Stornoway

A quick 20 miles over to Stornoway this morning. Cycling done - time for a beer before the ferry to Ullapool.

Port Nis - Butt of Lewis

End of the road at port Nis - the Outet Hebrides traversed. 86 miles today in the warmest day of the tour.

Callanish

The standing stones of Callanish get a visit from the Rats.

Clisham climb

Toughest climb of the tour - conquered.

Drinashaber Harbour

The early risers enjoying the views from Drinashader pier. It is going to be another hot day.

South Harris

We took the road round the west coast from Leverburgh. Superb sandy beaches and one long climb as we crossed over to the East coast and our accommodation in Drinashader. Certainly  rougher and harder cycling
country and a bit of a contrast to South Uist and Benbecula. Total miles cycled today - 92 miles. Tomorrow starts with the toughest climb of the trip - over Clisham and then continues up the West coast of Lewis to the Butt of Lewis.

Lunch stop

Lunch stop at the Co-op on Benbecula.

Barra Airport

Barra beach airport and the ferry to Eriskay.

Berneray to Harris ferry

Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist and Berneray all done and over 60 miles under our belt. Whilst waiting for the ferry over to Leverburgh in Harris we managed to fit in another swim. On the ferry now with 20 miles round the West coast of South Harris before getting to our digs in Drinashader. We are all a bit sunburnt and weather beaten  but having a grand time.

Early Morning in Barra

These were the views from our tents and the hostel this morning.

Vatersay

A great start to the trip. A short cycle from Castlebay on Barra over to Vatersay. A few of us also managed a swim in the crystal clear waters of this bay on Vatersay - close to the southernmost point of our cycle. Staying in Dunard Hostel in Castlebay with three of us in tents overlooking the bay. Setting off at 8 tomorrow round the western side of the island to catch the ferry to Eriskay just after 9. Final destination Harris.

Ferry to Barra

Glorious weather...and it looks as though it will hold. 5 hours and we'll be in Barra.

Departure

All ready to leave from Queen Street. Where's Grant?

Ready to go

Van packed and ready to roll - twenty bikes and a few refreshments. Barra here we come!

A few final points before we set off.

For those that didn't make the short meeting a week or so ago, here are the key points discussed/agreed;

• Group costs and itinerary updated in previous posts
• Total group costs (accommodation, van, van ferry etc) estimated to be £100.  John Dyer in charge of the kitty.  If you haven't given him your £100 yet could you make sure you do so before we set off. 
• If you've paid group accommodation and other group costs up front see John and he'll square you up from the kitty.
• Remember to book your individual travel - see itinerary.
• Food booked at Saturday night accommodation by Alastair - dinner and breakfast plus packed lunch for Sunday.  £27 each.
• Johnny booking food for Sunday night at the accommodation.  Can't remember cost. 
• GPS traces of possible route can be downloaded  from the mapping page on previous posts.
• Van loading - from 6.30 to 7.45 at VAL on Thursday 6th.  Aim is to prioritise bikes in van.  Bring your bags along on Thursday night but you may have to hand carry them on Friday - depending on how full the van gets.   Van being stored at Motherwell Police Station overnight (thanks Scotty)
• Bring sleeping bag - may be needed for bunk-houses and would be useful as bike separators/padding.  
• Friday departure - meet at Queen Street station 8am.   Quite a few folk catching the train from Hamilton at 7.15.
• Return/unpacking - 7am at VAL.  

Itinerary and Checklist (Updated 27 May 2013)

Here are links to the key documents that you'll need for planning the trip.  Accommodation has now been booked, so the main thing that you have to do now is to pre-book your individual travel.

• Itinerary
• Accommodation and travel booking checklist
• Shared costs/arrangements
• Summary of travel to be pre-booked individually (the earlier you do it the cheaper it will be)

Touring Rats

Here is the list of  the Hebridean Rats (updated 14/4/13). Anyone missing?  I'll keep this list updated - so send though any changes/confirmations/additions/deletions.

John Pierre Ryan
Alan Kain
Celia Tennant
Jack Dickson
Bobby Fergusson
Gordon and Julie McGavin
Steven Wilson
Grant
John and Bernie Dyer (Support vehicle)
Scott Jones
Johnny Kerr
Brian Jack
Bill Gibson
Cameron Clark
Alastair Findlay
William and Nicola Young
William Ion

Cycling: 18 (17 bikes to transport, Cammie taking his own van up and cycling back down to Oban)
Accommodation required for: 20 (nights 1 and 2), 18 (night 3)
Willing to Camp: Bobby, Cammie, Scotty, Bill

Route maps

Here are links to the route maps, including gps files, elevation data etc.

• Barra - cicular
• Barra to Harris
• Harris to Butt of Lewis
• Butt of Lewis to Stornoway