Outer Hebrides: Ride Wild Adventure

The beautiful town of Dunbar on the East Lothian coast, just 20 mins from Edinburgh is the home of the Overlanders.  Here we stay in the brand new Dolphin Hostel a stone's throw from the North Sea coast.  East Lothian has one of the most beautiful coast lines in Britain and if you arrive a couple of days early you will get the chance to rent bikes and explore the stunning John Muir Way or do a bit of Surfing at Scotland's largest surf school - Coast2Coast. 

 For those who have made their own way to us here in Dunbar we offer a Free transfer leaving first thing to head North West through the Highlands and on to the ferry port of Oban (also a possible pick up point) taking in the serene Loch Lubnaig en route for perhaps a quick dip to test out the inland waters as well as the seas. Whilst waiting for the ferry to the Hebrides there'll be time to sample some of the best seafood in the land here at the legendary Seafood Shack. A 3-4 hour ferry across the Sea of the Hebrides we journey past the beautiful islands of Mull, Tiree and Coll until our final destination tonight - Barra.    

Barra. Arriving in the late afternoon, gliding past the stunning Kisimul castle into Castlebay on the Isle of Barra. A brief and scenic drive down the coast and we arrive on Vatersay the most southerly island of the Outer Hebrides and the beginning of the Hebridean Way. We set up camp on the beach and anticipate the ride beginning.

Accommodation - Wild camping with showers and toilets available  Those of you who are making your own way here you may well be arriving by plane. Meeting you off the plane is something that everyone might enjoy. Barra's tiny airport has a special place in the record books. It is the only airport in the world where the flight times are governed by the tide! That's right, should you decide to fly in for the start of our adventure then you'll be landing on the beach! A spectacular way to start this journey for sure. 

 Our bikes arrive in the morning and after a swim (if you're brave enough) you'll be free to explore the surrounding area, or perhaps rent a kayak or Sup and paddle around the Castle before we head to the port later in the afternoon to take a small ferry hopping over to Eriskay and then a ride over the causeway to our destination for the night - Kilbride on South Uist.
Accommodation - Camping or Hostel with shared rooms.
Ride distance - 17 miles
Elevation - 800ft    

 South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay & North Uist
Waking to a stunning view and a beautiful beach will become a regular occurrence but we'll never take it for granted. Stay a while this morning and take in the surroundings and then at your leisure head off across the next 3 islands on a ride that is truly magical. Winding lanes past thatched croft houses, desolate beaches to sit and contemplate on and the odd break in a cafe or pub for some well earned refreshments along the way. A magical ride deserves a magical destination and our night is spent at the marvellously quirky Tractor Shed. A real bed, fully kitted out communal kitchen and bathrooms plus our very own Peat Fire to sit by and regale today's adventures over a Whisky, or perhaps a Downpour Gin from the Distillery next door. 😉
Accommodation - Private Glamping pods
Ride distance - 45 miles
Elevation - mostly flat 

 North Uist & Berneray
Taking it easy today we covering half the distance as the yesterday you can pretty much set off when you like. Particularly if you did end up having that Whisky by the peat fire last night! Riding around the coast of North Uist and onto Berneray we stay in a stunning Bunkhouse right on the edge of the island. There may be the possibility to borrow a Kayak here and explore a bit further. If not don't worry there is plenty to keep you happy on land.
Accommodation - shared rooms with communal kitchen and bathrooms
Riding distance - 22 miles
Elevation - 500ft 

 Berneray & Harris
Many of the islands our linked by causeways but we do have to take to the sea every now and then. A ferry in the morning takes us over to Harris and island famed for its white sand Caribbean like beaches. If the weather Gods smile upon us today then you may even squeeze a spot of sunbathing and a swim. Don't get too comfortable though as the ride gets a bit more adventurous this afternoon as we head down the fabled Golden road to our final destination on the eastern side of the island at the wonderfully rustic Minch View Campsite. Our second night of real camping tonight. Best get an early night to prepare for what maybe a final ride to Stornoway tomorrow.
Accommodation - Camping
Ride distance - 22 miles
Elevation - 700ft 

  Harris & Lewis
It's a bit of a roller-coaster ride up and down to Tarbert where you can take a break and even secure some Harris Tweed to take home with you. From here we head up and over the mountains into some more dramatic and rugged scenery. A final burst of energy should get you up the first hill and after that it's gentle slopes until an exhilarating downhill to enter Lewis. More houses and signs of civilisation start appearing today as we ride onto the most populated island of the Outer Hebrides.
You can choose to finish in Stornoway itself or if you want something a bit more mystical head to the Callanish standing stones and we'll come pick you up and take you to your accommodation for the next 2 nights in Stornoway.
Accommodation - Bunkhouse/Hostel shared rooms.
Ride distance - 42 miles
Elevation - 1100ft 

   Stornoway to the Butt
So today you have either decided you want some more and are heading up to the Butt of Lewis. Or you're relaxing and taking in such sights as the Callanish stones and Lewis castle. If you're heading to the Butt then you did the hardest part yesterday but it's still a wild ride up to the Northern tip. Top up on snacks and head out on the remote ride up the coast to the lighthouse on the edge of the world and the one time record holder of the windiest place in Britain! Don't worry it'll be behind you, hopefully - and we'll come and get you and bring you and your bike safely back to Stornoway. You will now have completed the legendary Hebridean Way.
Accommodation - Bunkhouse/Hostel
Ride distance - 36 miles
Elevation - 1000ft
 

   A ferry in the afternoon takes us across to the Isle of Skye. We'll camp one final night by Loch Einhort on this beautiful island with the option for a boat trip to spot local wildlife before heading south and  back to Dunbar the next day.
Accommodation - Camping/Pods

 A drive through the Cairngorm mountains and Perthsiire takes us back to Dunbar where our journey began. Dunbar is 20 mins by train to Edinburgh if you need to head to the capital as your final destination you will have plenty of time to get there tonight.