Scotland Hebridean Way

The tour is 7 days long with 5 days of cycling.

The Outer Hebrides is one of the most amazing locations to visit. With a variety of rolling backdrops and some of the most breathtaking views there are few comparable places to captivate the senses and the imagination.

Some of the places we visit are very small and quiet, so inevitably facilities can limited, but hospitality is second to none!

Mostly following a National Cycle Network route, with some added sections to  enjoy the best of the islands, The Hebridean Way uses a combination of quiet country roads and some short sections of track. Most of the surface is tarmac.

The tour is graded a 3-4 or Moderate-Active. Holidays that are graded as a 3-4, will have aspects of both grade 3 and 4 holidays. These tours are suitable for those who keep themselves relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on the bikes at the weekend. Your preference may be for flatter terrain, but you don’t mind tackling some hills, the occasional steep climb and some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc.). It might be however that on some days the distances will be longer than a standard grade 3 trip, or some of the climbs may be quite challenging. You may also require some previous experience of tackling some uneven / unpaved ground to comfortably and safely ride certain sections of the route.

If you would like to rent a bike, both hybrid and electric bikes are available.

The hybrid bikes are generally Giant Roam or Liv Rove with a large 27 speed gear range, semi-slick tyres and a relaxed riding position. Electric bikes are generally Giant Entour E+ Disc pedal assist bikes with batteries suitable for the daily distances on this holiday but please bear in mind that the range can depend on several variables. The e-bikes come in both step-through and cross-bar frames and your preferred style may be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Helmets are provided with all our hire bikes along with an emergency repair kit, including a spare innertube and a bike pump. Panniers can be provided on request.

If bringing your own bike, hybrid bikes are recommended but almost any type of bike would be suitable with semi-slick tyres fitted on mountain bikes and hybrids, and touring tyres fitted on road bikes.

At strategic points (where access allows), you have the security of a support vehicle. In the vehicle there will be some space for tired bikers, allowing the chance of a well-earned break if needed.

You will also be able to leave extra gear or spare kit here during the day meaning there is no need to carry any equipment other than that you would carry on a normal day ride.

When cycling in the UK it’s best to come prepared for sun and rain, warm and cold all in the same day – spring, summer and autumn.

Although there can be wide variations, the monthly average temperature in the UK ranges from 9-12°C (48-54 Fahrenheit) in April, up to 17-20°C (63-68 Fahrenheit) in July, and then 11-14 °C (52-57 Fahrenheit) in October.

At the beginning and end of the season (in March and late October) the weather can be a little less predictable and there could be some cooler / rainier days. In the summer months, temperatures can rise up into the thirties. This can differ from year to year.

It’s highly recommended that you carry layers and a light waterproof with you along the way, (and sun cream in the summer months!) just in case the UK’s weather catches you unawares!

Your allowable baggage is one main piece of luggage per person other than your bike. This bag should be preferably a rucksack, duffle bag or soft-sided case so as to assist in transportation, and weighing no more than 15kgs/30lbs.

In addition you may wish to bring a small daypack for carrying your additional outer-layer clothing and snacks while cycling. This will also be useful as your ‘travel’ bag for such items as your phone, cameras, sun cream etc.

This particular trip includes both breakfast and lunch. The accommodation that we use usually offers a choice between a cooked breakfast, cereals and lighter options to fuel a day in the saddle.

We take our lunches out on the route, with our guides preparing great buffet-style picnics made up of plenty of locally sourced produce. Although we don’t include evening meals in the price, we do reserve a table for the group for dinner allowing for a post-ride get together.

Vegetarians and people with specific dietary requirements can be catered for – please indicate at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.