Ardmore to Vatersay
- 20 km
- 118 m
- Easy
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 118 m
- 20 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders comfortable with a 20 km moderately hilly ride on mixed minor and main roads.
Stage 5 of 5 of the Hebridean Way: 20.0 km from Ardmore to Vatersay with 118 m of climbing, on the signed route.
The route begins in Ardmore and heads south through Northbay, Cuier, Grinn, and Allasdale before reaching Borve and Tangasdale. It continues onward through Kentangaval, Nask, and Caolas before finishing at Vatersay. The ride covers 20 km with an elevation gain of 118 m, and features mostly flat terrain with some moderate climbs, with the highest point at 51 m at 13.1 km. The longest descent lasts 1.4 km, starting just after this high point. The surface is 97% paved, with minor gravel or unpaved sections making up 2%, and a small amount unmapped. The roads ridden are almost evenly split between 9.4 km on minor roads and 9.3 km on main roads (all on the A888), with small portions on quiet streets and paths. The main roads lack cycle lanes for their entire length of 9.3 km. There is a long stretch of 9.9 km from km 9 to 18.9 without a café, shop, or water. Places along the route include the archaeological sites near km 3, 8.8, and 15.5 off route by a small distance. Cafés are available near the start at Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath (385 m off route at 1.7 km), fast food at 9 km (30 m off route), and at the finish at Vatersay Hall Cafe. Drinking water and toilets can be found at 19 km near the end of the ride. Bail-out points via ferry are at Ardmore at the start and Castlebay at 12.1 km off route.
Highlights
- Vatersay Hall Cafe at 20 km finish
- Highest point 51 m at 13.1 km
- Archaeological site near Cuier at 3 km
- Peaks Bealach a' Mhaim and Heishival Mòr near route
Along the route
Places passed
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 47% minor road · 47% main road · 5% quiet street · 3% path
- Main roads
- 9.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Main roads used
- A888 (9 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 16% climbing · 12% descending · 72% flat
Along the way
Food, water and shops
- 1.7 kmGàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath · café · 390 m off route
- 9 kmFish box kitchen · fast food · 30 m off route
- 12.5 kmSt Brendan's Hospital · hospital · 650 m off route
- 18.9 kmVatersay Hall Cafe · café · on the route
- 19 kmDrinking water · on the route
- 19 kmToilets · on the route
Need to bail out?
- 0 km — Àird Mhòr (ferry), 1.4 km off route
- 12.1 km — Castlebay (ferry), 1.1 km off route
Worth a stop
- 3 km — Dun (now inundated) (archaeological site)
- 8.8 km — Dun Borve, site of (archaeological site)
- 15.5 km — Dun a' Chaolais, Broch (archaeological site)
At the finish
- Vatersay Hall Cafe · café · 950 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 1 h 26 min
Know before you go
- 9.3 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 9.9 km without café, shop, or water from km 9 to 18.9
- Short gravel/unpaved section 2% of route