Eoropie to Balallan
- 84 km
- 500 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 500 m
- 84 km
Route overview
Suitable for cyclists comfortable with long distances and moderate climbing.
Stage 1 of 5 of the Hebridean Way: 83.5 km from Eoropie to Balallan with 500 m of climbing, on the signed route.
The route starts near Eoropie and passes through many villages including Fivepenny, Lionel, and Barvas. The road is almost entirely paved (99%) with a mix of main roads (88%), quiet streets (7%), minor roads (3%), and a short track (1%). It mainly follows A858 for 39.3 km, then A857 for 21.1 km, and A859 for 11.2 km. The long main road sections lack cycle lanes and include 11.2 km with speed limits over 80 km/h. Climbing is moderate with 500 m gained overall, mainly in the first half, including a 2 km climb starting at 21.2 km with a 2% average gradient and a maximum of 2.8%. The highest point is at 96 m at 65.8 km and the lowest at 5 m at 56.1 km. The route has 16% climbing, 17% descending, and 68% flat road. The longest descent is 2.3 km dropping 60 m. Facilities along the way include cafés at 3.8 km, 56.2 km, and near the finish at 83.2 km. Convenience stores are available at 5.5 km, 17.9 km, 27.2 km, and 71.5 km. There is a petrol station close to 5.5 km. Water points and toilets are spread along the route. The longest stretch without a café, shop, or water is 18.2 km from 38 km to 56.2 km.
Highlights
- Route passes near Beinn an Dùin (84 m) and Buailebhal Mòr (97 m)
- Long section on main road A858 for 39.3 km
- Steepest sustained gradient 2.8% at 21-23 km
- Cafés at 3.8 km, 56.2 km, and 83.2 km
- Archaeological sites near 11.4 km and 54.5 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 21.2 km | 2 km | 40 m | 2 % | 2.8 % | 54 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 88% main road · 7% quiet street · 3% minor road · 1% track
- Main roads
- 73.5 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 11.2 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- A858 (39 km), A857 (21 km), A859 (11 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 16% climbing · 17% descending · 68% flat
- Longest descent
- 2.3 km from 43.2 km, dropping 60 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 18 km, from 38 km to 56 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmToilets · on the route
- 3.8 kmWobbly Dog of Lewis · café · 70 m off route
- 3.8 kmDrinking water · 70 m off route
- 5.5 kmSwainbost Shop · convenience store · 40 m off route
- 5.5 kmPetrol station · 30 m off route
- 15 kmWater tap · 170 m off route
- 17.7 kmBorve Country House Hotel · restaurant · 120 m off route
- 17.9 kmBorve Minimarket · convenience store · on the route
- 27.2 kmFast food · 310 m off route
- 27.2 kmThe Welcome In Filling Station · convenience store · 300 m off route
- 38 kmDrinking water · 180 m off route
- 38 kmToilets · 190 m off route
- 56.2 kmAlpacaccinos Café · café · 150 m off route
- 70.2 kmCrust · restaurant · 200 m off route
- 71.5 kmCampbell's Lochs Services · convenience store · 360 m off route
- 78.5 kmToilets · on the route
- 83.2 kmOld School Tearoom · café · 50 m off route
- 83.2 kmDrinking water · 40 m off route
Worth a stop
- 3 km — Observatory (viewpoint)
- 11.4 km — Dun Baravat, Broch (archaeological site)
- 30 km — Moor Shieling at Tom Urraghag, Brù (attraction)
- 34.1 km — Whalebone Arch, Bragar (monument)
- 48.9 km — Dun (archaeological site)
- 54.5 km — Callanish XII (archaeological site)
At the finish
- Old School Tearoom · café · 50 m
Stay after this ride
- Clearview B&B · guest house · 460 m from the finish
- Tigh na Bruaich · guest house · 1.4 km from the finish
- Gledfield B&B · guest house · 1.6 km from the finish
- Loch Erisort House · guest house · 1.3 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 5 h 58 min
Know before you go
- 73.5 km on main roads without cycle lane
- 11.2 km on roads with speed 80 km/h or more
- Longest stretch with no café, shop, or water for 18.2 km (38–56.2 km)
- 1.1 km track surface section