A Cycling Tour Around The Hebrides

Cycling is an extremely popular sport and more and more people are discovering the pleasures of taking a cycling tour in preference to other types of vacation. Most choose to tour areas where the ground is rather flat and any hills are but gentle slopes while others prefer to visit areas which offer much more of a challenge. The Isle of Harris in the Western Isles (also known as the Outer Hebrides) of Scotland continues to increase in popularity for cycling tours and vacations and is well worth consideration if you are a competent and athletic cyclist.

The Western Isles (or Outer Hebrides) is a collection of over 200 islands situated off the west coast of Scotland in the U.K. Although, in the past, many of the islands were populated today only a small number sustain a population. The main islands are the Isle of Lewis in the north, which is joined to the Isle of Harris, and North & South Uist further south and a few other small islands such as Scalpay, Barra and Benbecula. It is possible to tour the main islands along a mix of single and double track roads crossing a number of bridges and causeways and at least one ferry.

You will find that South and North Uist are much flatter that the Isle of Harris. After visiting the beaches and other tourist attractions on Uist the Isle of Harris comes as something of a surprise. The beaches are just as, if not more, spectacular but the hills start off gentle but as you move further north they become far more challenging until you reach the mountains of North Harris. There is really only one steep assent and a steep descent in the range but it can be exhausting. Once you reach the Isle of Lewis the terrain flattens to open moorland and onto Stornoway, the main (and only) town of the Outer Hebrides. Further north the terrain once again becomes slightly more challenging.

Cycling in the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides) necessitates the need to understand a few safety measures and considerations. It is of extreme importance that you fully understand how easy it is to get sunburnt on the islands, even on what appears to be a dull day the UV rays still manage to get through to cause their damage. Please take great care not to allow yourself to become too distracted by the incredible scenery and always pay attention to the road and other traffic. Rather than cause obstruction simply pull to one side, move away from the road and then spend as much time as you like taking in the wonderful views.

It is especially important to take care on the single track roads and when on these roads you should not ride two abreast. Locals, and many visitors, can drive at some speed and, as the road often twists and turns, riding alongside each other can be dangerous. Always keep an eye out for oncoming traffic but also be aware of traffic suddenly appearing from behind. Simply ride close to the edge, or better still pull into one of the many passing places (or over to the left if it is on the right), to allow traffic to pass. Do not be alarmed if a vehicle chooses to remain close behind you until you reach a passing place as the locals care greatly about your safety and are acutely aware of the dangers of rushing past. If faced by a large lorry it may be best to pull off the road to let it pass!

The Outer Hebrides are a religious place with the southern parts (mainly South Uist) being mainly Catholic and the northern islands being Protestant. This leads to a number of differences with the most obvious being that in some parts of North Uist and nearly all of the Isle of Harris and Isle of Lewis, nearly everywhere is closed on Sundays. It is therefore incredibly important that you ensure that you will have everything you need over the weekend before Saturday evening.

Although there are now a few places that open on Sundays in Stornoway you should ensure that you arrive before then, especially if you are needing to visit the local bicycle shop for spares or repair (they also rent out bikes). Stornoway is only a small town and should be explored on foot, and, if you have time, make the effort to take a stroll in the Lews Castle grounds if the weather is nice.

If you are unable to face the challenge of a full cycling tour of the Outer Hebrides you may find that staying on the Isle of Harris provides numerous opportunities to enjoy cycling at a more leisurely pace. Many cyclist choose to stay in hostels or camp but if you can afford it bed and breakfast in a guest house or hotel is greatly appreciated after a day's cycling and even self catering accommodation is far more inviting.

Article Source: ArticlesMaker.com

About the Author: If visiting the Isle of Harris check out our listings of Isle of Harris self catering accommodation and bed and breakfast on the Isle of Harris 

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