Frequently Asked Questions - Cycle
To find out more about Culture, Fishing, Golf, Walking, Cycling, Outdoor, Film, Roots (genealogy) and Wildlife in the Hebrides, run your cursor over the logo menu at the top of this page to link in to nine websites dedicated to each! You'll find specific FAQs for each topic within each of the web sites.
Which is the best direction to cycle through the Hebrides?
What does the Hebrides have to offer cyclist?
What are the roads like for Cyclists?
What is the weather like in these Islands?
Where can I hire a bike or get repair parts for my own?
What island is best for cycling?
What about places to stop, laundry facilities, places of interest?
I have heard that the Hebrides is a great destination for Adventure Sport Events, what are they?
What about Accommodation?
Which is the best direction to cycle through the Hebrides?
The prevailing wind direction is South Westerly so if you are wishing to include all the islands on your trip, our advice is to travel from South to North. This is quite easy to organise as Caledonian Macbrayne offer ‘Island Hopper’ tickets which allow you to travel on whatever sailing you like and also saves you money. It is also a great way to see the islands as you start in Barra, the smallest and most rural and gradually get to the biggest and most populous; Lewis, encountering incredibly varied scenery along the way.
What does the Hebrides have to offer cyclist?
How long is a piece of string…this one could take a while!! The Hebrides is a natural adventure playground for cyclists of all levels and offers a wilderness of stunning scenery, beautiful wildlife set in a friendly Gaelic culture. There are also great amenities for accommodation and services from top class hotels and lodges to deserted beaches perfect for camping .Our quiet roads mean you are unlikely to see a car or person for miles and miles and the fresh Atlantic air and clean environment lets you experience nature as it supposed to be. The real advantage for cyclists is that each of these island offers incredibly varied scenery so you will never get bored of seeing the same thing and will have your senses well and truly stimulated. The Hebrides also offers you a chance to experience one of the last true traditional cultures left in Britain where people value friendship and the land they live on. These are safe islands where crime is relatively unheard of and the locals are trusting and kind.
What are the roads like for Cyclists?
There are main artery roads running throughout the spine of the islands with smaller tracks and paths leading from them, see our road map. These roads are a mixture of two way and single track. Where it is single track, vehicle drivers are usually considerate to cyclists and will pull into passing places to let you past and vice versa but national speed limits apply (60 miles) so fast moving traffic does occur, take care on corners when you cannot see oncoming traffic. It is nice to utilise the b class roads which are generally more scenic and with minimal traffic. Traffic in Britain keeps to the Left unlike continental Europe so be aware at junctions and roundabouts if you are travelling from Europe.
What is the weather like in these Islands?
The weather is variable whatever season and best between May and September. We have generally a very mild climate which means we rarely get frost or snow. It is advisable to bring waterproof and sun cream when you travel as you just never know, its all part of the adventure. The weather can change instantly in the islands so you can have a great days cycling in the sun and be tucked up by the fire listening to the wind at night, creating some of the most atmospheric and dramatic skies and landscapes you may ever see . Click here for more on weather...
Where can I hire a bike or get repair parts for my own?
There is a bicycle repair and hire shop in every island chain in the Hebrides so you will never be that far from help. Click here to find out where.
What island is best for cycling?
This again is an impossible question, it really depends on what you are looking for. The islands are so different that they really can offer different experiences for different levels. From being the backdrop to the toughest adventure cyclist race in Europe to offering flat roads which run metres away from sandy beaches there is something for everyone. For a quick cyclists guide to the islands click here...
What about places to stop, laundry facilities, places of interest?
There are great amenities on every island for cyclist, most hotels and activity centres will be happy to help with showers and laundry facilities. If you would like to see a map showing where these facilities are, please click here...
I have heard that the Hebrides is a great destination for Adventure Sport Events, what are they?
We have one of the best locations for adventure sports races and competitions in Europe and we have been likened to the next New Zealand, to find out what events take place click here for further info...
What about Accommodation?
From self catering cottages for your cycling base to hotels, bed and breakfast's and Guest houses, there are plenty options for cyclists. For a lower budget trip we have great hostels, camping sites and activity centres throughout the island chain. If you wish to camp in the rural areas it is generally free by beaches and in the hills just be sure not to upset local crofters by always shutting gates and protecting fences. Click here for more info on accommodation...
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