Cycling in Skye

[Eoin Rua]

Afternoon all,

Planning on heading to Skye at the start of September and I was wondering if it's worth bringing my bike for cycling? Bearing in mind it's a road bike so does anyone know if there are good routes around the island?

Alternatively, any other the other islands decent for road cycling?

 

[HLaB]

I'dd say take it if you can, IME you only regret not taking things. I've never been to the island myself, but judging from the map there looks to be some good routes.

There was a good thread in the touring section on the Scottish Isles. The only one I've been to though is Arran, its definitely road bike (Bianchi) friendly IMO.

 

[Globalti]

I've never cycled there but I've climbed a bit in the Cullins and from my memory of the shape of Skye I'd say it should be possible to put together some nice little day tours, taking wind direction into account.

While you're there, take the time to visit Elgol in the SE corner and take the boat over to Lock Coruisk. Land and explore the slabs where the river Coruisk pours over into the sea, it is a magical and extraordinary place, wild, forbidding and very isolated. It can't fail to impress you. You can walk back via the coast path, which takes you over the Bad Step (not bad at all, just exposed) then Camasunary bay, which has one of the best and wildest bothies you ever stayed at.

 

[Stig-OT-Dump]

http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/news.htm

If you navigate around the above site you should find some sportive routes for the area.

Take the bike!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Most definitely take the bike......but take waterproofs too. In two days on the island a few years ago, I saw nowt but stair rods falling from the heavens! I think I was unlucky.

 

[PaulB]

You absolutely MUST take the bike. The thing that impressed me about the road surface on Skye is that it is very, very good. There's some stuPENdous scenery there and although I like the climbing (Blaven is my best ever Munro - 100% clarity when I did that one) I'd love the cycling as well (not done that yet) and my strong recommendation is to find your way to Torrin which, to me, provides what must be the finest sight in the British Isles. A truly breathtakingly spectacular place and, my other recommendation, is that it's from an entrance in the forest (not easily seen) from Torrin to take you up on to the majestic flanks of Blaven and it's an outSTANDing climb to the sumptuous summit. I'm jealous that you're going. You bastard!

 

[Eoin Rua]

Thanks folks...

Didn't have time to check out the roads earlier so thought I'd ask on here, and ya'll didn't let me down. Had a quick look and it seems pretty sweet for cycling...if I do get around to going it'll be with my girlfriend who cycles a lot and will love hills! Need to get out of the city - as long as I can work my ass off in August!

 

[CopperBrompton]

In two days on the island a few years ago, I saw nowt but stair rods falling from the heavens! I think I was unlucky.

You weren't unlucky. I used to take a climbing holiday there every year for five years. Every year for five years we got rained on almost every day. I did eventually learn!

 

[toroddf]

 Here is my Skye guide


In general, this is the most hilly and hardest of the Scottish islands. The Trotternish peninsula is a must-do. And I mean the coast road. Not the hill road crossing directly from Uig to Staffin. 

The independent youth hostel in Portree is excellent and so is the fish & chips shop in the same street.  

Check out the wind, btw. I was there in a gale last month. But the midges at Skye is even worse. But you will love Skye.  

 

[Philip Whiteman]

The main drag from the Skye Bridge upto Portree is fairly pants in terms of heavy traffic. However, there are some glorious rides to be had elsewhere. I would recommend the circuit up and around the Trotternish Peninsula.

If you have chance, I would recommond a visit to Callums Road on Raasay. It is a pleasant island, not particularly long but justifiable for a visit. A bike is ideal as it avoids the unecessary ferry expense for a car.