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Has anyone done South & North Uist, Harris and Lewis? Think of doing nxt year.
annieslandmissile 
| 15 Oct 10:24 |
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Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 85 Bike: My Profile | Has anyone cycled South Uist, North Uist and the Isle of Harris and Isle of Lewis? I m thinking of doing this next year and using the CalMac Ferries as well. I m thinking of doing it with maybe hostel or B&B's and traveling very light. Just wondered if anyone had done it and had any advice or info on accomodation, routes, etc |
| thalbergmad | 15 Oct 18:47 |
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Joined: 10 Sep 2011 Posts: 7 Bike: | I have driven around the Islands and plan to take my bike next time, but I need to dramatically improve my fitness before doing so. I do not recall seeing any cyclists at all during my 2 week visit, but this was in April and perhaps only the truly hardy (or stupid) would battle against the almost never ending wind that sometimes even makes driving difficult. I can imagine some "easyish" routes in North Lewis and I recall the road to the Butt of Lewis being not too severe, but accomodation is sparse, nothing is open on a Sunday and it is not the place I would wish to have a puncture. North Harris is more mountainous and whilst the roads are excellent, many are single track with passing spaces so during the summer, could well be full of cars. North Uist would probably be my starting point, but it lacks the incredible scenery of Harris & Lewis. On the plus side, I do recall a reasonably frequent bus service which might come in handy. If you are planning to visit a few Islands, it would be wise to purchase some kind of "Island Hopper" ticket from CalMac which can represent some considerable saving. Finally, whilst you cannot take your bike, it would be almost insane to go to Leverburgh and not take the trip to St Kilda. The scenery is way beyond anything I have seen in the UK. Good luck. Thal |
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annieslandmissile
| 16 Oct 08:47 |
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Joined: 13 Jul 2010 Posts: 85 Bike: My Profile | Thanks for the info/advice. Yeah i know what you mean in terms of being a remote location up there! I think a bit of planning would be needed for sure. Yeah I had heard of an "Island Hopper" calmac ticket which seems like a good saving, plus very flexible as well (meaning you don t need to comitt to set days to sail). I think the bikes go free on the ferries too! Sounds as if you had a good time up there, even if it was April. I think that even against all the negatives like possible unpredictable weather, possible punctures, remote locations and getting stuck, i think the scenery and setting would hopefully outweigh all of that!! Thanks though Doug |
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dudley
| 18 Oct 03:45 |
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Joined: 16 Jan 2009 Posts: 498 Bike: My Profile | was there a few years ago with car and family, but there were loads of cyclists 'doing' the Outer Hebrides" As for routes, over many of the islands, you've no choice if you are staying on a road! I'd do a lap of Lewis & Harris, then head south, using a hopper ticket on the ferries. the weather will either be kind, or miserable, but dependent on time of year, early morning / late night strolls on enormous white sandy beaches are fantastic. If it is consistently pouring with rain, you WILL get fed up of standing stone museums! The first two are interesting......! |
| My Latest Route: Nov 2009 Forth Estuary Circular | |
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Pesmo
| 23 Oct 07:45 |
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Joined: 17 Jul 2010 Posts: 89 Bike: My Profile | Make sure you do the east side of Harris,the so called 'Golden road' South of Tarbet its an amazing route weaving between dozens of little bays through what the tourist guides describe as a near lunar landscape. I have only ever driven it by car, but even in July there was only a modest amount of traffic as most traffic takes the west road. |
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john.lumley
| 31 Dec 12:38 |
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Joined: 25 Dec 2011 Posts: 7 Bike: My Profile | Hi Doug, I stayed on N Uist 2 years ago in a lovely hostel in Berneray, which is connected to N Uist by a causeway. I believe that you ca fly direct to South Uist (Benbecula) or Barra Beach from Glasgow Airport. (The beach landing would be more exciting!) I cycled from Glasgow to Oban took ferry to Mull & Iona, ferry from Tobermory, Mull NE to Ardnamurchan to Mallaig accross Skye, over Skye bridge to a youth hostel near Eilean Donan, the famous restored castle then back accross Skye to a youth hostel beside the Cullins (my tent was destroyed in a gale on Mull! following the previous beautiful calm sunny day)I stayed in a really nice hostel in Stornaway for 2 nights and later in Durness, Tongue and John O Groats. The youth Hostels were all very nice and clean plus you dont have to carry a tent and you can buy your food at the end of the Journey if your walking and not have to carry it all day.Its hard work if youre cycling or walking but there of lots of lovely long and short walks to be had even if you are travelling by car. I took a small ferry at Durness over the estuary to cycle to Cape Wrath on a lovely day. The scenery is fantastic even if the weather is famously variable.Good luck and have a nice holiday, John L |
| My Latest Route: Jan 2012 Giffnock Railway Station to Dunblane Railway Station | |
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skiad1
| 01 Jan 17:41 |
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Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 84 Bike: My Profile | Did Inverness, lewis, harris and uists on a tandem in july 07. We stayed in hotels but(availability being the only pitfall, esp during peak season) hostels/b&b's are an alternative. We did use one b&b on harris but had booked ahead from tourist info office in Stornoway(the info offices are great sources of help). We pretty much stuck to the 'main' roads but riding was always a joy(well, perhaps not the ascent of An Clisham, between lewis/harris!). I've planned to do the same route again, but solo/light, and it really is cracking riding if you can go light. Enjoy! |
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