Love Her Wild - hebridean cycle way
White Beaches, Wilderness and Incredible Camping!
- 9 nights
-
Up to 10 cyclists
- Camping and Hostels
-
Outer Hebridies
- 27th April - 6th May 2024
- Moderate
£1250
Are you ready to cycle across the Outer Hebridies? We will hop between 10 islands admiring the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, enjoy the rugged hills and quiet roads. This truly is a bucket list trip!
We will cross 6 causeways and use 2 ferries to hop from island to island. The quiet roads will meander from beach to beach, through rugged Scottish hills and beautiful flower meadows.
We will be camping most nights at campsites with two of the nights staying at hostels in dorm accommodation. Many of our campsites will be by the beach so we can enjoy evening or early morning swims before getting back on our bikes.
You can take all your own food or make use of the pubs, cafes and local shops to stock up supplies along the way.
We will start our adventure in Inverness on the mainland. We will be picked up with our bikes and transported to Oban to catch the ferry across to Castlebay where we will have a short cycle to our first camp.
The whole route is 184miles (297km) long and we will be splitting it up into 10 manageable days. There are two days with long hills which we have made into much smaller days.
You will need to carry all your kit on your bike but we can help with what to pack and the best way’s to pack.
Take your own food or stock up along the way at local shops. The campsites are fairly off grid so it will be necessary to carry some food throughout the trip. We will advise where there are cafes and shops along the way.
We have aimed this trip at first time bike packers looking to get out with a friendly group of women.
You will be accompanied by Kat and Rachel who will lead the group and be there to help you along the way.
Kat is known to the LHW community for her paddle boarding experiences in Wales and Gloucester. She has a passion for getting all women to build their adventurous spirt and confidence.
Rachel is the Local Wilder in Gloucestershire. She is passionate about getting women out doing different activities and building their confidence along the way.
If you have any questions about the trip feel free to get in touch with Kat and she will happily talk through what to expect in more detail.
getting Fit for the trip
This trip requires a moderate to good level of fitness.
We will be cycling 184 miles over 10 days rather than the usual 4 – 7 days meaning less miles each day. We will have a steady pace enjoying the views and plenty of rest points. The terrain isn’t mountainous but there are two long climbs and lots of small ups and downs.
Everyone should do some training before attempting this adventure. The best training is to get on your bike. It would be especially beneficial to do consecutive days cycling to get your body used to this. We also advise include some HITT sessions or weight training into your routine.
If you have any questions about fitness get in touch with Kat and she will happily chat to you in detail about the required fitness level.
Included
- 10 Day Guided Cycle of the Hebridean Cycle Way
- 2 x Experienced Guides
- 9 Nights Accommodation
- 2 Nights Dorm Accommodation Hostel
- 7 Nights Camping (at a campsite)
- Transport from Inverness to Oban
- Ferry Crossing Oban to Castlebay
- 2 x Ferry Crossings on the Islands
- Transfer from Butt of Lewis to Stornaway
- Ferry from Stornaway to Ullapool
- Transfer from Ullapool to Inverness
Not Included
- Transport to the start location
- Meals not included
- Bikes (Bike Hire Available)
- Camping Kit
- Accommodation in Inverness (start / end point)
- Accommodation if we are delayed by cancelled ferry crossings (please have insurance incase of cancelled ferry’s)
- Bike repair costs
- Onwards shuttle in case of illness / bike failure
Itinerary
What to expect day to day
We will meet early in Inverness at 8am for our transfer to Oban where we will catch the Ferry across to Castlebay.
The crossing takes approximately 4hrs 45mins so we will do our briefing on the ferry.
When we we arrive in Castlebay we will get on our bikes and cycle 6.1miles to Vatersay where we will be camping on our first night.
Accommodation – camping
This section includes 4 islands – Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay and part of South Uist, 2 causeways and a ferry crossing.
VATERSAY AND BARRA
Vatersay and Barra have high hills, white sandy beaches, deeply incut sea lochs and a castle – all neatly contained within 27 square miles.
Today we will cycle back up towards Castlebay along the west coast of Barra enjoying the views of the white sandy beaches and the wild Atlantic Ocean. There is some gentle climbing as the road turns inland.
ERISKAY TO DALIBURGH (South Uist)
We will need to jump on a Ferry from Barra to get to Eriskay. These are very special ferry’s where we get a chance to get close-up views of seals, seabirds and occasionally porpoises and dolphins.
The road climbs above Coilleag a’ Phrionnsa, we will pass through the main settlement of Am Baile and over the causeway that links Eriskay with South Uist. We will try to spot otters as we pass between islands.
Our campsite isn’t much further where we will once again be camping near a stunning white beach.
Accommodation – Campsite
Today we head north where we enter a terrain of moorland and lochs with only the hills to the east to break the empty horizon. We will pass through the pretty villages of Boisdale, North Boisdale and Kilpheder near the fertile machair of the Atlantic coast, with its swathes of wild flowers, white sandy beaches and fresh-water lochans where a host of bird species thrive, including buntings.
The terrain also makes for very flat cycling, and with the prevailing wind easing our way north.
We cross South Uist and use a causeway to get across to Grimsay where we will camp for the night. If we are lucky we may spot some otters.
Accommodation – Campsite
Today we continue our cycle up to North Uist.
We will get more stunning views of the coast as we pass pristine beaches and more Machair.
We will be spending the night in Balranald which is known for its nature reserve. Our campsite is close to the reserve and is worth a visit alternatively relax by the stunning beach with a hot brew at the end of the day.
Accommodation – Campsite
Today we have our second Ferry crossing. In the morning we will hug the coast and admire the beaches as we make our ay up to Berneray. Here we will catch the Ferry across to Lewis. We have a short cycle along the coast to our campsite when we arrive in Lewis.
We will camp 12miles before Tarbert right by the beach.
Accommodation – Campsite
Today we will tackle the first of our hills. We have made this a shot day so that we can enjoy some time in Tarbert. We will be staying a hostel so no need to put up our tents.
You will have time to soak up this lovely town sat next to loch Fyne. For any lovers of Gin we can visit the Isle of Harris Distillery for a Gin Tour.
Accommodation – Hostel
The climb out of Tarbert is long and steady but the only challenging hill on this trip. Today is a short day and the views from the top will be well worth the push.
If we are lucky we may also spot some Golden Eagles at the top of the hill.
We will spend the night at Scaladale in dorm rooms and hot food.
Accommodation – Hostel
Today we get the joyful downhill ride back to sea level as we whoosh into Lewis and towards Callendish. Today we cover more miles but have some great things to see when we reach Callendish. We will aim to visit the standing stones.
Accommodation – Campsite
Today we get very close to the end of our journey. Stopping at the final campsite just 11miles from the end.
Tonight take time to reflect on your journey before we finish our route and make our way home in the morning.
Accommodation – Campsite
We will wake early to cycle our final 11miles to the Butt of Lewis.
After some photos and celebrations we will be get a minibus to Stoneaway where we can catch the ferry back to the mainland.
We will arrive back in Inverness at approximately 7.30pm so it will be possible to catch a late night flight or stay a night in Inverness before driving back home.
cAMPING
We will be doing a mix of campsites, and hostels. The campsites will all have showers & toilets. The campsites will be basic often without any shelters for cooking. They will generally be near the beach with stunning views. When staying in hostels we will be staying in dorm rooms together.
Pre / POST TREK
We will start and end our adventure in Inverness. It has fantastic transport links to the rest of the UK and will mean we can travel as a group and our bikes to the Outer Hebridies. We advise arriving the night before the trip departs.
Expedition Kit list
Our comprehensive kit list has been created to ensure you have the right kit for the trek. This will make your trip more enjoyable and comfortable. For specific advice please get in touch, or speak to a specialist outdoor retailer. Items marked with * are optional. The weather can be very unpredictable in Scotland so please make sure you you have kit packed for all weathers.
General
- ID For the Ferry: Passport or driving licence.
- Bike: Must be in good working order. Can be hired (hire price From £258)
- Helmet
- Panniers: Can be hired. All your kit will be carried by bike in Panniers
- Bike Repair Kit
- Waterproof Liners: For your kit in your panniers.
- LED Headtorch: For use in the evening. Bring spare batteries.
- Camera: Plus memory & spare batteries*
- Personal Entertainment: Music, books, cards, diary, notepad and pen.*
Head & hands
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat
- Cycling Gloves
- Buff*
- Warm Hat
- Warm Gloves
- Midge Hat
Upper Body
- Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
- Waterproof Jacket: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex
- Cycling Top – Warm thermal tops or cycling jerseys.
- Insulating Mid-layer or Fleece
- Warm clothes: for camp and to sleep in.
- High Visibility / Reflective Lightweight Jacket: Incase of poor visibility
Legs & feet
- Trainers / Cycling Shoes
- Waterproof Cycling Shoe Cover*
- Cycling trousers / warm leggings
- Cycling Shorts*
- Waterproof Trousers: Lightweight and breathable. e.g. GoreTex with straps to prevent catching in bike chain.
- Socks: 3 – 4 pairs of lightweight cycling socks
- Down Slippers*
- Comfy Camp Clothes
- Trainers/Sandals: For use at the campsite in the evenings.
- Warm bed socks
- Swimming Costume*
Hygiene Food and Toiletries
- Water Bottles or CamelPack
- Suncream & Lip Protection
- Anti-bacterial Hand Gel
- Wash Kit: Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste and travel towel.
- Toilet Paper
- Snacks
- First Aid Kit: Your Guide will carry a comprehensive group first aid kit. A small blister/first aid kit of your own is advised. Compeed / Second skin plasters, painkillers (Paracetamol and Ibuprofen), zinc oxide tape, powdered rehydration sachet, antibacterial foot powder plus any personal medication you need.
- Small repair kit: Gaffer tape, needle and thread, zip ties and para-cord are useful for little repairs.
Camping & Cooking
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag: You will require a 3 – 4 season sleeping bag
- Sleeping Mat
- Sleeping Bag Liner*:
- Cooking Stove
- Plate & Cutlery
- Camping food
- Tea / Coffee
- Coins for the showers
Why AdAstra
AdAstra has been taking groups on adventurers around the world for over 9 years. Kat founded the company of the principle of taking people on incredible journey’s and pushing them outside their comfort zone. Her passion for adventure has helped 100’s of people achieve more than they thought possible.
- Small groups of adventurers.
- Passion for helping women find their confident in adventure.
- Personal experience unique to each group.
Is HCW for you?
This is one of the most popular long distance cycle routes in the UK. It’s incredible white beaches and crystal clear blue waters await you at most of the campsites. It’s remote with low volumes of traffic. We have split it up into short days (apart from one longer day) so we can enjoy this journey together.
- HCW is 184 mile (297km) long
- 10 days of cycling
- Mixture of camping (campsites), hostels and wild camping