Outer Hebrides - ok for cycling with kids ?

peterschofield · Post by **peterschofield** » 21 Jul 2007, 11:58am

We're looking for a route that would be safe enough to cycle with children - in the past we have found very good quiet routes in Brittany, Normandy and along the West Coast of Scotland (Arran to Oban).

We'd like to try the Outer Hebrides this August (from Barra to Uig then Harris and Lewis) but have no idea about the traffic on these roads.

Could anyone tell us what the traffic is like here ? Alternatively are there any off road routes that would be ok for a trailer ?

Ron · Post by **Ron** » 21 Jul 2007, 3:05pm

I cannot imagine you having any problems with traffic.
I don't know how old your children are, but wonder if there will be enough to keep them amused along the way. It is a scenic route, but can be a bit bleak in poor weather with few places to stop for a snack or shelter.
I don't think there are any off road routes worth considering, the on road route is well surfaced but has enough ups and downs for most of us

Starfire · Post by **Starfire** » 21 Jul 2007, 3:21pm

I cycled from Castlebay (Barra) to Stornaway (Lewis) in May of this year, I towed a Carry Freedom small Y trailer without any problems at all. Generally the traffic is light but, I did encounter quite a lot of heavy lorries on the Uists loaded with stone. Don't let that put you off as all of the lorry drivers were very cycle aware and courteous at all times. Roads are mainly single track with passing places, it seemed that it was only the visiting tourists in their camper vans that didn't know how to use the passing places. Traffic is quiet on Sunday's as most of the locals observe the sabbath, make sure you have all supplies you need to see you through Saturday to Monday as you'll be very lucky to find any shops open. I met three teachers and a group of fourteen year old kids from an Edinburgh school cycling the same route as me but in the opposite direction to me, they were loving every minute of it and reported no problems at all. The scenery is fantastic and well worth the trip for that reason alone. It can be very windy and blows mainly from South to North, it blew me along for most of my trip. If you plan to B&B get yourself a copy of cycle friendly accomodation guide (free from the T.I.C.) and try to book in advance. I got turned away from quite a few places as I later discovered from a lovely lady that did give me accomodation that quite a lot of B&B's don't like cyclists due to all the wet gear you may have. You would think they would welcome the business? While on the subject of wet gear, the weather does change very quickly and good quality waterproofs are a must. I forgot to mention that the Tourist Information Center at Castlebay opens up for the arrival of the ferry from Oban.

treejamie · Post by **treejamie** » 21 Jul 2007, 11:02pm

the roads are quiet but there are some large hills coming through harris. the pass through Clisham is a very big hill rising from sea level up to 189m with little break. At the top how ever the views are amazing.

Jamie

ransos · Post by **ransos** » 23 Jul 2007, 2:39pm

Harris is very hilly but as I recall the Uists and Benbecula are pretty flat. If there are alternatives to the main north south routes (and there aren't on all the islands) then these will be virtually deserted.

Starfire · Post by **Starfire** » 23 Jul 2007, 3:40pm

It's always worthwile when you come across a teashop on the Hebrides to call in and refresh yourself, as they are few and far between.

peterschofield · Post by **peterschofield** » 23 Jul 2007, 10:06pm

Thanks for all the replies, your advice is much appreciated - it's a big relief to know the roads are safe, and helpful to be forewarned about the hills.

jake · Post by **jake** » 23 Jul 2007, 11:36pm

I've been inspired to do the same ride by a free leaflet/map called "Cycle Hebrides" published by the Western Isles Tourist Board. Order it from www.cyclehebrides.com.

MLJ · Post by **MLJ** » 24 Jul 2007, 8:43am

Your biggest problem is distance, especially when coupled with wind. Take a local bus timetable with you - most will carry cycles if you run out of puff!

MarySkater · Post by **MarySkater** » 25 Jul 2007, 1:17pm

I was on Lewis a month ago, and the wind blew persistently from the north, so although it is usually the other way, don't rely on it.

I rode in and out of Stornoway a few times. Quite narrow streets, lots of parked cars/ oncoming traffic situations. I was constantly being surprised by how patient car drivers were in waiting for a safe chance to get past me, even in situations where an Oxford driver would certainly have squeezed through.

al1 · Post by **al1** » 25 Jul 2007, 10:30pm

Barra and uists great - fairly flat. Harris more hilly as someone said but good scenery. Lewis bleak in my view- was in Stornoway on a very wet day which didn`t help. Beware the Sabbath- it is still observed and you may find petrol stations/cafes closed. Good luck.

Will · Post by **Will** » 26 Jul 2007, 10:45am

I second many of the views already stated. I've cycled every island between Vatersay and the Butt of Lewis. Most roads are quiet but some roads can get busy just before and after the ferry arrives.

Some sections of the main roads are single track with passing places. You are expected to pull in and let cars pass, but often the road is wide enough to carry on cycling and let the car pass you slowly. The worse bit is the causeway from Benbecula to North Uist - it is only singletrack with very few passing places.

One road that I really enjoyed on Lewis last year was the 'Pentland Road'. This is the un-classified road from Stornoway to Carloway. It is almost deserted and you get a great view over to the hills of Harris.

The predominantly SW wind is not as reliable as it used to be. I have spent a total of 5 weeks on the islands over the last 2 years and only once have I experienced a SW'ly. On my last trip in June, I had to ride on the granny ring most of the way from S. Uist to Berneray due to the very strong northerly wind.

As others have stated, shops and cafes are few and far between. I found this year knowing where everything was made the trip a lot easier. If you want info just ask, I'm sure many people here will be able to assist.

Will

tobyj · Post by **tobyj** » 26 Jul 2007, 11:57am

Last summer (August) my partner and I cycled from Barra (Catlebay) up North Uist. We had intended to carry on to Stornoway, but eventually cut the tour short and took the ferry from Lochmaddy to Uig on Skye.

I may be in a minority here, but at least on Barra and North & the Uist's, I found the roads to be busier than I expected, with cars going far faster than was safe on single track roads. There were also a lot of teenagers going very fast in red ford escorts.. That said, we did arrive Saturday night in Barra. Overall, the traffic was much more stressful and far less polite to cyclists than I had expected. By cutting short the tour and going to Skye, we found that although the roads were busier, traffic was far more considerate (in general). We cycle from Uig right down to Armadale and on to Inverness via Fort William.

On a purely aesthetic note, we also found the number of grim, new built bungalows on both Barra and the Uists a bit depressing. Still, people have to live somewhere. There is an amazingly grim Catholic church on South Uist (by the main road) that looked like a missile silo!

I think taking kids would be OK - but not always relaxing for parents!

Have a nice trip.

Toby