Paul’s Hebridean cycling tour
July 2007
I’ve a lust for the outdoors and have backpacked many times over the years, mainly on the beautiful remote desolate island of Jura, one of the last areas of unspoilt wilderness in the UK. I enjoy the solitude, the challenge, the dramatic scenery and wildlife together with the knowledge that you’re a boat ride away from civilisation.
Picking up a copy of Calmac’s ‘Explore’ brochure on the ferry from Claonaig to Lochranza a few months ago, rekindled my desire to visit the Outer Hebrides one day. My Mum and Dad had taken the boat to Barra during their courting days and forever regaled us with tales of rough seas where everyone on board including the crew were sea sick apart from them. Then when queuing for the boat at Brodick, I watched as lots of fully laden pannier clad bicycles disembarked for journeys presumably around Arran.
So here were the seeds of this journey and my Hebridean cycle tour was born. I’m not getting any younger and the rucksack no lighter. I’ve also always wanted to visit the Outer Hebrides and a bike seemed the best way to carry the weight whilst sparing my vertebra. I resolved to take the boat from Oban, cycle from Barra to Lewis and return on the Stornoway to Ullapool ferry. The final details, including the logistics of getting self and bike to Oban and back from Ullapool seemed the least of my problems. Oh, and I needed a bike!
