Bikepacking The Hebridean Way | Cycling Alone in the Outer Hebrides Scotland

[@Cycling366]

Thank you to everyone who has subscribed, liked and commented on my videos this year. You're all amazing! Here's to more bikepacking adventures in 2023! Don't forget to like, subscribe and share! 😀

[@janebentley5647]

Loved this, so helpful - heading to Hebridean Way this Summer 2025. Thank you 😊

[@Cycling366]

You’re welcome! Hope the weather is in your favour - good luck!🤞

[@rachelberney3713]

Oh my days!! I have no idea what your job was before but you were born to do this! I cannot imagine the stops-and-starts you must do whilst out cycling to be able to gather the footage that you do; a moment passing an opening in a stone wall, the breeze on a flower as you wisp passed. But the compostion , the drone shots - their rythm and pacing with the mood and the music, is just BRILLIANT! I watch a lot of cycling videos, as does my husband but if I ever just want to escape into the screen and feel the zen of cycling , you my friend, are my 'go to'. So beautiful, so peaceful, so gracefully edited they make anyone pause as they pass my screen... and they simply can't move until it's over. Thank you. And congrats on your baby....who is now probably already on a Strider bike LOL

[@Cycling366]

Wow thank you, that’s one of the nicest comments I’ve ever had haha. I used to be a teacher funnily enough so no filming experience or anything so I appreciate it! All the best!

[@alanhanley9515]

You tube Gold.....more please.

[@Cycling366]

Ahh thanks Alan! That’s very kind of you. More is on the way don’t worry! :)

[@JakebMiller]

Congratulations on the baby! Wish yall all the best. It's an awesome part of life

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much mate!! I’m looking forward to it as well :)

[@cstewart3671]

We bike packed this route in both directions last year, from Castlebay to the Butt of Lewis and back to Barra and caught the ferry back to Oban where the car was parked. We did this over 11 days and averaged about 40 miles a day. We met loads of people, bike packers and locals. Enjoyed the Machair, stunning views, history, nature and varied terrain. It was a joy to feel safe on their roads as there’s so little traffic and to be warmly greeted at the community hubs for food and refreshments. The people of the islands are kind and generous and we learnt a lot about the place by enjoying every opportunity we had to engage with them. There’s a saying I’ve heard/read since cycling this route… The Outer Hebrides is not just a place it’s a feeling. And this is so true. I recommend taking your time if anyone is thinking about cycling the Hebridean Way… it’s a life changing experience that’s not to be rushed. 😊

[@Cycling366]

Nice! Agree about taking time to do it, it’s more fun that way! The people are lovely as well, nice to think there are places like this still

[@1Adventures2]

Thanks!

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much for the support! Appreciate it :)

[@bivboy10]

Epic pal 👏👏 and congratulations on becoming a Dad 👍

[@Cycling366]

Thanks mate! And thanks very much for watching and commenting :)

[@cdwilson12]

Great video Tom as always. You put a lot of effort into your films and it pays off as they are brilliant!! Best of luck to you all now. As a dad of 2 young kids your son will definitely keep you on your toes!

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much! Yes he’s certainly doing that already 😂

[@TheCoopsvids]

Brilliant mate and congrats on the wee man 👍🏻🚴

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much mate!

[@ashmls]

fantastic video as always!

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much! :)

[@richardhoyle8726]

Congratulations 🍾

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Richard! :)

[@CalumHardie]

Smashing video. Love the style of it.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much!

[@paulrobinsoneatlotsgetlost]

Great video and congratulations!

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Paul!

[@Jimfar16]

brilliant filming and excellent description,, very well done!

[@Cycling366]

Cheers Stewart! Appreciate the comment :)

[@MircoSchroeder1]

Great. I like your video. Greetings from Germany.

[@Cycling366]

Vielen Dank!

[@paulsander6959]

Useful video with some lovely photography. It seems that you followed more or less the schedule that I have planned for the summer which is reassuring. having watched your video I am even more excited now!

[@Cycling366]

Thank you! Great stuff, it’s a wonderful route so hope the weather holds out for you!

[@hedleywilliams392]

Having children in itself is a great adventure, enjoy your new journeys and look forward to the great unknown. Cherish every moment.x

[@Cycling366]

Thank you! It’s already been a great adventures and looking forward to the rest :)

[@andreriphagen2980]

Loved the format, lovely travel video followed by the info needed for me to go and do it in 2025.

[@Cycling366]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy it

[@jeffmayart]

I love your filming style

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Jeff! Many more on the way :)

[@C345OFR]

Congratulations, sir! I think I speak for most of us when I say that you needn't pressure yourself into a monthly video from now on - in fact, we'd understand if you didn't post one for _six_ months! Treasure as much of this time as you possibly can, you will smile recalling it later on in life (yes, even the sleepless nights!) Congratulations again, and all the best 🙂

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much! I have all the films planned for the year so let’s see what happens! Many thanks :)

[@xavicoll]

Thanks for the video! My partner and I are planning to do it soon this year and we can't wait. Good info!

[@Cycling366]

No worries! Hope you enjoy it :)

[@seamusmckim4833]

Fantastic coverage of my home Isles; tasteful, reverential and befitting of the grandeur of such a place. Sound editing wonderful. Well done and thank you.

[@Cycling366]

Thank you very much I’m glad it’s been a good depiction of such a beautiful part of the world!

[@svengalil]

Bravo..what a great video, thanks for sharing it with us. congratulations on the birth of your son...happy days.

[@Cycling366]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it :) we’re super happy with him so thanks very much!

[@XhristinaMacey]

This is such a beautiful film I love how you put it together

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much :) it’s a beautiful place!

[@spencemcleod6761]

Loved it from start to finnish, always look forward to your videos. Congrats on birth of your son.

[@Cycling366]

Thank you very much! All the best for 2023 :)

[@grahampickup9348]

Another great film but more importantly congratulations. Your son is lucky to have an adventurous dad who I'm sure will enjoy many great trips with you in the future. Enjoy every moment.

[@Cycling366]

Thank you very much Graham! He might not feel the same way camping in the driving rain but hopefully he’ll warm to it 😂

[@alannorman1773]

Mesmerisingly beautiful thanks ❤

[@Cycling366]

Thanks for watching Alan! Appreciate the comment :)

[@PiquePictures]

This is so beautifully film!

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much!

[@maximumsolitude4215]

Great video once again and congratulations on your new arrival 🎉

[@Cycling366]

Thank you very much! All the best for 2023! :)

[@chrisbee7596]

Great film. Going to give bikepacking a try myself this year 😳

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Chris! Do it! You’ll have a great time.

[@andyh126]

Outstanding!

[@Cycling366]

Cheers Andy!

[@Shooterthecat1]

Outstanding video work! Beautiful landscape.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Jim! Appreciate it :)

[@testing24dfas]

Congratulations

[@Cycling366]

Thanks mate!

[@holmston1973]

Great video, thanks. Lots of very useful information.

[@Cycling366]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonashubalekwhiskyandthewild]

Hi Tom, yes I enjoyed your film. You 've got a drone, I 've got the whisky!... just joking and l love your impressive aerial footage. It's interesting to see a very different approach to the whole trip and also filming and editing too. Good Luck with your life and parenting🙂 Jonas

[@Cycling366]

Haha thanks mate! Keep up the great videos yourself! All the best :)

[@tw8285]

Outstanding

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much!

[@ianbarbar3869]

Congratulations to you and yours. Great video. Many thanks.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Ian! Appreciate it :)

[@fattony6299]

Another absolutely stunning film, Tom, as always. Thank you so much for putting these together, I really appreciate them. And congratulations on your new arrival! Fatherhood is awesome. Alas, I don't seem to have time for many bike adventures, but you give me lots of inspiration for when the opportunity comes.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Colin! I’m endeavouring to keep going on these adventures still and some day he’ll be coming along too hopefully! :) all the best!

[@FollowThomas]

This is fantastic adventure. It looks pretty cold for middle of summer but it's Scotland. Great adventure 👍

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much! Stay tuned for Januarys film, very very different weather and landscape 😂

[@FollowThomas]

@@Cycling366 I think Gulf Stream carries warmer water all away there so that the winter is milder than it would be in this latitude. I just got back from my week-long bikepacking adventure here in Florida. The weather is very different for sure 😊

[@pierrelansac2106]

Hi, I did the hebridean way last may. I too went on the esatern coast of Harris and spent the night in the bothy in Scalpay. Fist night in a bothy, pretty isolated, I was woken up at 1 AM by rolling stones outside. I knew it must be the sheep but I still took my bike lock with me in my sleeping bag. Then I didn't wake up until 8 in the morning 😁. I went to the Butt of lewis. Compared to what I had done before the route from stornoway looked a bit dull but nonetheless it was a good reward to reach the lighthouse. Also, 2 nights before I slept in Ardroil campsite on Uig bay. It's worth going down there the road is intresting and the sight are really beautifull. I did it in 5 days. I plan on coming back to the western isles next year and spending more time there visiting more places.

[@Cycling366]

Sounds great! It’s a great part of the world

[@davejack3054]

Great video and very enjoyable to watch. The Hebridean Way is on my list for Scotland and tbh, the logistics part at the end was very interesting. Thanks again and congratulations on your new adventure into fatherhood.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Dave! It’s a brilliant route so well worth a go! Thank you :)

[@petersoulsby8905]

What a great informative video. i'm off to cycle the Hebrides next week! Very inspiring

[@Cycling366]

Thank you! Thanks for watching - hope you have a great trip :)

[@ALittleAdventureTime]

Beautiful film, it's a ride that is in my "must do" list so really helpful to hear about the logistics of it. Congrats on your new arrival and look forward to seeing shared touring adventures soon, hopefuly some of the films on our channel will inspire you as you have inspired us, highly recommend the followme tandem when they are a bit older it was a great way to get my started in our cycling adventures.

[@Cycling366]

You’ll have a blast! I’ll give them a watch thanks for the tips!

[@warrenm3542]

Thanks for this. Great video. Planning trip 2 friends for May and was really helpful. We're thinking of going back back via Tarbert ferry to Uig on Skye on our trip. Now Scalpay and the bothy looks attractive!

[@Cycling366]

No worries, thanks! Sounds like a great trip! 😃

[@stevegreenwood8168]

Great video. Thanks

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Steve!

[@climbthatmountainuk]

Amazing video Tom! I’ve been looking forward to this one. Will hopefully follow in your tracks up there one day. Epic drone shots of the scenery. But one thing… Pot Noodles are not sufficient nutrition when you’re out expending all that energy!!!

[@Cycling366]

Cheers mate! Packed with vitamins 😂

[@capturemylife]

Looks amazing! Great video. Can't wait to see Dad and Son adventures!

[@Cycling366]

And grandad as well :)

[@angelag5708]

Congratulations on the new baby! And thank you for sharing the lovely film For anyone wanting to cycle the Outer Hebrides I'll add that the communities there would really love to discourage wild camping, while it is totally legal they get so many visitors a year that sticking to camp sites helps to limit the impact on their lovely islands.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks as always Angela! That’s a fair point! Plenty of good campsites as I discovered :)

[@OnMyFeet82]

Amazing video. Never heard of bikepacking until I saw this video. Im female and would like to do this alone as a personal challenge. I think it's great that you can just jump on a train after work and get to Scotland the next day and then start your journey. Your video is very informative, talking about the weather and how many days it took you. Four days is great esp when you work a normal job and take annual leave. I would love to do that in Sept next year. Just a very important question for me - I don't like cycling around cars. How busy is it car wise? From your video I can see its quite quiet.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much! Hopefully you can get out and enjoy some bikepacking soon :) the route is all on roads, but mostly very quiet roads. There are a couple of A road sections in the north of the islands that are quite busy but you can take the long way round on the b roads to avoid these sections. Well worth doing!

[@christopherhood9241]

great video with super music, certainly worth the wait. I cycled this route in 2021, only took a day & half. Really enjoy staying in the shadows of the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis. Congratulations & good luck with livestock.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Christopher! Yeah it’s definitely doable over a couple of days if you go for it. Was nice to take my time on this one :) Thanks very much for watching and commenting as always!

[@julesh4924]

Another great video, love the format where you narrate afterwards. Some lovely footage. Congratulations on the new addition. I hope you’re able to keep up the vids as it’s been a great years filming - very inspiring.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Jules! I’ve got Januarys film ready to go and luckily my other half is very supportive of me going on the adventures so hopefully it’s business as usual! All the best :)

[@phantomracer1050]

Congratulations on the new arrival 🥳 I was supposed to do the Hebridean Way earlier this year, but for various reasons it didn't happen. Hopefully will get to do it in 2023.

[@Cycling366]

Thank you very much! The bike trailer is ready 😆 Fingers crossed for you! 🤞

[@rjward51]

Me too!

[@shahbazahmedkhan3659]

Simply wowww. Feels like I'm in a dream. Your skill in editing is top notch. These locations are meant to bike and make memories. Greetings from Islamabad, Pakistan.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Shahbaz! Would love to go cycling in Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@grahamhaines9931]

Been waiting for this since the teaser. Brilliant trip and a fine ending to your video year. It is on my bucket list and I hope to spend a little longer on the islands as I also want to climb the high points on each of the islands as well. There was lots of additional useful items in your video that I hadn’t considered. Scalpay looks a must visit, especially the Bothy. As always, thanks for sharing, and good luck with the new addition to your family.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Graham that’s very kind of you. You certainly won’t regret doing it! Scalpay bothy was great as well so if you’re taking your time I’d recommend it :) All the best!

[@niallharran]

Congratulations 🎊 🥳 👏👏👏 Great video too but that's secondary this time 🤣

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Niall! Appreciate both the compliments nonetheless 😂

[@PuddledPete]

Fantastic and huge congratulations to the 3 of you in your new family. I actually spent a few wet days planning this trip recently and look forward to riding it next spring with my wife. We know the islands pretty well but have never cycled from one end to the other and plan to take our time, poking our noses into all sorts of out of the way places we love. Thanks so much for such a great series of films and valuable explanations. Hope you have a great family Christmas and I look forward to your next adventure.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Pete! That’s what I use wet days for as well to be honest 😆 you’ll have a blast and you’ll certainly spot things you didn’t see when driving. All the best to you as well! :)

[@silentrabbit247]

Enjoyed watching your adventure, brought back memories. If you want a rough adventure to The Butt of Lewis, try the east coast side from North Tolsta ( over "the bridge to nowhere" ) Best done after a dry period - it's rough going and very boggy, but very quiet and fun. ( includes a ruined church & peat cutting Shielings settlement ) All best to you and the family.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks! I’ll be back someday so I’ll keep that in mind

[@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636]

Firstly Congratulations on the arrival of the wee guy, someone to have adventures with in the future. I was toying with doing it in both directions as it may be as easy for me than getting back from the top though there is an alternative to use a pickup service but it does cost a fortune. One question no Callanish Stones? I would have thought that might have been great for the drone. Just love a wee bothy great fun.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Michele! Yes that’s certainly an option and you’d get to experience the massive headwind coming down… I hadn’t actually even heard of those until you said! They look great

[@SwampyDuckRidesAgain3636]

It’s one of the reasons I want to go as they are pretty stunning especially at sunrise or sunset.

[@gordonwright299]

Congratulations Tom on the arrival of your son, and all the best to the family. I cycled north to south in 2019, staying in hostels, had much better weather than you did, and spent 8 days tiki touring down the islands. Some great history, archaeology, stunning beaches, coastline, and well worth touring.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Gordon! Glad you enjoyed the film. Yes it’s definitely worth doing for anyone in my opinion! I’d like to do it the other way one day :)

[@imajez1]

That start signpost looks like it's made of Corten Steel, in case you ever need to describe it again to someone. 😀 Corten Steel is designed to rust on the surface and give a lovely patina.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks

[@LennartSchoors]

Great bits of information here, helping me plan this trip for the summer. What would you reckon is the best time for this, when aiming for the best weather, not too crowded, not too much midges?

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Lennart! To be honest, the weather is such an unpredictable entity, I’d probably recommend late May or June. The midges aren’t particularly bad on the islands compared to other places I’ve visited up in Scotland!

[@outsideambition]

Congratulations and a big thanks for this breakdown, particularly the logistics. It’s definitely the return journey that has had me stumped! Did you need to book a bike place on the train from Garve?

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much and no problem at all! You’re supposed to book on that line, but I didn’t. There weren’t any bikes on at the time. It is a bit of a Russian roulette with conductors I’m afraid! - best to book if you can. :)

[@outsideambition]

@@Cycling366 Thanks for this, much appreciated!

[@alistairwilson4160]

Thanks great video. Love the Hebrides what tent do you use

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Alistair, all the gear I use is here: www.cycling366.com

[@Cycling4Wellbeing]

Hey Tom, great video, definitely on my list of rides to do and love the idea of a diversion to Scalpay. I am new to Bikepacking, I've only really done one proper trip, I cycled the NC500 in Sep 21; it was an amazing adventure which I completed in just over 6 days, I wild camped most nights with a couple of nights on camp sites. I rode the route Mark Beaumont did with GCN over 3 days! The route doesn't go all the way up to John O' Groats, it drops down well before at Melvich, this route is so nice, returns inland to Lairg, Dingwall then a ride around the Black Isle before heading back to Inverness. I have lots planned for 2023 and I have just started a FaceBook Group Page - Bikepacking UK. The aim of the group is to get like-minded people to share stories of their adventures and hopefully to get more people out bike packing. Be great if you joined the group to share your adventures. Look forward to sharing bike packing adventures with you next year. Ride safe.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Steve! The NC500 is on my list for 2023 so stay tuned :) cheers

[@lesleypark6436]

Hi , planning on doing this next June , I'm a middle aged lady and really want to do this solo to enjoy the tranquility . Is it difficult? Obviously you make it look easy. Many thanks and congratulations 🎊.

[@Cycling366]

Thanks Lesley, it’s pretty tough when you get to the Isle of Lewis/Harris as it’s pretty mountainous, but if you take it steady it’s not too bad! You’ll love it :)

[@rjward51]

Congratulations Tom on the baby and an inspiring video. I had planned to do this route this year, but it didn't work out, so it's a definite for 2023. Only one question - as you were there in the summer, were you bothered by the dreaded midges?

[@Cycling366]

Thanks very much Richard! You’ll have a great time when you get round to it. Midges we’re virtually none existent actually. The high winds and lack of shelter for them makes them hard to come by unless you stumble across any woodland!

[@rjward51]

@@Cycling366 Thanks for the prompt response. I was planning to do the ride in May or September, but perhaps I'll risk June!

[@Cycling366]

Go for it! Should be great at either point in honesty!

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Was the lighthouse on Scalpay easy to cycle to? As I notice the road/track stops before you get to the lighthouse. As I’m planning to go there soon 🤔😁 But thinking about it, in Scotland you can legally cycle on footpaths, not like us here in England sadly.

[@Cycling366]

Mostly, there is a gate to enter at the top of the footpath and then it’s loose gravel until the finish. 👍

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

Do you have a GPX file for this, but not on strava? Thanks

[@Cycling366]

In the video description I have linked all the routes. It’s free to download. You just need a free MapMyRide account 👍

[@bikepackingadventure7913]

@@Cycling366 thanks

[@AnnaMcneish]

The way starts in vatersay not Barra

[@Cycling366]

🤦‍♂️ that’s all you took away from this video?

[@Sparky-ov1ot]

Congratulations on the good news, hope your not going to feed him or her on Pot Noodles!

[@Cycling366]

Thank you! He’s not been treated to the noodles yet 😂