In May this year we returned to Scotland on our bikes with our panniers packed to explore some of the islands and west coast. We had promised ourselves that would do this after being blown off course by an incoming storm from across the Atlantic, which forced us to head East up the great Glen towards Inverness rather than head up the West Coast, which we had originally planned.
To view photos and more info on this trip please head over to our latest blog:
Lakelandmountainhikes.blogspot.co.uk
On the first day we treated ourselves to a cheeky little boat and coach tour to Iona and the island of Staffa and then returning back to Oban. Felt as if we were cheating but the boat times, accomodation and logistics just didn't work to cycle, so took the easy option. But we were very lucky with the weather and we had a fantastic first day, so was well worth it.
So on our first day of proper cycling we headed out from Oban to the island of Mull, cycled around the north west coast and arrived in Tobermory for the night. The following day crossed to Kilchoan and cycled up the mainland to Mallaig for our second night. The next morning we sailed over to Skye and cycled up to the fantastic Skyewalker hostel in Portnalong. Next day was a shorter day heading up to Uig then the ferry crossing to Tarbert on the outer Hebridean Island of Harris. We stayed at a lovely hostel just south in Drinishader.
The following two days were a real struggle against winds gusting to around 30 and 40 mph as we headed south to Benbecula and then Lochboisdale for our return ferry to Oban. Great views and scenery but really could have done without the wind.
