Balallan to Strond
- 72 km
- 557 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 557 m
- 72 km
Route overview
Suitable for cyclists comfortable with moderate distance and moderate climbing on mostly main roads.
Stage 2 of 5 of the Hebridean Way: 72.1 km from Balallan to Strond with 557 m of climbing, on the signed route.
Starting in Balallan, the route heads north passing through Arivruach, Aline, Bowglass, and Ardvourlie before reaching Ardhasaig at 30 km. The ride follows mostly paved roads, with 86% on main roads including the A859 for 61 km. After Ardhasaig, the ride climbs 163 m over 2.8 km starting near 16.6 km. A bike rental is located around 16.4 km. Continuing beyond Ardhasaig, the route passes places like Tarbert at 34.4 km and Seilebost at 49.6 km. Two more short climbs add 57 m and 50 m respectively after 36 km. There is a 30 km stretch without cafés, shops, or water in the first half, but amenities include shops and cafés near Tarbert and fuel stations at Ardhasaig and Leverburgh. The descent from 26.2 km over 3.3 km drops 155 m. The final section leads through Scarista, Northton, and finishes at Leverburgh after 72 km. The surfaces are mostly paved, with 2% gravel and unmapped sections. Some stretches are on roads with 80 km/h speed limits and all main roads lack cycle lanes. Toilets are available at several points along the route.
Highlights
- Climb of 163 m over 2.8 km from 16.6 km
- Longest descent of 155 m over 3.3 km from 26.2 km
- Riding on A859 for 61 km
- Peaks near the route including Clett Ard at 328 m and Tarsaval at 376 m
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 16.6 km | 2.8 km | 163 m | 5.8 % | 7.6 % | 192 m |
| — | 36.2 km | 1.9 km | 57 m | 3 % | 6.6 % | 81 m |
| — | 38.9 km | 2.1 km | 50 m | 2.4 % | 3.7 % | 132 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 86% main road · 4% quiet street · 3% minor road · 1% track · 5% unmapped
- Main roads
- 61.4 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 57.8 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- A859 (61 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 16% climbing · 20% descending · 64% flat
- Steep sections
- 2.7 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 7.3% at 18.7 km
- Longest descent
- 3.3 km from 26.2 km, dropping 155 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 30 km, from 0 km to 30 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmOld School Tearoom · café · 50 m off route
- 0 kmDrinking water · on the route
- 9.6 kmToilet · toilets · 80 m off route
- 16.4 kmBike rental · 70 m off route
- 30.2 kmArdhasaig Filling Station · petrol station · on the route
- 30.7 kmHebscape · café · 50 m off route
- 34.4 kmAkram General Store · convenience store · 190 m off route
- 52.1 kmToilets · 210 m off route
- 61.7 kmCroft 36 · fast food · 350 m off route
- 66.2 kmHarris Community Shop · supermarket · 50 m off route
- 66.2 kmAn Clachan Filling Station · petrol station · on the route
- 67.6 kmThe Butty Bus · café · on the route
- 67.7 kmToilets · on the route
Need to bail out?
- 34.5 km — Tarbert Ferry Terminal (ferry), 210 m off route
- 67.7 km — Leverburgh Ferry Terminal (ferry), on the route
Worth a stop
- 2.9 km — Pairc Deer Raid Monument (monument)
- 56.5 km — Standing Stone (archaeological site)
At the start
- Old School Tearoom · café · 50 m
Stay after this ride
- Ben View Bed and Breakfast · guest house · 3.7 km from the finish
- Lingay House · guest house · 3.8 km from the finish
- Leverburgh Loft holiday rental · apartment · 3.9 km from the finish
- Carminish Guest House · guest house · 2.8 km from the finish
- Rodel Valley Log Cabins · apartment · 3.3 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 5 h 09 min
Know before you go
- 30 km stretch with no café, shop, or water at start
- 61 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 57.8 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limits
- Gravel or unpaved sections for 2% of route