Hebridean Explorer

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Ferry To South Uist

   Group meet-up at Glasgow International Airport (GLA) in order to transfer to the ferry that leaves from the bustling fishing hub of Mallaig to Lochboisdale on South Uist. Arriving into Lochboisdale in the late evening you will have a short transfer (20 minutes) to reach your accommodation out on the west coast of the island.
   

   
   The crossing to the Outer Hebrides signals the start of the journey as you sail through spectacular island scenery with good marine wildlife spotting potential around the Small Isles of Rùm and Canna
   

   • Local accommodation
2. Day 2Lochboisdale to Lochmaddy

   After breakfast you will 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. The trail runs for approximately 30km (18.6mi) right the way up the west coast of the island which is defined by its beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise seas.

   From the north of the island, you will head inland and follow the ‘main’ road (i.e. more sheep than cars) across the causeways to the tiny island of Benbecula and then to the island of North Uist. Depending on the tide, the causeways have excellent otter spotting opportunities.

   Your destination for the evening is Lochmaddy on North Uist’s east coast.
   

   • 46.6 miles
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
3. Day 3Lochmaddy to Tarbert

   Riding north from Lochmaddy, you will follow the coast road to Berneray where you can take the short 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 you can follow the west coast road with incredible views (on clear days, the World Heritage Site of St Kilda can be seen 40 miles/ 64km offshore) before heading off-road for an introduction to mountain biking – Hebridean Style. Taking a series of ancient “coffin roads“, you will spend the afternoon riding some fine singletrack through a landscape of a 1000 lochans.

   One final road descent takes you to the charming village of Tarbert where you will stay for the next two nights in a stylish 4* hotel.
   

   • 46 miles
   • 4* hotel in Tarbert
   • Breakfast and Lunch
4. Day 4Isle of Scalpay & Lochannan Lacasdail

   Today you will visit the neighboring Isle of Scalpay, or Scalpay of Harris, with its strong fishing community and a historic lighthouse built by Stevenson back in the 18th Century. The island is peppered with lochans, some with their own islands! You will take your lunch toward the south of the island near the coast.

   After lunch, you will head back onto Harris, and ride a loop northward taking in Lochannan Lacasdail and some wild, ancient singletrack. At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel in Tarbert for a second night.
   

   • 28.6 miles
   • 4* hotel in Tarbert
   • Breakfast and Lunch
5. Day 5Tarbert to Callinish

   An unforgettable day of island adventure as you combine mountain bikes with a couple of short boat rides by RIB to open up the otherwise inaccessible west coast of Harris and the Isle of Lewis. This day is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip as you head into remote and wild country. In the middle of nowhere you rendezvous with a RIB which transfers the group across a sea loch to the west coast of Lewis.

   Once on the Isle of Lewis, you will 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. Your overnight guest house accommodation is nearby.
   

   • 51 miles
   • Local accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Standing Stones of Callanish

     Visit this atmospheric site, as you ride the Isle of Lewis on day 5

6. Day 6Callinish to the Butt of Lewis

   The final day follows the west coast of Lewis and is full of historical and cultural interest. Heading north, you will soon 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 20km (12.4mi) you will switch between coastal trail and road as you edge nearer to the end of your island journey. An impossible to miss feature on the final push is the Whalebone Arch, recovered from a huge whale washed up on a nearby beach. A turning in the road to the west signals the last few km. Perched on the Atlantic at the very edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular and fitting place to end your Hebridean Trail.

   After celebratory drinks, you will head back to the accommodation at Callinish for your final night on the islands.
   

   • 36.7 miles
   • Accommodation at Callinish
   • Breakfast and Lunch
7. Day 7Return Ferry

   In the morning you will catch the ferry back to the mainland. Exact travel timings are subject to ferry timetables but there should be an opportunity to pick up some last minute souvenirs, maybe some genuine Harris Tweed or local artwork.

   You will then be transferred back to Glasgow Airport for a final farewell when you will pick up your cars, hop on a train, plane, or extend your holiday. This is an amazing drive with breathtaking scenery on all sides, allowing you a few more photo opportunities before saying goodbye!
   

   • Breakfast