"With my lungs savouring the purest air on the planet, the wind in my hair, the incredible coastal scenery and the sweet floral scent of the Machair flowers all around, the hardest part of cycling here is to keep your eyes on the road".
On a fine day, North Uist is a wonderful place to cycle with it's quiet mainly single track gently undulating roads through stunning scenery on the edge of northern Europe. The wild Atlantic ocean is almost always in view with pure white shell sand beaches and turquoise sea. Inland, freshwater lochans are everywhere and a haven for birdlife. It's common to catch sight of Owls and Golden Eagles anytime of day. And of course, there are several cafe's and tea shops at regular convenient intervals serving delicious homemade cake!
Off road opportunities include miles of lonely tracks to explore if you have a mountain bike, or probably better still a cyclocross bike.
The Outer Hebrides have long been a magnet for cyclists. The 185 mile (297km) Hebridean way opened in March 2016, an official way marked cycle route from the Isle of Vatersay in the south to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse in the north. " A cycle route across 10 Outer Hebridean islands with 6 causeways and including 2 short ferry crossings, this is a ride to relish rather than rush and suggested itineraries range from 4 to 7 days according to preference". It's on our bucket list!
"Cycling here, we lost all track of time and as the sun started to set St Kilda appeared on the horizon. Even the sea stacks of Boreray were clearly visible". Bliss!