Are you planning a cycling tour? Are you looking for endless quiet roads running through stunning scenery where you can experience, at close hand, incredible wildlife while being faced by the challenges of a demanding cycling tour? Have you considered the Hebrides of Scotland? The islands of the Hebrides offer, possibly, the best and most challenging cycling in the United Kingdom while also offering routes more suitable for those looking for a more gentle tour.
The wilderness of the Hebrides makes it appealing to a variety of sports including surfing, rock climbing, running cycling and many more. Over the years amenities and services have improved greatly with accommodation ranging from the top class hotels of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Tarbert on the Isle of Harris to the small bed and breakfast establishments. For those looking for a truly unique experience there are a number of "blackhouses" (small thatched cottages) available to rent. For those looking for a cheaper alternative the Hebrides have stunning beaches with machair (grass land just in from the beach) suitable for camping.
Cyclists are likely to appreciate the natural beauty of the Hebrides Isles, the air is pure, free from the pollution seen in so many areas today, the waters are crystal clear, so clear that you will need to be careful when exploring beaches as rock pools are usually far deeper than they look. One of the most exciting experiences to be enjoyed is also the most relaxing, waking up early morning taking a short walk to a beach with golden sands that run for miles is wonderful but to find that you are the only person there creates feelings that are difficult to describe.
Traveling along pleasant roads you will be flanked my mountains on one side and the sea on the other can be enjoyed with virtually no traffic, though it is important to be aware and pull over to the left when you hear a vehicle as you will find that you are sometimes on a single track road. For the brave there is always the option to go off-road and this is where things really start to get the adrenaline rushing through the veins. The terrain is difficult yet great fun, often sheep tracks can be easily followed but may suddenly disappear from beneath you, uphill challenges are plentiful and the views from high up are truly breathtaking.
When you do meet the people of the Hebrides you will notice how friendly and helpful they are. You will experience the roots of Gaelic culture on islands that are virtually free of crime. However the many benefits of the islands can also cause difficulties, you must ensure that your bike and other equipment is in perfect working order as, sometimes, you will be great distances from villages.
It is worth noting that nearly all of the businesses on the Isles of Lewis and Harris are closed on Sundays, on South Uist this is not a problem and on North Uist only some are closed.
There are several places to hire cycles across the islands, you will find the local tourist information offices extremely helpful in all aspects of your cycling tour of the Hebrides.
Andrew Kelly has lived in the Hebrides of Scotland for 16 years. Initially concentrating on accommodation in the Hebrides he began writing for the Internet he began writing about vacations in Scotland in general and has now published tens of thousands of pages and articles across many popular sites.