The Islands of the Hebrides - Innse Gall

Isle of Harris - Na Hearadh

This island is an absolute favourite with cyclists who have travelled through the Hebrides and is certainly the most challenging. In South Harris there is the famous 'Golden Road' running along the east coast, which takes you through the bays of Harris. This road is twists round hills and lochs and has beautiful views to the Inner Hebrides along its rocky shores. On the west coast is one of the most stunning stretches of road in the Hebrides, taking you past the tropical sands of Seilebost and Luskentyre with views to the famous 'Castaway 2000' island of Taransay. There is then a climb over Beinn Dhubh (504m) which takes you to Tarbert, the main port of Harris. Here you will find shops, hotels, hostels and pubs in this friendly rural town. A day trip along the coast to the east of Tarbert to the Isle of Scalpay (an offshore island linked to mainland Harris by a sleek, new bridge) is well worthwhile. South of Tarbert, you will come upon a stunning lunar landscape formed on the oldest rock in the world, Lewisian Gneiss. You can follow the west coast to visit Hushnish, passing the stately 'Amhuinsuidhe Castle' - a popular estate home and fishing lodge, famed for its excellent wild salmon fishing. For something a little bit different, Seatrek (www.seatrek.co.uk) will pick you up from Hushinish by boat and take you for a day trip to the isle of Scarp and then drop you and your bike off at Mealista in Uig, Lewis. This is an amazing chance to see parts of the Hebrides by bike that you could not otherwise reach, and has the added advantage of avoiding the steep climb of the North Harris Hills. If you choose to continue through Harris, the next challenge is the road that winds round the biggest mountain in the Hebrides, the Clisham: it is a steep climb, but well worthwhile for the wonderful views and the 10 minute coast down the other side! If you are lucky, then this is a good place to spot Golden Eagles and Red Deer, and the views over Loch Seaforth, and Glenvigadale are some of the most breathtaking to be found in the Hebrides...