Self Guide Cycle Tour – Hebridean Way – Spirit Journeys Worldwide
Description
As you explore the islands, you'll discover an array of magical sights and experiences. Walk along deserted beaches that stretch for miles, where the only sounds are the cries of seabirds and the gentle lapping of waves. Discover ancient standing stones and stone circles, mysterious remnants of a long-ago civilization. Hike to the top of windswept hills for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, dotted with lochs and small villages.
The Western Isles are also home to a rich cultural heritage. Visit small museums and art galleries to learn about the islands' history and traditions, or attend a local festival where you can hear traditional music and watch skilled dancers perform intricate steps. Sample fresh seafood caught in the surrounding waters, or try a dram of whisky from one of the local distilleries.
Itinerary
Arrival in Oban in plenty of time to the ferry from Oban to Castlebay
The ferry departs Oban at 13:40
Ferry arrives at Castlebay at 18.25
*Ferry times are subject to change
Overnight Castlebay – Isle of Barra
Cycle to Vatersay for the start of the tour. The beginning of the Hebridean Cycling Way is at the obelisk in the village of Vatersay. The route follows the main road over the causeway to Barra and round the scenic west coast of Barra to the Ardmhor ferry terminal. Here is where you get the ferry to Eriskay, and the ferry journey is 40 minutes.
Overnight at a B&B on Eriskay
Today leave the picturesque island of Eriskay and travel over the causeway to South Uist. Eriskay comes from the Old Norse for “Eric’s Isle”. Eriskay is a stunning isle and home to the famous Eriskay ponies. Maybe you will catch a glimpse of the ponies on your cycle through the Island. Over the causeway to Uist, cycle from the South to Benbecula. South Uist is a beautiful island. See the crystal clear waters of the sea and the white powder beaches to the west. Benbecula in Gaelic is Beinn na Faoghla which means Mountain of the Ford. Benbecula is in fact a stepping stone between North and South Uist.
Overnight Benbecula
Today as we leave Benbecula and travel through North Uist and over to Berneray. North Uist has many fresh and saltwater lochs also miles of sandy beaches, and cultivated crofts. Berneray may be a small island, but Berneray boasts a fascinating history and is home to a wide range of wildlife and a picturesque white sandy beach. The island has approximately 130 inhabitants.
Overnight Berneray
Start off today with the ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh on the Sound of Harris. Enjoy the 80-minute ferry journey between the Islands. The Island of Harris is one that has offered inspiration for generations. With its rich traditions, stunning shifting scenery and a strong sense of community, Harris offers a unique introduction to island life.
Overnight in Tarbert
This part of the route travels through the hilly Lochs area of Lewis. It takes us to the Callanish Standing Stones. Take time to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of these magical stones.
Today is the longest and toughest day, but the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular end to this magnificent trip. The last part of the route travels along the scenic west side of Lewis, past the famous Callanish Standing Stones. The Butt of Lewis is about as far north as you can go in the Western Isles.
Overnight Lewis
Last Day and final ride back to Stornoway to catch the ferry back to the mainland. Depart early morning and cycle the 28 Miles to Stornoway.
Ferry departs at 14.00 and arrives at Ullapool for 16.30
*Please note ferry times can change
Enjoy the ferry journey over the Minch. This long stretch of seawater between the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides. Sit back and enjoy the wildlife, the pod of whales and plenty of birdlife can be seen.
On arrival at Ullapool ferry port, our representative will meet you and transfer you to Inverness.
Overnight Inverness
Today depart Inverness for your journey home
Well done, you can clap yourself on the back – you did it!
Tour info
Why take this tour?
Scotland, land of Celtic myth, history, and breathtaking beauty, has countless treasures crammed into its relatively compact territory – from big skies to ancient architecture, from spectacular wildlife to superb seafood and to top it all incredibly friendly, hospitable, and down-to-earth people.
Outside the ancient and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage capital city, Edinburgh, and other urban centres like Glasgow, once home to the largest shipping industry in the world but now a lively city of art, culture, great dining, and bars, the visitor is entranced by mountains glistening with the silver threads of icy rivers and waterfalls tumbling from highlands to lowlands. Here you’ll find villages with stations where you need to put your hand out to request a train stops and then suddenly, around the next mountain corner, a landscape peppered with gleaming lochs and expansive vistas.
Scotland has some of the last significant wilderness areas left in Western Europe. Here you can see golden eagles soar above the lochs and mountains of the northern Highlands, watch minke whales off the coast of Mull and spot otters tumbling in the kelp along the shores of the Outer Hebrides.
Scotland is also an adventure playground: you can tramp the sub-arctic tundra plateau of the Cairngorms, sea kayak among the seal-haunted mystic isles of the Outer Hebrides, mountain bike on world-class trails near Scotland’s highest mountain, trek along the valley or mountain trails and balance along tightrope narrow ridges between the peaks of the great Cuillins on Skye or take a speedboat ride into the legendary white water of the Corryvreckan whirlpool.
Scotland is a land with a rich and multilayered history. A place where every corner of the landscape is steeped in the past. A deserted croft on an island shore is a testament to generations past.
Included
Ferries
Accommodation - mixed standards
Transport back to Inverness
Excluded
Bike Hire - Extra Cost
Baggage Handling - Extra Cost on request
Guide - Extra Cost - Price on request
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Things to know
Essential Info
1. Bike hire options available
2. Baggage handling option available
3. To Upgrade accommodation please contact us
4. Please contact us for the above options
5. Please note overnight stops can change to fit in with ferries and tides
1. Bike hire options available
2. Baggage handling option available
3. To Upgrade accommodation please contact us
4. Please contact us for the above options
5. Please note overnight stops can change to fit in with ferries and tides
Tour Suitability
Solo: Yes
Couples: Yes
Children: No
Groups: Yes
Wheelchairs: No
Solo: Yes
Couples: Yes
Children: No
Groups: Yes
Wheelchairs: No