Just over a year ago I completed a self created off road route ‘The Highlander’s Return’ (THR). It was an epic experience. 325km of running and fast hiking the trails, mountainsides and bogs of western Scotland . The idea had been several years in the making. Very much a personal dream that came true. That was that, or so I thought!

My companion for the second half of that odyssey was Cammie (‘C’). It seems that the experience sparked an idea with him. Before long he was wondering if I wished to accompany him on doing the Hebridean Way. He is naming it the ‘Hebridean Way Adventure’ (HWA). At 296km (185 miles) it is a similar distance to THR. However, it is very different in other ways – 10 islands, 6 causeways and 2 ferries. The route starts at the beach in Vatersay, the southernmost island of the Outer Hebrides. It ends at the northern tip of the island of Lewis (known as the Butt of Lewis). The Outer Hebrides is a chain of islands jutting out into the Atlantic off the north west coast of mainland UK. Like many islands they have a rich and unique cultural heritage**. As a recognised long distance walking and cycling route it is relatively new. Cycle route varies a bit from the walking route.

Vatersay – Barra – (ferry)- Eriskay – South Uist – Benbecula – Grimsay – North Uist – Berneray – (ferry) – Harris – Lewis

I might be biased as a Scotsman but along the way are some of the world’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. Not as mountainous as THR but rugged in its own way. Exposed to variable north Atlantic weather the route can be quite wild at any time of year. Will also have to deal with the ever present prospect of midges. Tiny, biting insects that can appear in their millions in still wind conditions in the summer months. Ideally a steady, light wind with no rain throughout would be best!

We propose to do this in 6 days, starting at the end of this month on Fri 31st May. Averaging roughly 50km / day (31 miles) it will be a challenging adventure. Going from south to north to hopefully benefit from the prevailing south west winds at our backs.

Again, like THR, overnights will be a mixture of wild camping, hostels and B & B (bed and breakfast). Another difference from THR is that there is a need to be more autonomous. No external support along the way from my wife or others. We will often have to carry a fair amount of our food. Places to buy food look quite limited.

Recently C and I did what he called a simulation. Training for the conditions anticipated. Running with 8kg rucksacks and camping overnight was a wake up call as to the rigours involved. At least this time round I would have a super light one man tent (a mere 500g!). A modest step up in ‘luxury’ compared to the bivouac I used last year! 

The route also has personal connections. My maternal grandmother came from the Island of Lewis. My mother had cousins living there. I have a dim recollection of visiting Lewis once as a boy but none of the other islands. There is a likelihood of passing through communities where distant, yet long lost, relatives live.

** If interested, ‘East or West?’ and Åstol are blogs about islands.

A NOTE ON COMMENTING – For some reason those commenting on my last post ( ‘Energy Management’) have started to appear as ‘anonymous’. This is without their intending to be so. Have not been able to sort or figure out what the problem is. In meantime if you comment and wish to be identified please put your name at end of comment. Otherwise I can’t be sure who you are! Thanks.

Postscript – due to an accident in sliding down a mountainside I did not end up doing the Hebridean Way in June – see Best Laid Plans (One Day in May