The Outer Hebrides... On A Bike Called Wanda

[@takvertakvera]

I cycled the Hebridean Way in 1988. Best ride on my 3 month travels around the world (6 weeks in North America, 6 weeks in the UK) from Australia with my touring bike. I remember that hill climb up from Tabet, although I did it in rain and mist. I took few photos. I remember cycling the Uists. And the visit to Callanish. And cycling the length of Skye to catch the small ferry to the mainland (yes, before the bridge was built). This video brought lots of memories back. I made it back to Skye by car in 1996 with my partner and kids. I doubt I'll visit this part of the world again. I recently gave away that touring bike, for it to have another life with someone else. I get about in Melbourne on a Brompton now, often with my two small dogs onboard.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hopefully your bike will make it back to Scotland John :-)

[@gailmcmillan8848]

Great video, ive cycled the hebrides both ways, last time was barra and North, 2018, 3 weeks of no rain. Magical

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks. Yes, you’ve got to have the weather on your side!

[@angusgtw]

Wow. This is TV-level production!!! Bravo.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Angus :-)

[@paulsslightlyactivelife]

Nicely edited travelogue Andrew. Good to see that Wanda's inherited Reggie's thirst for two-wheeled adventure.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Paul. Yes, Wanda is a worthy successor to Reggie… :-)

[@kevinw7044]

A magical route. Makes me want to get the bike packed up and travel up there today. Another enjoyable video.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Do it! But try be lucky with the weather...

[@my_midlife_adventures]

Hey - somebody spotted me and my bike on the ferry and pointed me in the direction of your film. And what a lovely film. I was on the train with you to Oban, remember. Looks like you had a marvelous time. Great to see your film!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi. Thanks for getting in touch and thanks for the kind comments about the film. Are you the woman from the West Midlands? Hope your journey went well :-)

[@Cycletoursglobal]

Thanks for the temptation Andrew!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Any time!

[@pedalingthru2719]

If you want a real bicycle adventure you should come to America and do the trans America route from Oregon to Yorktown Virginia. Best 4 months on a bike in the world.

[@cstewart3671]

Beautiful video thank you Andrew 🙏🏻

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks :-)

[@chrispower7142]

Very well put together and shows off the islands really well. Looks like you knocked it off with the weather. 👍🏻

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks. Yes, the second half of the trip certainly had beautiful weather…

[@angusmorrison8109]

Great footage as usual. Unfortunately not able to enjoy it as planned ......out camping with the kids . Lucky it on KZbin to enjoy an other time . Thanks again Mr Sykes .

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Mr Morrison!

[@davidrowe8747]

Inspirational, with a calm tone that suited the environment (well, except for the head-banging music in the Glasgow section!) ;-) I'm scheduled to ride the Hebridean Way in September and this has really got me looking forward to it!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks David. Hope you have a good ride in september and that the weather is kind :-)

[@williamm835]

Great film, I love the drone shots and the commentary. Cant wait to visit the Hebrides.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks William. It was a beautiful place. Pick the good weather!!!

[@petesig93]

Excellent video of this marvellous group of wild islands.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive feedback! :-)

[@fionaridley5011]

Brought back all the memories. You had much better weather than our two visits but it’s a magical journey in any weather. We camped there too, that’s Berneray, there’s the turn for Huishnish. The Blackhouses. I knew exactly where you were. Another visit is needed to explore even more. The drone shots!! Thank you for the memories.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Fiona. Yes, I’d love to go back one day. And I’m delighted with the drone shots; well worth the investment earlier in the year.

[@robmartin1792]

What a marvelous spot. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. Spectacular footage. What an amazing experience with Wanda. Thanks again. ✌🏼

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Rob. Your comments are much appreciated :-)

[@Sophie703]

Amazing scenery and videography! Can’t wait to cycle this route myself - I’m especially excited about the peat smoked salmon. Yum!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Sophie. Your comments are much appreciated. The peat smoked salmon is recommended!

[@chrismurray7094]

Excellent video that would inspire anyone to do the Hebridean Way.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Chris. Your comments are very much appreciated. I hope it inspires you! (If it hasn't already... :-) )

[@johnb0101]

Thank you, I enjoyed that. Sitting at home a bit immobilised with sciatica at the moment, and it cheered me up. Hoping I can get back out to the islands soon.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive feedback John. Hope you are feeling better and back on the bike soon!

[@garethdent]

Fabulous. I particularly appreciated how you covered the whole trip, not just the Hebridean days.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive feedback Gareth :-)

[@grahamramsay3402]

Great video!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Graham. Good to know you enjoyed it! Andrew

[@ingridheinz7985]

Thank you for the wonderful impressions and the good filming! Want to travel to the Outer Hebrides at once! :-)

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive feedback Ingrid. I hope you get the chance to visit the Outer Hebrides one day :-)

[@tarasmelnyk1798]

Thanks Andrew. Really enjoyed watching and has inpired us to visit the Outer Hebrides by bike ourselves. Taras and Joanne

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Taras. Hope your trip is as good as mine was. :-)

[@asmasaloo270]

hi sir, i just watched you video after you told me to in the the lesson u were a substitute. this is such a cool video and it looked like so much fun!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi Asma. Thanks for watching. It was fun! Hopefully you'll get the chance to do a bit of travelling yourself one day. It's great for the mind!! :-)

[@andrewhurn4440]

What a journey! Wonderful footage, great film.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Andrew

[@mentaltentacles4561]

really enjoyed your footage, thank you

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

And thanks for your positive feedback 😊🚴‍♂️

[@markjthomson]

Nicely put together Andrew!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Mark

[@wellermj]

Enjoyed the podcast and the video, the sense of adventure is growing due to your inspiration, thanks

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Martin. Good to hear you have been inspired :-)

[@davidfarquhar3917]

Wonderful video. Amazing footage.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive feedback David - much appreciated! :-)

[@tommycooper7643]

oh hi sir you were the substitute for our business lesson, cool video, looked really nice

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi Tommy. Delighted you enjoyed the video :-)

[@sharonmerredew5354]

Thanks, Andrew. I really enjoyed listening to your Hebridean adventure while following your podcast. This film literally takes your journey to a new dimension. Bringing it all to life once more. I can't wait to read/listen and then hopefully watch your next trip with Wanda.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive feedback Sharon. Much appreciated. Next up: The Baltic! CyclingEurope.org/Baltic2022 🙂

[@nickclarke1908]

Fantastic! I loved the podcast series so much, that I listened to them many times. To actually see the incredible footage you shot as well, makes it all the more remarkable.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the feedback Nick. Delighted you enjoyed the film. It was a fun trip! Look out for the next epic film... about my trip around the Baltic scheduled for this coming summer. 🙂

[@nickclarke1908]

@@CyclingEuropeKZbin Great, I look forward to it! Hopefully some more books, too?

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

@@nickclarke1908 Hopefully, yes :-)

[@austincooke3910]

Excellent and inspiring. Looking forward to doing this too 🚴

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Austin :-)

[@duncanrhodes4778]

What an absolutely beautiful film! As a regular listener to the Cycling Europe podcast it is great to be able to see a video to match one of your trips. To have shot such high quality film whilst travelling solo is a great achievement. Thanks for all your work, it is inspiring.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Duncan. Delighted you enjoyed the film! :-)

[@gillcochrane601]

Having cycled this route several years ago - and in reverse some time later - we loved reliving the experience! Wonderful camera work, and we both enjoyed the 'fading' commentary...

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi Gill. Thanks for the kind comments about the film. Delighted you enjoyed it :-) I particularly appreciate your comment about the 'fading' commentary. You can listen to the full version of that commentary in episode 39 of The Cycling Europe Podcast (it's an episode in two parts).

[@mikeb1195]

Thanks for putting together such a fantastic film Andrew. The footage and commentary was truly brilliant. I’m looking forward to your next film already!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Mike for the positive feedback. Much appreciated. Not sure where the next trip will be but... :-)

[@j.r.newton2427]

Great job Mr. Sykes!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks J.R. :-)

[@allanraymond1248]

Beautifully filmed and edited, a truly inspirational collage of sensations along this treasured archipelago. Another true masterpiece created by Reggie's dad. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience 😎

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Allan. Your kind comments are very much appreciated. :-)

[@peterwhitham9834]

Great video Andrew, and this video primarily was the inspiration for me completing the Heb Way a couple of weeks ago. I followed your itinerary almost to the letter, but having just re-watched the video, I now realise I missed out on some interesting stuff (museums mainly) - I'll have to do the ride again! I also enjoyed your podcasts on the Heb Way, and will be following your current Grande Tour with great interest. Love the production values in your videos, and your calm and authoritative narrative.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Peter for the positive feedback. I’m glad I’ve given you a reason to go back! As for me being ‘calm and authoritative…’, that made me smile!

[@ascot1049]

Brilliant mate .

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks :-)

[@chrisbardell]

This is a wonderful film. I’ve been reading the excellent novels by Peter May which are set on the Outer Hebrides, and they’re so immersive that you feel like you’re there. Just finished reading another one, and this pops up on KZbin. I really want to cycle this route. Thanks for this cracking vid, all the best.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the feedback Chris. The novels of Peter May get a brief mention in the second part of episode 039 of The Cycling Europe Podcast. Delighted you've been inspired to one day cycle the route :-)

[@chrisbardell]

@@CyclingEuropeKZbin thank you, I will look up that episode. Just looking at the Hebridean Way website now, as it happens. All the best, sir.

[@martsmith63]

How did you get back home from the But of Lewis?

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

I cycled back to Stornaway, ferry to Ullapool, cycled to Garth, train to Inverness then Glasgow. After a night in Glasgow, train home to Yorkshire. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-6epuifsaGa8ksi=e5iYsky_pJHc4F9h

[@middy1065]

Thanks for sharing, planning to do this in September, how many miles on average did you cycle. We are planning 6 days on the island end to end.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi. Thanks for the message. You can find more information about the cycle - include all the stats (and several podcast episodes) - by following this link to my website: cyclingeurope.org/hebrideanway/ Hope that manages to answer all your questions. Hope the weather is kind in September :-)

[@andyh126]

First class! Videography and photography quite superb. Filming with the drone must have added a fair amount of time to your days, and really enhances the presentation. Emphasising the wildness, tranquility and beauty. A brief overview of yourself, cycling experience, preparation etc, would have been nice at the beginning. Do you have a record of your daily mileage which you could share? Throughly enjoyable, thank you!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the feedback Andy. Much appreciated :-)

[@ladyska836]

great film. what time of year was this?

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks. It was August 2021. I was very lucky with the weather :-)

[@a1white]

Lovely film. I’m really keen to do this cycling route. What was the cycle route like from Ullapool to garve? The road looks like it might be a bit busy.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks Alex. Yes, the road was busy and I had a rather unpleasant experience where a van crashed into a lorry just behind me. It was a nice sunny day when I cycled it; on a wet / windy day it wouldn’t be at all nice. Some people cycle back to Tarbert and catch the ferry to Skye. I think I’d do that if I were to cycle the route again. Good luck!

[@a1white]

@@CyclingEuropeKZbin oh wow. Yes, just read your blog post. That sounds scary, glad you got through that unharmed. I’m normally fairly confident on busy roads but I’ll look into the Skye alternative. Thanks for the tip.

[@janechapman1421]

Hi Andrew, loved the video and hoping to do this journey sometime soon. What map did you use please ?

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi Jane. Thanks for the positive feedback. I think I had a ordnance survey map with me but I also took a map from the tourist board about the Hebridean Way. It showed the route very clearly as well as all the things you pass. That said, you could do the whole route without a map as there aren’t that many roads on the islands and it’s quite difficult to lose your way! More details if you visit cyclingeurope.org/hebrideanway/

[@timnewland4186]

Cracking video and loved the commentary. One question...what map case were you using ?

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi Tim. Thanks for the positive comments about the film. (Listen to the Hebrides Way podcasts for more commentary!) A question that is asked quite frequently... :-) It's actually not a map holder. It's sold by Topeak as a 'Tablet Drybag'. Goodness knows who wants to attach their tablet to their handlebars but there you go. It does make a very good map holder however - just the right size. I've seen others on the market - one recently at Decathlon - but they are very big. Here's the Topeak link for more details: www.topeak.com/global/en/product/798-TABLET-DRYBAG

[@timnewland4186]

@@CyclingEuropeKZbin This could be worth a try. Thank you for the info.

[@hughevans3932]

Just out of interests: what map holder were you using and how did you attach it to the handlebars? Excellent video by the way.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi. Thanks for the positive comments about the film. As for the ‘map holder’ (it’s the most common question that I’m asked!!), it’s actually sold as a tablet holder by Topeak although not sure how many people would want to strap their tablet to their handlebars. Works equally well as a waterproof map holder :-) Here’s the link: www.topeak.com/global/en/product/798-TABLET-DRYBAG

[@bobhardy128]

Andrew Sykes? We met in Prestbury last week!

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Yes, that’s me but the Andrew Sykes you met wasn’t me. Is there an imposter out there?

[@bobbyspity]

Can I ask what make abs model your handle bar pack is pls

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Hi. They are Koga Denham bars. Very wide, very good 🙂

[@bobbyspity]

@@CyclingEuropeKZbin what is the pack on the bars ?

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

@@bobbyspity The pack?

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

Your answer was addressed See earlier notes ..bag by TopPeak🎈

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

@@CyclingEuropeKZbin the map pocket you bought from TopPeak🎉great filming..da best !

[@ChrisPinCornwall]

Brilliant. Thank you so much for doing this and sharing it. I read all your books and am a keen cycle tourist myself. By the way, are you still teaching? And what gears do you have? Is the belt drive an improvement over chain? Again, thank you.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive comments. Yes, still teaching… The Koga WorldTraveller has A Rohloff gear hub. The belt drive is great; maintenance free! (Hopefully…)

[@pedalingthru2719]

Want a long train journey try taking amtrack from Brunswick, Me. To Los Angeles, Ca. 102 hours on the train.

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Sounds wonderful!

[@hollymawdsley4033]

Hey there.great video. Which beach are you on in Vatersay?

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

I’m not. I’m in France. (???)

[@hollymawdsley4033]

@@CyclingEuropeKZbin I meant in the video 😂

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

@@hollymawdsley4033 Ahh… I was on the eastern side of the island.

[@stuartmcdonald10]

why keep editing your narration out? Other than that great vid

[@CyclingEuropeYouTube]

Thanks for the positive comments. As for the narration… It wasn’t recorded for the film, but for the accompanying podcasts. I edited the film purposefully to fade out to give a sense of dropping into and then out of the podcast. The details about the full podcasts - there are two of them - can be found here: cyclingeurope.org/hebrideanway/