Balivanich to Ardmore
- 73 km
- 129 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 129 m
- 73 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders comfortable with a medium distance and low climbing of 129 m over 73 km.
Stage 4 of 5 of the Hebridean Way: 73.3 km from Balivanich to Ardmore with 129 m of climbing, on the signed route.
Starting in Balivanich, the route heads northeast passing through Àird, Nunton, Liniclate, Creagorry, and many other small settlements including West Gerinish, Stilligarry, and Howmore. The road is mostly flat with the lowest point at 0 m around 15.9 km. The surface is 85% paved, with some gravel or unpaved sections (2%) and 13% unmapped surface. The ride includes 32.9 km on main roads without cycle lanes, including 21 km on the A865 and 8.3 km on the B892. There is a climb starting at 58.6 km lasting 2.2 km with 49 m elevation gain at an average gradient of 2.2% and a maximum of 4.2%, reaching the highest point of 49 m at 60.9 km. The longest descent is 1.1 km from 61.3 km with a 44 m drop. Facilities include shops and cafés near Balivanich and several points along the route including Kildonan and Kilbride. There is a longest stretch with no café, shop, or water of 25.5 km from km 12.1 to 37.6.
Highlights
- Climb of 2.2 km with 49 m gain at km 58.6
- Peaks near road: Ruaidheabhal (87 m) at km 18.9
- Askervein (126 m) near km 41.7
- Beinn Sgritheann (185 m) near km 60.6
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 58.6 km | 2.2 km | 49 m | 2.2 % | 4.2 % | 49 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 45% main road · 36% minor road · 4% quiet street · 1% track · 13% unmapped
- Main roads
- 32.9 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 9.6 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- A865 (21 km), B892 (8 km)
- Surface
- 85% paved · 2% gravel or unpaved · 13% unmapped
- Gradient
- 3% climbing · 4% descending · 94% flat
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 26 km, from 12 km to 38 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0.1 kmUist and Barra Hospital · hospital · 100 m off route
- 0.2 kmSeaview Filling Station · petrol station · on the route
- 0.3 kmMacleans Cottage Bakery · bakery · 70 m off route
- 0.3 kmMacLennans · supermarket · 60 m off route
- 0.3 kmToilets · 70 m off route
- 7.5 kmPublic Bar - Dark Island Hotel · pub · 120 m off route
- 9 kmPetrol station · 260 m off route
- 10.1 kmThe Co-operative Food · supermarket · on the route
- 12.1 kmCafé · 140 m off route
- 37.6 kmKildonan Cafe · café · 90 m off route
- 37.6 kmToilets · 90 m off route
- 44 kmCo-op Dhalabroig · convenience store · 230 m off route
- 54.7 kmKilbride Cafe · café · on the route
- 54.7 kmToilets · 40 m off route
- 60 kmEriskay Shop · convenience store · on the route
- 61.9 kmDrinking water · 40 m off route
- 61.9 kmToilets · 30 m off route
- 71.5 kmArdmhor Coffee · café · on the route
Need to bail out?
- 61.9 km — Ceann a' Ghàraidh (ferry), 40 m off route
- 71.5 km — Àird Mhòr (ferry), on the route
Worth a stop
- 2.1 km — St Mary's Chapel (ruins)
- 6.4 km — Borve Castle (castle)
- 12.6 km — Dun (archaeological site)
- 37.6 km — Cille Pheadair Square Cairn (archaeological site)
- 47.6 km — Dun (archaeological site)
At the start
- Macleans Cottage Bakery · bakery · 270 m
- Lovats Shop · supermarket · 210 m
- MacLennans · supermarket · 370 m
- Stepping Stone Restaurant · restaurant · 400 m
Stay after this ride
- Tigh Grianach Bed & Breakfast · guest house · 830 m from the finish
- Heathbank Hotel · hotel · 1.3 km from the finish
- Croft 183 · campsite · 2.8 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 5 h 14 min
Know before you go
- Longest stretch without café, shop or water: 25.5 km from km 12.1 to 37.6
- 32.9 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 9.6 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limit
- 2% gravel or unpaved sections