05 Oban to Vatersay

Staying over Friday night in Oban, it was lovely to start the day by cycling up to McCaigs Tower with spectacular views down onto Oban town with the bay in fine Spring sunshine, and beyond the beautiful islands including Mull.

There was also an opportunity to drop into my own Saturday show, excellently hosted today by Neal Younger, to give an update on how my challenging cycle ride ahead was shaping up.  I'll be doing the same tomorrow (Sunday) and each morning next week sometime shortly after 10am on Radio Tyneside.

Oban impressed as did CalMac ferries who ran to a perfect timetable. Very helpful staff to a first time visitor to these islands and services.  

The weather was glorious on the five hour crossing to Barra in the Outer Hebrides, plenty of time to soak up the sea breeze and walk around the deck in good Spring sunshine. 

On arrival into Castlebay past the landmark of Kisimul Castle, built in the harbour, no time to waste but straight on the route to Vatersay to find the starting point of the Hebridean Way Cycle Challenge, which was quite easy to spot in the dunes above a beautiful white sand beach and opposite the Vatersay Community Hub.

Lots of "wow" moments in the opening miles, peace, remoteness, spectacular views of unspoiled nature and.... the cyclists friend, a couple of lung busting climbs with descents to match.

So I am underway, I've recorded my route from the start on my analogue Garmin device,  which means when I'm back  I can publish each glorious inch of this challenging ride.

A hopefully nice sleep awaits me in the Castlebay Hotel then tomorrow, I ride through Barra, visit the worlds only airport where planes land and take off on the beach, so the planes have to wait for the tide to go out!

Then another small 45 min ferry ride and a long stint in the saddle covering Eriskay then the whole of South Uist and onto Benbecula and Sunday's resting place at Creagorry.

The islanders are keen to observe the Sabbath, so nothing will be open, and according to my guide, its important therefore not to play on the swings nor hang out washing apparently! I'll be doing neither.

I must remember to order a packed lunch.

Until tomorrow's update, au revoir! 





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