Organising Your Trip

Tips for Cyclists

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Hebridean cycling holiday:

Weather
The prevailing wind direction is south-westerly, so if you are doing a linear route through the islands, then you would be most comfortable if you start in Barra and work your way North to the Butt of Lewis. For more information on Weather - click here.

Traffic
The island roads are generally very quiet, but expect more traffic around the larger towns of Balivanich on Benbecula and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The spinal routes through the islands have fast moving traffic (national speed limit.) In many cases you can avoid the main roads and take B roads that are often more picturesque.

Signage and Maps
In the Hebrides there is an additional challenge to cyclists in that some road signs are in Gaelic, some in English. In addition, not all signs tell you the mileage to the next town or village, so it is worthwhile taking a good map with you. The WITB Official Tourist map shows both the Gaelic and English for all island place names.

Accommodation
Look out for the Cyclists Welcome symbol on our accommodation listing to find accommodation that makes special provisions for cyclists.

Watch Wildlife While You Cycle
Have a look at our Wildlife Hebrides web site for a run down of the beautiful birds, flowers, landscapes and seascapes that you will see en route.

Places to Stop
Pubs, Shops, Cafes, Visitor Centres : for places to stop while you cycle through the Hebrides, try out our Hebridean Cyclist's Map.

Laundry Facilities
There are laundries in Balivanich, Stornoway and many B&Bs and Hotels will offer laundry facilities if requested.

Cycle Repair and Hire

This is a list of cycle repair and hire companies in the Hebrides. There's one on every island chain so you won't get stuck and the locals are a friendly bunch if you find yourself in need of assistance...

Alex Dan's Cycle Centre
67 Kenneth Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2DS
Tel: 44(0)1851 704025
Fax: 44(0)1851 701712
sales@hebrideancycles.co.uk
www.hebrideancycles.co.uk
Cycle hire, sales and repairs on the Island of Lewis. Full range of accessories in stock.

Bike Hebrides
The Old Casting Shed, Isle of Lewis, HS1 2RF
Tel: 075 22 121 414
www.bikehebrides.com
Bike hire from Stornoway to suit the whole family

Harris Cycle Hire
Sorrel Cottage, 2 Glen Kyles, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, HS3 3TY
Tel: 44(0)1859 520319
www.sorrelcottage.co.uk
Cycles for all the family. Booking advisable.

Rothan Cycles
9 Howmore, Isle of South Uist, HS8 5SH,
Tel: 44(0)1870 620283
Mob: 44(0)7720 558064
rothan@btinternet.com
www.rothan.com>
Cycle hire, sales, spares and repairs in the Uist's.

Barra Cycle Hire
29 St. Brendans Road, Isle of Barra, HS9 5XJ
Tel: 44(0)1851 810284
Cycle hire for all the family in Barra, booking recommended.

Wilderness Scotland
The islands of Harris and Lewis provide an incomparable quality of natural single track riding, and Wilderness Scotland's guided mountain biking adventure holiday takes you deep into the very best of the Hebridean backcountry. Trips for 2005 are between 25 June - 6 July & 17 Sep - 25 Sep

Wilderness Scotland Ltd
The Clockhouse 72 Newhaven Road
Edinburgh
EH6 5QG
Tel: +44 (0)131 625 6635
Fax: +44 (0)131 625 6636
info@wildernessscotland.com
www.wildernessscotland.com

Scottish Cycling Holidays
Cycle hire, luggage transport, maps, routes and full packages.

Scottish Cycling Holidays
87 Perth Street, Blairgowrie
Perthshire, PH10 6DT
Tel. 01250 876100
Fax 01250873383
info@scotcycle.co.uk
www.scotcycle.co.uk