Cycling UK Forum

Beginning to plan a south to north tour of the Outer Hebrides in spring, early summer next year, before the midges get going! Has anyone any up to date tips about touring here? I've read a few accounts, notably Bettina Selby, Phil Horsely, Harry Henniker and don't think I need route suggestions. Will be taking a tent and also hoping to use SYHA and Gatcliffe hostels. What's the general attitude to wild camping, there are very few official sites? Is Sunday still observed with rigour in the protestant north? Is this likely to be a problem? Has anyone flown to Barra with two bikes and camping essentials?
I/we are experienced cyclecampers and are well equipped.
Thanks!

Still very observant on Sundays. Never flown onto the islands but have visited them all by ferry with no great difficulty. Wild camping is usually not a problem so long as you ask. Many of the quayside public toilets have showers! The ones on the top road at Port Ness don't but they are spotless and have hot water. As do the ones on Barra. Gatcliff hostels are ace and if full there is enough grass nearby to pitch a tent (Bernaray & Howmore). If you tire of pedalling pick up a post bus for a cheap tour on a rainy day! Have fun, we were their last in January, the day after the hurricane, and had a great time.

Thanks, Jim that's handy to know about the public facilities!

On Barra there is an independent hostel in Castelbay. As regards camping, the best and most popular place is close to the airport. Good camping although no toilets close by except those in the airport when it is open during the day. I'm not aware of dedicated camping places on the Uists so presumably the hostels would be the best bet.
Hedwig.

There's an official campsite by the B892 on the S side of Benbecula, and 2 at/near Stornoway.
Reinigeadal Gatliff hostel doesn't have enough flat ground for camping at the hostel, but I dare say the warden will find you somewhere if its full (fine place).
I doubt you'll be able to fly into Barra with 2 bikes. The plane's only an 18-22(?) seat Twin Otter, so I doubt there's physically room. Call up the airline and ask before making too many plans.

Sabbath observance in the northern Hebrides is not as rigorous as it used to be .Some B&B will not take people on the sabbath but if you behave with reasonable discretion there should be no problem.Do not expect to find shops open.On my last visit to N.Uist the amount of Sunday traffic suggested not much observance.I have not been in Lewis or Harris on sunday for a couple of years but there should be no problems. One tip if there is a high pressure weather system over the area you tend to get a strong northerly wind.Comments made by others are all valid and good advice.

thanks, guys, it's all really helpful. keep it coming!