Britain offers some amazing places to explore on a bicycle, but there can be few locations within the UK that offer the remoteness, drama and sheer spectacle of the islands of The Outer Hebrides. The Hebridean Way guides cyclists from Vatersay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north: “10 islands, 6 causeways, 2 ferries and 1 unforgettable adventure”. In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, writers, travellers and cyclists reflect upon their experiences of cycling The Hebridean Way. The chief executive of the local tourist board is also on hand to offer his advice.
Where can I listen?
You can also listen directly via CyclingEurope.org:
Contributors to this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast were:
- Martyn Howe who has a new book coming out on the 2nd of September. It’s called ‘Tales from the Big Trails’ and recounts his 40-year quest to walk the iconic long-distance trails of England, Scotland and Wales. It’s published by Vertebrate Publishing.
- Pete Martin whose guidebooks, including the one that he wrote about cycling the Hebridean Way, can be found by visiting his website theoffcomers.co.uk
- Richard & Carrie Kembleton
- Peter Adcock
- Campbell Hutcheson
- Steve Pollock
- Rob McKinnon, the Chief Executive of Visit Outer Hebrides &
- Sue Carson.
Image credits: Steve Pollock and Anne Lawther
Post Script: Hope you enjoyed this episode of the podcast, especially the chat with Sue in the final 20 minutes. Shortly after we recorded the conversation, she sent me the following message:
“I forgot to even mention our last night on the islands staying in a slightly tired 1970’s traditional style hotel (the one I’d initially booked for the wrong night!) – not a lot of choice in accommodation when you need to get up for a 6 am ferry and need to be nearby! Anyway it was looking like a less than luxurious last night on the island and we sat in the bar having a last quiet drink. All of a sudden the room filled with about 30 people some of which carrying musical instruments! The night turned into the most fantastic evening with the crew from a visiting Tall Ship which had moored in the harbour for the night, entertaining us all with sea shanties. Whisky flowing and shared stories made for a very memorable last night on the isles! So If you see a Tall ship in a harbour get in the pub ! It was also skippered by a women!”
Sue Carson
Listen to the podcast with subtitles on YouTube:
Details of all previous episodes of the podcast can be found on the podcast page of CyclingEurope.org.
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Another great podcast Andrew, and another location to add to my bucket list
Thanks Jeff. Hope it’s a big bucket 🙂
Getting bigger all the time!
enjoyed listening to this at breakfast. we have been there and cycled north to south 3 times. hoping to go in September
Thanks Brenda. North to south? Whatever possessed you???? South to north in September?
Actually, it didnt make much difference, the wind blew anyway. The first time we were doing a round the islands thing but ended up on a bus as the weather was so terrible.
Both other times we have cycled up to Sctoland and come down through the islands.