Outer Heb-walk
Isle of Harris cycling route
Key Facts
- Location: Outer Hebrides
- Terrain: Minor roads and a section of The Hebridean Way (A859)
- Access: Road from Lewis; ferry from North Uist
- Height gain: 1142 metres
- Map: OS Explorer 455 South Harris
- Starting point: Leverburgh Ferry Terminal, Grid ref. NG 014 864
Isle of Harris cycle route description
This is a roller-coaster of a road route that takes in all of the natural, cultural and foodie highlights of this wonderful island with stunning beach scenery along the west coast and wild and stark scenery along the east.
Heading north from Leverburgh the clockwise route follows the legendary Hebridean Way passing the epic beaches of the west coast, climbing the high pass between Grosa Cleit and Uabhal Beg, before turning off to follow the single-track Golden Road to Leac a Li and then onwards through the Bays of Harris.
The east coast route passes through lunar-looking landscape. Grey rocky outcrops, the oldest exposed rock in the world, juxtaposed with patches of green and splendid waterlily-filled lochans, edged with the wonderfully named bog bean. It winds and undulates through a mix of small communities with Gaelic and Viking names that will leave you tongue-tied.
There are plenty of opportunities to soak up the cultural heritage of Harris along the way and have a well-deserved break. For a Tweed-fest pull over at Plocrapol, which still hand-weaves Harris Tweed in the traditional way. There are fantastic art galleries at Holmasaig Gallery, Finsbay Gallery, Skoon Art Cafe, Ardbuidhe Gallery and the Mission House.
Definitely take time to enjoy the stunning viewpoint at Manish and don’t miss Finsbay to view the seals basking on the rocks. You’ll know that you are coming up to it by the number of cars parked on the verge. This whole section feels more high mountain plateau than low level coastal.
The southern end of the east coast route reaches Rodel with the wonderful St Clement’s Church above the tranquil harbour – both are well worth a visit and good toilets are available.
The route climbs out of Rodel before the final descent into to Leverburgh – the best way to finish this energetic ride. Download the GPX and detailed route description for Golden Road, Harris for more information.
Beaches of Harris
Join our Islandeering community
We continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.