Circuit of Barra by bike 20 May 2025

 

A Loganair plane at Barra Airport

Susie and Gordon got their electric folding bikes down from the flybridge, while Mary and I hired bikes from Barra Bike Hire (excellent Cube electric bikes at £30 each for half a day), and at 10.30 we set off in an anti-clockwise direction to do the circuit of the island.


Half way up the first steep hill out of Castlebay we were met by a workman who advised us that we couldn’t get past resurfacing work 5 miles further up the road.  After some angst we decided to go on and turn back if we had to.  In the event we got to the roadworks and just had to pass them on the verge - though we did end up with a lot of tarry stones on our bikes and shoes, and my trousers are flecked in fine tar - they’re not my Sunday best.

The road eventually took us to Barra Airport - a broad sandy beach, with a plane waiting for the 15.15 flight out to Glasgow.


To our surprise the cafe at the airport had an excellent menu, so as it was lunchtime we decided to give it a go.  Gordon and I had a scallop, black pudding and bacon bap each which turned out to be just as good as you can get (and for only £9 a head).  We all had a lovely lunch.

The return cycle via the west coast of the island was equally beautiful - white sandy beaches and aquamarine waters.


Just before coming back into Castlebay we turned right and went over the hill and across a causeway to step onto Vatersay, a different island.  That done, we came back again just in time for Mary and I to return our half day hire bikes.


War Memorial at the top of the hill between
Castlebay and Vatersay

The view of Castlebay from the War Memorial - the castle on the right.

Island bird list just 27 - with the highlight being the number of Cuckoos calling.

Our route: follow the road on the map!

BBQ on board this evening.  Very civilised and tasty.  Happy days.









































































































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