08 Berneray to Balallan (Lewis)

This began well, a beautiful morning as I only had to travel 500 yards to the ferry terminal to catch the ride to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris.

Perfectly calm sea, hardly a ripple, and cycling proper got underway shortly before 11am with a modest climb out of the port.

Once at the top, the views of unspoiled beaches and turquoise water were abundant and it became a stop/ start sort of ride because there were so many great shots to snap.

The weather was incredibly warm again but the wind was from the North this time so in my face, just making it that little bit harder than the cross breezes of the first two days.

Lovely views then gave way to a hard slog up the first steep incline of the day, which lasted for 4 miles and took nearly 45 mins of constant effort to reach the top.  What goes up?  .....yes a flying downhill section into the attractive town of Tarbert for a lunch break taking 40 mins off the bike.

I wish I hadn't had the carrot cake though as the next climb was quickly in front of me, and it was a struggle in the lethargic after lunch period!  Climbing continued in the hills and unfortunately the road was very busy as it was the main road north to Stornoway.  Some drivers were great and could see me riding a heavily loaded bike slowly up the steep inclines, giving me space and de-acceleration, but others drove at high speed giving very little space or thought for the cyclist.  The tourist office may have to look at this part of the ride which they promote constantly and try to reroute if that is possible because it wasn't pleasant. 

Only 44 miles today but with the Northerlies and the hill climbing it felt like a lot more. I was in the saddle for over five long hard hours. 

Favourite spot of the day, undoubtedly Seilebost for its outstanding long white beach and turquoise water lapping up. And mention for a beautiful little golf course, Isle of Harris Golf Club just before Seilebost on the coastline.

Pics worth attaching here even though I can't configure why they are coming up in landscape setting rather than portrait.

Apologies for any typos, its late and I'm tired! 

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