4 Island tour - Skye, Lewis, Orkney, Shetland - sights?

[dongward]

Bit of a solo mission to visit neolithic sites (architect) such as Moussa Broch and Jarlshof on Shetland and Skara Brae in Orkney. Trip is going to consist of:

Kyle of Lochalsh to Uig - Skye
Uig to Stornoway - Skye to Lewis
Stornoway to Ullapool - Lewis to the mainland
Ullapool to Scrabster - Mainland up North West coast
Scrabster to Stromness - North coast to Orkney
Stromness to Kirkwall - Orkney (day travel around the island)
Kirkwall to Lerwick - Orkney to Shetland

Between these places I'm looking to camp and explore a wee bit either with a day spent here or there or just passing through - has anyone been through these places con bici and have any recommendations?

Going to be touring on my Klein Quantum Q carbon road bike, topeak seatpost rack, Bar bag and camelback

Donnie

 

[epicyclo]

For the Hebrides:

Midge net for the midgies, if there's no midgies then pair of wrap round glasses to stop your eyes streaming from the wind, plus a bookful of your finest oaths for the headwinds.

I don't know of much neolithic stuff in Harris - the Uists would have been well worth a visit - and you're probably well aware of the broch at Carloway and Callanish.

Also take sunscreen, and a sense of humour.

Sounds like a good trip.

 

[dongward]

...plus a bookful of your finest oaths for the headwinds.

ah, yes. Almost forgot about preparing a mantra to stop me rage throwing my bike into a ditch and crying by the side of the road.

Cycled Uist a few years ago pre-architect but seems like Shetland and Lewis have the best of the Brochs.

 

[gmac123]

Sounds great Donnie.

Kyle to Uig is pretty much the busiest road in Skye, not really a big deal but quite busy July to August, not so much after portree. Sligachan is the obvious campsite on route, glenbrittle is worth the addition 10 mile detour. If you make that detour you could visit the Dunn at Struan, consider the most complete on the isle. Then climb over to portree.

My advice for the north west is always April and May , no midges, normally pretty dry. Bit late now I know, but sounds an excellent adventure. GL!

 

[dyna-ti]

Bring a midge net for your head

Sounds like a fantastic idea. Is this a fortnights affair ?

 

[dongward]

Sounds great Donnie.

Kyle to Uig is pretty much the busiest road in Skye, not really a big deal but quite busy July to August, not so much after portree. Sligachan is the obvious campsite on route, glenbrittle is worth the addition 10 mile detour. If you make that detour you could visit the Dunn at Struan, consider the most complete on the isle. Then climb over to portree.

My advice for the north west is always April and May , no midges, normally pretty dry. Bit late now I know, but sounds an excellent adventure. GL!

Thanks for the info - I am cheating a bit as my Granny lives near Talisker so I will be making a detour to stay in a bed for the night :roll: Yes, I've been to Glenbrittle and it is incredible - the camp site has amazing views and the Fairy pools just before there are phenomenal! The only part of the route I am a little concerned about is Kyle to Sligachan due to the road and the traffic. I've cycled it before but it gets a little disconcerting with traffic whizzing past after a while.

I never even knew about the Dun at Struan! - Thanks for that Your own country least travelled etc etc...

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

Re:

I know you are on a road bike and it's a bit out of the way, but what about Sandwood Bay?

My wife and I MTB'd in there and camped at side of Sandwood Loch years ago. From memory there's a landrover track to a small lochan then beyond that the footpath/track was more than a bit rutted (2 to 3 feet in places) so we biked then pushed, repeat.
No idea what it's like now to cycle but it was worth the effort pushing then to be there walking along beach. Was wishing we had our climbing gear for Am Buachaille sea stack but probably better we didn't have it though. :roll:

 

[gmac123]

cool, hope you get a pint in the carbost inn

the road aint that bad these days the worst bits have been widened

be good to hear how you get on

g.

 

[dongward]

Re: Re:

I know you are on a road bike and it's a bit out of the way, but what about Sandwood Bay?

Looks stunning and quite remote! Always wanted to venture up that way but I think you may be right in it being a bit too out of the way. I have two days to get up to Scrabster so if the wind is in my favour I may attempt it - I had a look on the map for turn-offs but saw none - is there a sign posted track?

cool, hope you get a pint in the carbost inn

Possibly... I'm actually making a detour to Fiskavaig to stay with my Granny for the night so may drop in for a cheeky one before the final few miles and if my cousin is working at the Talisker distillery, I'll get a wee dram to send me home!

Will post up here once I'm done - really looking forward to it!