The group meet-up at Balloch, on the South end of Loch Lomond, 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 evening, we have a short transfer (20 minutes) to reach our accommodation out on the west coast of the island. The crossing to the Outer Hebrides signals the start of the journey as we sail through spectacular island scenery with good marine wildlife spotting potential around the Small Isles of Rùm and Canna.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

Heading out from our accommodation in Dalibugh, South Uist, we’ve around 10 miles until we reach the ferry at Eriskay (reached by a causeway from South Uist) for our crossing (40 minutes) to the island of Barra. The magical island of Eriskay is only 3 miles long and is where in 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie landed on his way to his disastrous defeat at Culloden.

In fine weather, the ferry ride across the Sound of Barra affords great views of the offshore islands including Eilean Leathan immediately to the south of Eriskay. You might catch a glimpse of the ruin of Caisteal an Reubadair- the home of notorious pirate MacNeil. During the ride, you’ll be treated to deep incut sea lochs, rolling hills, and lovely white sandy beaches as we explore the island. Our loop ride is around 25 miles and serves as a great introduction to your time in the Hebrides. Our planned lunch-stop comes at the mid-point of the ride and is taken at Vatersay beach. Connected to Barra by a causeway, Vatersay was home to the famed Vatersay Raiders who rose-up against Lady Gordon Cathcart, their absent wealthy landlady. We’ll also slot in some time to take in Barra “Airport” where you can see planes landing on the beach!!

Our day ends with the ferry back to Eriskay before retracing our pedal strokes back to Dalibugh. Depending on ferry schedules and/or the group’s progress, the return to our accommodation may be via our support vehicle.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 460 Metres Approx.

Heading northwards, our initial riding brings us through the watery landscape of South Uist, taking in Howmore before we cross over to the “Mountain of the Ford” Benbecula. So named as in the past crossing the Uists involved fording dangerous stretches of sand at low tide. Thankfully, today the islands are connected by a series of causeways which are all bikeable.

Our next island to tick off is North Uist where just after the village of Claddach Kirkibost, we take the minor roads that will eventually bring us to Lochmaddy where we stay for the evening. For those who still have some energy in the legs, the final section can be extended by a further 7 miles along the coastal road.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 750 Metres Approx.

Leaving Lochmaddy, we set our sights on Tarbert as we continue our route through these wonderful islands. Riding north, we follow the coast road to the Isle of Berneray, yet another place rich in wildlife and history. It’s here that we take the short ferry across the Sound of Harris to Leverburgh. The crossing offers good opportunities to see seals basking on the skerries (tiny rocky islands) as well as many different types of seabirds.

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, we follow the west coast road with incredible views – on clear days, the World Heritage Site of St. Kilda may be seen 40 miles offshore. Highlights here include Luskentyre Beach and bends of The Golden Road – a winding singletrack route through rocky east coast. Our ride ends with a great descent to the charming village of Tarbert where a stylish 4* hotel will be our base for the night. Tarbert is the main port on the Isle of Harris with plenty of places to buy world famous Harris Tweed products and with a great range of places to choose from for our evening meal.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 860 Metres Approx.

Another superb day on the bike – whilst taking on the ‘cheeky climbs’ through the hills of North Harris may be challenging at times, the views are superb throughout and your reward for your efforts is an exhilarating descent back down to sea level. This area is also a great place to look for both Golden and even White-Tailed Eagles along the steep cliffs of Loch Seaforth.

Once over on Lewis, we make sure there is plenty of time to check out the Standing Stones of Callanish near Loch Roag. This mysterious stone circle dates back over 5000 years and is a remarkable place to visit, especially in the late afternoon when it is usually deserted. Our overnight hotel accommodation is only a handful of miles from the stones and is where we’ll take our evening meal tonight. Should there be time, we also hope to schedule in a visit to the weavers at Leurbost

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 530 Metres Approx.

Our final day of riding as we head-up to the Butt of Lewis follows the west coast and is full of historical and cultural interest. Heading north, we soon pass the ancient Dun Carloway Broch before reaching the Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan. Now beautifully restored, this traditional style of building survived for centuries before almost disappearing in the last half of the 20th century. The site now offers an insight into what island living was like not so many years ago.

Along the way, we’ll also see the The Whale Bone Arch at Bragar which is situated close to our lunchtime spot. Perched on the Atlantic at the very edge of Europe, the Butt of Lewis is a spectacular and fitting place to end our journey. After celebratory drinks, we head back to our accommodation at Callanish for our final night in the Hebrides.

• Meals: Breakfast

In the morning we catch the ferry back to Ullapool on the mainland from Stornaway with exact departure subject to the ferry schedule.

We then transfer you back to Balloch where you will pick up your cars, hop on a train, or perhaps extend your holiday. There is an optional transfer to Glasgow Airport (GLA) for anyone flying home from here. This is an amazing drive with breathtaking scenery on all sides, allowing you a few more photo opportunities before we bid you goodbye.