Cycling in the Hebrides

The Hebrides offer some of the most memorable cycling in the British Isles, with quiet island roads, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, white sand beaches and a landscape shaped by wind, water and ancient culture. Each island has its own character, and island hopping by ferry adds an adventure that no mainland route can match.

This comprehensive guidebook covers the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Firth of Clyde, with 37 day rides and 22 linking routes that can be combined into tours ranging from a long weekend to a two-week island-hopping adventure. Designed for both dedicated cycle tourers and holidaymakers looking for great rides during a stay, it suits any ability, time frame or ambition.

The 37 day rides range from 19 to 60km and cover over 20 islands across six regions: Clyde and Kintyre; Colonsay, Islay and Jura; Mull, Coll and Tiree; Skye and Raasay; Barra and the Uists; and Harris and Lewis
The 22 linking routes connect the day rides into longer touring itineraries ranging from 106 to 973km, with suggested tours for a long weekend, a week and a two-week adventure covering the full region
The Hebridean Way is covered in full, with guidance on riding it end-to-end or adapting it to suit your time, ability and ferry connections
Route descriptions are supported by 1:250,000 mapping and elevation profiles, with ferry schedules and timings, difficulty grades and a facilities guide covering accommodation, ferry ports and transport connections
GPX files are available to download for navigation whilst exploring the Hebrides
A comprehensive introduction covers terrain, wildlife, history and culture, getting there and around, preparing your bike, what to pack and how to plan your trip


Island hopping by bike through the Hebrides is one of cycling's great adventures. This guidebook contains all the information you need to make it happen.

Seasons

The best time to go touring in the Hebrides is between April and October, when the days are longer and the weather is generally at its best. However, even during these months, wet and blustery days are inevitable — so it’s important to be prepared for all conditions.

Centres

The guidebook covers a wide range of islands and regions, including Clyde and Kintyre; Colonsay, Islay and Jura; Mull, Coll and Tiree; Skye and Raasay; Barra and the Uists; and Harris and Lewis.

Difficulty

Catering not just for those on cycle tours but also for holidaymakers looking to enjoy a few rides during their stay, this guidebook features routes ranging from a gentle 12-mile (19km) day ride to an extensive 600-mile (970km) tour.

Must See

This guidebook covers routes throughout the Inner and Outer Hebridean islands, with options suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Numerous itineraries are possible, making it easy to tailor your journey. Island hopping in these remote isles is a magical experience — the guidebook explores over 20 islands, each with its own fascinating history, unique character and rich wildlife.

Map key Overview map of The Hebridean Way Introduction Terrain Wildlife and plants History and culture Getting there Getting around The weather and when to go Where to stay Preparing your bike Preparing yourself Planning your trip What and how to pack Riding comfortably Riding in a group Using this guide Maps and itineraries 1 Clyde and Kintyre Introduction Link Routes Route 1A Gourock to Ardrossan Route 1B Dunoon to Portavadie Route 1C Auchenbreck to Rothesay Route 1D Brodick to Lochranza Route 1E Claonaig to Tayinloan Route 1F Kennacraig to Oban Day Routes Route 1.1 Circuit of south Arran Route 1.2 Circuit of north Arran Route 1.3 Circuit of Great Cumbrae Route 1.4 Circuit of Bute Route 1.5 Gigha 2 Colonsay, Islay and Jura Introduction Link Routes Route 2A Port Ellen to Port Askaig Day Routes Route 2.1 South coast of Islay Route 2.2 Circuit of northwest Islay from Bridgend Route 2.3 Circuit of central Islay from Bowmore Route 2.4 Circuit of southwest Islay (The Rhinns) Route 2.5 Craighouse and back from Feolin Ferry Route 2.6 Circuit of Colonsay 3 Mull, Coll and Tiree Introduction Link Routes Route 3A Craignure to Tobermory Route 3B Lochaline to Salen Route 3C Salen to Kilchoan Route 3D Salen to Mallaig Day Routes Route 3.1 Slate Islands Route 3.2 Kerrera Route 3.3 Circuit across Lismore from Oban Route 3.4 Circuit of central Mull Route 3.5 Circuit of northern Mull Route 3.6 Out to Iona Route 3.7 Coll Route 3.8 Circuit of west Tiree Route 3.9 Fishbone ride in east Tiree 4 Skye and Raasay Introduction Link Routes Route 4A Ullapool to Armadale Route 4B Stromeferry to Uig Day Routes Route 4.1 Across the Sleat Peninsula from Armadale Route 4.2 Elgol and back from Broadford Route 4.3 A three-legged ride from Carbost Route 4.4 Around the Duirinish Peninsula Route 4.5 Circuit of the Trotternish Peninsula Route 4.6 Circuit of central Skye Route 4.7 Skye Bridge/Glenelg circuit from Kyle of Lochalsh Route 4.8 Raasay 5 Barra and the Uists Introduction/Planning The Hebridean Way Link Routes Route 5A Castlebay to Lochboisdale (Hebridean Way to Dalabrog) Route 5B Dalabrog to Clachan (Hebridean Way) Route 5C Clachan to Berneray Route 5D Clachan to Berneray Junction (Hebridean Way) Day Routes Route 5.1 Circuit of Barra and Vatersay Route 5.2 South Uist machair from Tobha Mor Route 5.3 Circuit of North Uist 6 Harris and Lewis Introduction Link Routes Route 6A Leverburgh to Tarbert (west) (Hebridean Way) Route 6B Leverburgh to Tarbert (east) Route 6C Tarbert to Stornoway (Hebridean Way to Liurbost) Route 6D Liurbost to Barabhas (Hebridean Way) Route 6E Stornoway to Butt of Lewis (Hebridean Way from Barabhas) Day Routes Route 6.1 Circuit of south Harris Route 6.2 Huisinis from Tarbert Route 6.3 Scalpay from Tarbert Route 6.4 Callanish by the Pentland Road Route 6.5 West Lewis from Gearraidh na h’Aibhne Route 6.6 The Bridge to Nowhere from Stornoway Appendix A Link route summary table Appendix B Day route summary table Appendix C Ferry routes Appendix D Suggested tours Appendix E Day trips to islands Appendix F Cycle shops and cycle hire Appendix G Hostels Appendix H Tourist information Appendix I Further reading