Cicerone Guide Book: Cycling the Hebrides

Cycling in the Hebrides
by Richard Barrett

Cycling in the Hebrides is a comprehensive guidebook of routes, day rides and suggested island cycle tours throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Firth of Clyde with ferry schedules and timings. Routes range from rides suitable for a weekend break to a challenging 600-mile tour covering the entire region.

37 day rides for all abilities, and 22 linking routes for more experienced cycle tourists, allow riders to visit all the essential sights in the Hebrides and the islands of the Firth of Clyde. The guidebook visits over 20, each with its own interesting history, character and wildlife: the cycling routes are as varied as the islands, ranging from short day rides suitable for weekend breaks to a challenging 600-mile tour. Whether you're putting together a fortnight's tour or just enjoying a few day rides from a single base, this guide is packed with useful information to help you make the most of your trip.

The best time to go is April–October, when the days are longer and the weather is at its best, but be prepared for wet and blustery days even then. The Hebridean islands offer a wealth of wonderful scenery: the majestic Cuillin mountains on Skye; the otherworldly palm trees on Bute; the marvellous white shell sands on Tiree and Harris. This guidebook features detailed custom mapping and elevation profiles for all routes, and comprehensive information of ferry and transport routes, accommodation, food and drink, supplies, cycle spares and repairs.

Island hopping in these islands is a magical experience. The guide visits over 20 of them and each has its own interesting history and wildlife. Reasonably fit cyclists can enjoy these routes at their own pace; experienced cycle tourists will eat up the miles.

Activities
cycle touring; day cycling; island-hopping

Seasons
the best time to go touring in the Hebrides is between April and October, when the days are longer and the weather is at its best, but even then wet and blustery days are inevitable, so be prepared for them

Centres
Clyde and Kintyre; Colonsay, Islay and Jura; Mull, Coll and Tiree; Skye and Raasay; Barra and the Uists; Harris and Lewis

Difficulty
catering not just for those who are cycle touring but also for those who simply want to get in a few rides while they are on holiday, the rides described in this guidebook range from a 12-mile (19km) day ride to a 600-mile (970km) tour

Must See
covers routes throughout the Inner and Outer Hebridean islands routes for all abilities and levels of fitness: numerous itineraries are possible island hopping in these islands is a magical experience: the guidebook visits over 20, each with its own interesting history, character and wildlife

Published 4 Feb 2016
Second edition

Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.7cm
Weight:330g
Pages: 304