On July 4th Ten Arran Belles travelled to the Outer Hebrides to cycle from Castlebay, Barra to Stornoway, Lewis staying in Hostels, Bunkhouses and even a Tractor Shed along the way. On a beautiful, calm morning the 7 hour ferry trip from Oban to Barra, calling in at Coll and Tiree, passed very quickly. A quick 8 mile cycle through Barra took us to our next ferry onto Eriskay then South Uist for our first night stop. On Eriskay we detoured to the bar’ SS Politician’ of Whisky Galore fame where we were shown a bottle of whisky from the sunken ship. The next day we headed North through the Uists and Benbecula stopping at the birthplace monument of Flora MacDonald, a bleak remote spot but so full of atmosphere. With rain arriving it was with relief we reached ‘The Tractor Shed”, North Uist our second night’s accommodation to be welcomed by our host, the very laid back Duncan. The old tractor shed has been converted into kitchen/living room/bunkroom with other turf covered huts outside, very cosy, very comfortable but very different. After drying off, nice dinner and a good nights sleep the Belles rose to a lovely day to continue their journey to Tarbert, South Harris via the Berneray/Leverburgh ferry. Turning west on Harris we were treated to the stunning beaches of Scarasta, Seilebost and Luskentyre overlooking Taransay. Now we were thankful for the tailwind that we had enjoyed since the start as the route became more hilly with a lunar like landscape. After another hostel overnight at the brilliant Backpackers in Tarbert rain had returned for our last day but undeterred the Belles set out to tackle the Harris Hills between North Harris and the Isle of Lewis. Cross winds blew Sue and Fiona D. across the road so with regret we cancelled the planned detour to the Callinish Standing Stones . We passed the monument commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie travelling through in 1745 finally arriving ‘a bit drookit’ in Stornoway. This was a first cycle tour for most of the Arran Belles, full of doubts and concerns about their fitness but they coped with determination and motivation surprising themselves with their ability. Well deserved medals were presented to Isla Murchie, Sue Archer, Fiona Leslie, Fiona Douglas, Fiona Carswell, Toni MacKenzie, Carol Vella Boyle, Linda Johnston, Jillian Plenderleith, Wee Flo and Janice Small who all agreed the Outer Hebrides had been a truly wonderful experience, a place of isolation, haunting beauty, antiquities, dazzling beaches, turquoise seas, sea lochs and dramatic hills. A place to return to.
