Finally, after months of careful planning, and plenty of anticipation, we met at Mike’s home ready to set off to the Outer Hebrides.

The first part of our journey was to travel up to Glasgow.

Once in Glasgow, we cycled across town and found somewhere for lunch.

This was at The Wild Olive Tree. which is located within St Georges Tron on Buchanon Street. It was mid-afternoon and they had run out of most food. That said, what we ate was enjoyable.

From there, we headed over to Glasgow Queen Street rail station. 

Here we caught the train to Oban. We were impressed with the bike storage facilities!

It was early evening by the time we arrived in Oban … and raining.

So, we got rather wet when cycling to our accommodation, Glenmoore Guest House.

Thankfully, the Taj Mahal Tandoori Restaurant was just a few doors down when we sought somewhere for an evening meal.

The following morning we had a little spare time before we were due to catch the ferry.

So, after some breakfast, we decided to walk up the hill to McCaig’s Tower on Battery Hill.

The climb from the town centre to McCaig’s Tower is quite an effort. However, in spite of the rain, there were some spectacular views across Oban Bay.

The tower was built in 1897 by local banker John Stuart McCaig. His aim for the tower was to provide work for local stonemasons. He also wanted it to be a lasting monument to the McCaig family. His plans were ambitious, including a museum and other buildings. Unfortunately, work ground to a halt upon his death, and only these perimeter walls were ever built

Then it was time to walk back down the hill and head for the ferry terminal.

At the terminal, there were lots of other cyclists obviously with the same idea as us.

Once on the ferry, we settled down for the five-hour journey.

It was a choppy journey. The ferry bounced around, particularly once it had completed its passage through the Sound of Mull and into the more open waters.

Eventually, the Isle of Barra came into view. And finally, as we rounded Kisimul Castle there was the port of Castlebay, our first overnight stop on the islands.

We disembarked from the ferry and then headed up to our accommodation.

We were staying at Dunard Hostel.

Once we had dropped off our bikes and our panniers, we went for a first little walk – along the short ‘Herring Walk’ in front of the hostel.

We had booked an evening meal at the Castlebay Hotel. They didn’t have any vegetarian gluten-free options on the menu for Sarah, so made something, especially for her. Sarah said it wasn’t the greatest meal TBH, but at least they tried.

Afterwards, we took another little stroll around the village. It was a fine peaceful evening as we looked out over the bay.

Tomorrow our Hebridean Way cycle journey truly begins!