Touring Barra, Uist and Skye advice please

marionheck

Hi there,

Am riding up through Bara, across to South Uistand up through north Usit, then getting the boat to Skye and then back down to Oban. We only have 5 days so don’t think I can stretch to Lewis and all the way back down – will leave that for another time.

Questions:

Are there any bits that should not be missed?
Any really good beaches to camp on that should not be missed?
Anything that should not be missed?
Decent pubs / café along the way?

Really just asking advise form people who have cycled this route or been there.

Many thanks

Dave

AidanR

I did something similar to this a couple of years back - spent 6 days going Barra - Uists - Harris - Skye - Ullapool(ish) - Inverness.

I did Castlebay on Barra to Tarbert on Harris in one day. 96 miles but it's flat (until Harris) and usually has a strong tailwind. I would definitely recommend getting to Harris. To be honest the Uists are pretty boring, but Harris is utterly stunning - all mountains and beaches. I have no idea how fit you are but I'd recommend pushing it to get onto Harris if you can. Skye is lovely as well - I went along the north/east coast as I was heading over the bridge and then north, but I assume you'll go south on the ferry down to Mallaig. In that case, you may be better off trying to go on the west coast of Skye, but having never been there I don't know what it's like.

Brut33

Hi Dave,
I was up that way , blimey after a quick calculation 15 years ago! walking and climbing
Absolutely stunning scenery.

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/s ... index.html

Howmore and adacent beach on South Uist was amazing.
We stayed in the youth hostel, which was an old crofters cottage and Extremely basic!!
I doubt things have changed that much, and I'm sure you will have a fantastic time.
post some pics when you get back
Cheers
Andy

Richard Barrett

Agree with Aidan R - forget the bottom part. If you're dumping a car, then leave it at Uig on Skye and go to Lochmaddy on the ferry. Ride a circuit of North Uist then cross to Harris and ride a circuit of South Harris and a trip out to Hushinish or Reinegedeal in North Harris. Then cross back to Skye from Tarbert and ride to Trotternish peninsula and more of Skyke until you have to come home.

High points - the west side of North Uist, Berneray, the Anchorage restaurant at Leverburgh, Rodel, Skoon Arts Cafe, the Golden Road along the Bay, the Hebrides Hotel,

The Golden Road is simply the best biking there is - anywhere in the world. [/img]

pneumatic

We did Barra (Vattersay, actually) to the Butt of Lewis a couple of years ago, with a hoolie of a tail wind to speed our passage.

Agree with others that the most interesting scenery is on Harris and Lewis, but if you have never been to the Outer Isles before at all, you'll still be stunned by the scenery on the southern isles. Howmore has a fine beach and hostel (as mentioned) and also is where the bike repair man lives (fantastic guy, BTW).

cycladelic

Dave, this might give you some ideas....

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=R ... =6512&v=VA

marcusjb

Here's my experiences from a couple of years ago - going north to south (headwinds are a challenge - especially through the Uists!)

http://bit.ly/aTENHJ

I went back again last year - not so much cycling, but I love the islands - and to utterly endorse other views from here - don't miss the opportunity to see Harris and Lewis.

Absolute highlights (and there are so many!)

Butt Of Lewis
Uig Sands
Mangersta beach
Lickisto campsite
Berneray
Gearrannan Village
Rhenigdale
Luskentyre beach
Callanais stones
Barra/Vatersay
Arnol Blackhouse
Carloway Broch



THE FOOD!

And, if you're able to fit it in, a trip to St Kilda is beyond words.

Couple of sets of photos that might help you as well:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcusjb/s ... 965011556/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcusjb/s ... 819995394/