The Hebridean Way, Scotland - long distance cycling route

Start : Vatersay
Distance: 185 miles
Terrain: Tarmac roads
Bike Types: Road Hybrid
Grading : Moderate, mostly flat

The Hebridean way consists of 2 separate routes, one for walking and the other cycling. The route is inspiring because of the rich and diverse lands.

The Hebridean Way is a distance of 185 miles or 298 km stretching along the Outer Hebrides and is the country’s remotest cycle route. If you are a fast rider its approximately a 4 day ride unless of course you like to stop and explore or just take in the fantastic scenery.

There are ten islands and six causeways, of breathtaking views and also two ferries to enjoy the ride.

It is National Cycle Network 780 from the Isle of Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse. To get across the islands there are two ferries. The cycle route has been designed for the quietest and most picturesque routes. You will see white shell beaches, eagles in the clear sky. You cannot get lost as the route is way-marked throughout.

Take care when cycling the Hebridean Way. Many of the roads are narrow and often single track. Make use of passing places where possible and beware of animals on the road ! Also bear in mind that although the Hebridean weather is generally mild its very changeable. Make sure you carry waterproof clothing and off course midge repellent for those legendary Scottish midges.

There are several Outer Hebrides restaurants, tearooms, pubs, mobile food van’s and cafes serving all the meals of the day, and snacks. Plan your meals out and make a note of where the cafes are as there are areas where none are available.

You can take a boat ride to islands like St Kilda, The Flannans and Mingulay. These are amazing places to watch wildlife and sealife. You can enjoy wild swimming, kayaks and surfing together with other water sports on the coast.

If you prefer to keep your feet dry there are land attractions from neolithic stones, to historic castles, ruins and monuments . Check out and learn more in the many museums around the Outer Hebrides.

Calanais Visitor Centre
The Calanais Visitor Centre has a gift shop, cafe and information centre for the ‘Story of the Stones’.These are the Callanish Standing Stones.

Isle of Harris Distillery
The first distillery on Harris has now opened to the public. The Harris Distillery is a fully working distillery that you can visit.

An Lanntair
This is a large arts centre in the Outer Hebrides and for you to enjoy has a gallery, a performance area, cinema, education space, a bar restaurant and also a gift shop.

Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre
Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre is where people can gather together to discuss ideas, try new skills and experience cultural interpretation that is imaginative and stimulating.

More information on some of the islands below.

VATERSAY & BARRA
These islands are the Outer Hebrides’ most southerly inhabited islands. Gorgeous coastlines, small island villages. If you sail on the ferry, you’ll dock at Castlebay on Barra before travelling south over the causeway to Vatersay.

ERISKAY & SOUTH UIST
The next isle is hilly Eriskay, reached via ferry from Ardmhor in Barra to Eriskay, and is three miles long. Then you will ride to South Uist, and see a mixture of crafts, ancient history and tall peaks.

ERISKAY
In the early 1940s the ship S.S Politician sank carrying many crates of whisky. These were quickly snaffled by the residents inspiring a novel “Whisky Galore” by Sir Compton Mackenzie eventually being made into a film and later a remake. Watch out for the native Eriskay ponies on your ride.

Cycling sun glasses for comfort.