The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

Hebridean Way Cycling Route

Have a cycle to remember on the Hebridean Way, a 185-mile (297km) route crossing 10 islands in the archipelago. 

Our itinerary highlights things to see and do along the way, including detours from the official route. The official website features maps and details on mileages per day, bike hire and other travel tips.

Find more information on cycling the Hebridean Way

Start / Finish
Vatersay / Lewis
  • Days
    6
  • Distance
    185Miles

    296km
  • Transport
    Cycling
  • Main theme
    Islands
Highlights
Luskentyre Sands
Calanais Standing Stones
Kisimul Castle
Traigh Mhor Beach
Harris Tweed
Isle of Harris Distillers
Areas covered
North
West

Day 1Vatersay & Barra

Transport:
Cycling
Walking

These two quiet islands are the Outer Hebrides' most southerly inhabited islands. With fresh legs, you'll be introduced to the incredible landscape of the Outer Hebrides, passing beautiful coastlines and navigating through tiny island villages.

The ride starts at the obelisk in the village of Vatersay, and then travels over a causeway to Barra.

If you're travelling by ferry, sail into Castlebay on Barra before travelling southwards to the route start point.

  • Vatersay Vatersay

    East Beach, Island of Vatersay, Outer Hebrides

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

    This small isle boasts views across to the uninhabited isles of Sandray, Pabbay and Mingulay, and is the home to large colonies of migrating seabirds. Stop by the fascinating Dun Caolis burial chamber, which survives from the Neolithic era.

    Find out more about Vatersay
    Vatersay
  • Barra The Outer Hebrides

    Barra Airport, Traigh Mhor Beach, Isle Of Barra.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

    Barra has some of Scotland's most stunning beaches, famous for their white sands and Carribbean-like azure seas.

    From Castlebay, go for a wander up Heaval, Barra's highest point at 383 m. Or take a five minute boat trip from Castlebay to the medieval Kisimul Castle, also known as the 'Castle in the Sea', which sits dramatically on a rocky islet in the bay.

    You can watch scheduled flights fly into Barra Airport - this unique runway sits dramatically on the sands of Traigh Mhor Beach.

    Find out more about Barra
    The Outer Hebrides

Day 2Eriskay & South Uist

Transport:
Cycling
Ferry
Walking

The next isle along the route is the delightfully hilly Eriskay, which can be reached via ferry from Ardmhor in Barra to Eriskay, and measures just 3 miles long. From there, you'll travel up to South Uist,  where you'll discover a mixture of crafts, ancient history and towering peaks on the east side. 

  • Eriskay The Outer Hebrides

    Am Baile, Isle of Eriskay, Outer Hebrides

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

    Don't miss

    Don't forget to look out for the native Eriskay ponies.

    In 1941, the cargo ship S.S Politician sank off the north coast, whilst carrying rather a lot of whisky. The goods were salvaged by the islanders, inspiring the novel Whisky Galore by Sir Compton Mackenzie. Learn all about it and enjoy a dram in the Am Politician, the island's only pub.

     

    Find out more about Eriskay
    The Outer Hebrides
  • South Uist The Outer Hebrides

    The beach near Bornish on the west coast of South Uist. Pure white sand in a wide sweeping bay and deep turquoise waters, with mountains beyond.

    © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

    Did you know?

    South Uist is home to Askernish Golf Course, the oldest course in the Outer Hebrides.

    Discover the fascinating history of South Uist - the birthplace of Flora MacDonald, who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie evade capture, and home to the crumbling ruins of Ormiclate Castle, believed to date back to the 1200s.

    Travel north over the causeway across the picturesque Loch Bee, and admire the local craftsmanshipbefore purchasing a gift or token from the little shop, Hebridean Jewellery.

    Stop for a well-earned bite to eat in the cosy Orasay Inn, which offers a delicious range of meals.

    Find out more about South Uist
    The Outer Hebrides

Day 3Benbecula & Grimsay

Day 4North Uist & Berneray

Day 5Harris

Day 6Lewis

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