In the early days of Covid I rushed out and bought of of the few remaining smart trainers. After all the routes were completed and workouts started, cycling inspiration was drawn from exotic locations from Youtube. Further inspiration from family holidays long ago, this forum and on the internet led me to think about a trip to the Hebrides. What could be a better escape than beaches, boat trips and a maybe even a bit of cycling too.
My guidebook stated:" I have met numerous cyclists in the hotel bars of Tarbert who set out to ride the length of the Western Isles but curtailed their journey to return southwards. Typically they end up going back down to Lochboisdale to catch the ferry to Oban and are somewhat disheartened by their perceived failure to achieve their original aim of cycling the length of the western Isles. Chatting to them often reveals they have either overestimated their fitness or more typically, have not done sufficient planning." Cycling in the Hebrides A Cicerone Guide.
Well that certainly wouldn't be me. How hard can sitting on a ferry or a stroll on the beach possibly be? The plan was to take the train to Oban. A ferry to Barra would then mean I could ride up the Western Isles over causeways and using a couple of ferries. Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris, Skye and train home from Mallaig.
To be continued...