south to the Island of South Uist.

The crossing to the Outer Hebrides signals the start of the journey, as we sail across the Minch to North Uist and then south through spectacular island scenery with good wildlife-spotting potential to Lochboisdale where we find our accommodation.
Overnight in Lochboisdale.

Day 2: Lochboisdale – Lochmaddy, Island of North Uist (44 miles/71 km)
After breakfast we spend some time getting the bikes set up for the ride ahead. The start of the Hebridean Trail follows the west coast of South Uist through the delightful coastal flower meadows, called machair. A trail runs for approximately 19 miles/30 km right the way up the west coast of the island which is defined by its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise seas.

From the north of the island we head inland and follow the “main” road (used more by sheep than cars) across the causeways to the tiny island of Benbecula and then to the island of North Uist. Our destination for the evening is Lochmaddy on North Uist’s east coast. Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Lochmaddy.

Day 3: Lochmaddy – Tarbert, Isle of Harris (39 miles/62 km)
Riding north from Lochmaddy, we follow the coast road to Berneray where we take the ferry across the Sound of Harris to Leverburgh. On arrival on the Isle of Harris you will see an immediate change in the landscape with bold mountains dominating the west coast. Harris is arguably the jewel in the crown of the Outer Hebrides with its stunning beaches and rugged mountains.

From Leverburgh, we follow the west coast road with incredible views (on clear days, the World Heritage Site of St Kilda can be seen 40 miles offshore) before heading off-road for an introduction to mountain biking “Hebridean Style.” Taking a series of ancient “coffin roads,” we spend the afternoon riding some fine singletrack through a landscape of a 1000 lochans. One final road descent takes us the charming village of Tarbert where will we stay for two nights. Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Tarbert.

Day 4: Reinigeadal – Isle of Scalpay (22 miles/35 km)
There are options today depending on whether you want to tackle one of Scotland’s rarely ridden classic off-road routes or take it easy exploring the Isle of Scalpay and the area around Tarbert. For confident riders, the Reinigeadal Loop is superb, offering amazing mountain biking through wild and mountainous landscapes; and visiting one of the island’s most remote coastal villages.

It is well worth extending the day by visiting the Isle of Scalpay with its strong fishing community and a historic lighthouse built by Stevenson back in the 18th Century. Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
Overnight in Tarbert.

Day 5: Tarbert – Callinish, Isle of Lewis (33 miles/53 km)
An unforgettable day of island adventure as we combine mountain bikes with a couple of short boat rides by RIB to open up the inaccessible west coast of Harris and the Isle of Lewis. This day is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip as we head into remote and wild country. In the middle of nowhere, we rendezvous with a RIB which transfers us across a sea loch to the west coast of Lewis.

Once on the Isle of Lewis, we follow a trail through a dramatic glen, flanked by spectacular peaks on either side, before descending back to the coast and rejoining the RIB for a final ride to the Standing Stones of Callanish. This mysterious stone circle is over 5000 years old and a remarkable place to visit, especially in the evening when it is usually deserted. Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
Overnight in Callinish.

Day 6: Callanish – the Butt of Lewis (40 miles/64 km)
Our final day 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. For the next 12 miles/20 km we switch between coastal trail and road as we edge nearer the end of our island journey. An impossible-to-miss feature on our final push is the Whalebone Arch, recovered from a huge whale washed up nearby.

A turn to the west signals the last stretch of the ride. Perched on the Atlantic at the very edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular and fitting place to end our Hebridean Trail. After celebratory drinks, we head back to our accommodation at Callinish for our final night on the islands. Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Callinish.

Day 7: Return to Inverness via Ullapool
Following breakfast we will head into Stornoway, the largest town in the Outer Hebrides, for a free morning to explore, shop, and relax. There is plenty of interest here including Scotland’s newest distillery, a Gaelic cultural and arts venue, and nice cafes and bars. After lunch we will board the ferry back to Ullapool on the mainland. From Ullapool it is approximately 1.5 hours drive to Inverness. End of tour and departure. Meals included: breakfast.

PLEASE NOTE:
The itinerary may be subject to change at the discretion of the Wilderness Scotland Guide with regard to weather conditions and other factors

Included Services: Guided

• 7 days guiding including mountain bike guide and assistant guide/support driver
• 6 night’s accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels, inns, and guest houses
• Meals stated in the itinerary
• Vehicle transport throughout including ride support and luggage transfers
• All Ferry transport and local boat services
• Ride snacks and drinks

Bike Rentals: Guided
Bikes available for rent on this tour (reserved in advance at the time of booking):

• Hardtail mountain bikes
• Full suspension mountain bikes

Pedals:
The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. You may bring your own pedals if desired.

Seats:
Tour saddles are included, but you may bring your own seat. Please let us know if you intend to bring your own seat, so we can ensure the post will fit the bike.

Helmets:
Helmet rental is not available on this tour. For safety and hygiene purposes, we recommend that you bring your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival.

If you plan to bring your own bike and gear, please note:
For this trip you will to need a regular mountain bike gear for cross-country riding in the mountains. This trip is only suitable for mountain bikes with a minimum of 27 gears, front suspension and disc brakes. A lower tread tire will make the road sections easier but be prepared for some challenges on the rocky trails of Harris and Lewis! A full equipment list will be sent to you on booking.