Route Taster
19 May 2008 - White sandy beaches fringed by turquoise green seas; remote uninhabited islands; ancient Standing Stones; Brochs and Beehive dwellings; miles of fabulous single track; unrivalled mountain and cliff-top views...
Hello guys,
We are gearing up and raring to go for a spectacular Heb 2008. You only need to read Gavin's "taster" (below) to see what a stunner this one's going to be! Let's just hope that the fabulous weather we've also been having, week after week, hasn't run out by then! The race is being organized rather differently this year from recent years: Rules and Safety Rules are now available so do have a look and maybe a ponder! We DO still have space for a few more teams/pairs though it will soon come down to whether Calmac still has the relevant ferry space... We still need to source some cash sponsorship and would like to hear from anyone with ideas on this score. But a range of companies have been very generous to us, most notably Outside Edge in Oban and good old Buffera both of whom have been so good to us in the past. See the website for sponsor info.
Best wishes,
Stef and the Heb Team
Route Taster
White sandy beaches fringed by turquoise green seas; remote uninhabited islands; ancient Standing Stones; Brochs and Beehive dwellings; miles of fabulous single track; unrivalled mountain and cliff-top views; magnificent unspoilt moorland (ok I guess that’s a euphemism for peat bog!), this year’s 2008 Hebridean Challenge course takes in all of the above and more.
The route visits 18 different islands and reaches the highest point on most of them! Some of these are only accessible by boat, which is good a hint that you’re going to get your paddlers out there. When they arrive they may well have to get off their neoprene-clad butts and run!
The prologue takes everyone on a boat trip to the beautiful Isle of Barra for some spectacular road-biking and hill running. Paddlers are doing it for themselves - as usual!
Day One starts on the Isle of Eriskay, made famous by the movie “Whisky Galore” which tells the tale of how, after the SS Politician had run aground, the enterprising locals liberated it of its cargo of whisky! The route then has teams running and biking north through South Uist via remote shielings, beautiful beaches and the spectacular rocky summit of Hecla. A couple of islands later, mountain runners will be delighted to know that the route includes the ever- popular Eabhal (try not to waste too much time here admiring the view!). The day finishes with a paddle to the overnight stop at Lochmaddy.
Day Two starts with teams heading south over the Twin Peaks of the Li’s before heading north again to the beautiful Aird a Mhorain and on to Berneray where the Sound of Harris ferry journey will give tired legs a welcome rest. Meanwhile, the paddlers will be stopping off at a small uninhabited island to regroup before crossing the Sound of Harris. The road bike time trial follows the “Golden Road” through the glacial landscape of bare rock and peaty lochans - no major climbs but very little flat either - rock and roll! Paddlers follow the swim between Hosta and Seilibost beaches then head over to Taransay (the real star of the TV program Castaway 2000). The teams then traverse fabulous white beaches and stunning mountains as they make their way to the overnight stop at Tarbert.
Day Three is a grand tour of the now community-owned North Harris Estate. This is a day for superlatives – teams will enjoy the most technical MTB trails, the best mountain tops, the finest trail run and the most gorgeous beaches in what should be a truly unforgettable day. The day ends (for some at least) with a road bike leg from the far west to the overnight stop at Scalpay. I have something else in mind for the paddlers – a special treat.
Day Four starts with the mountain bike time trial and continues with a traverse of Clisham (the highest point in the Outer Hebrides). Teams then run through the middle of the island to an ancient Beehive dwelling before heading on to the highest point in Lewis. Meanwhile, the paddlers visit some truly remote islands, a couple of stunning lagoons and follow their swimmers along one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Hebrides before ending the day on Great Bernera.
Day Five leaves the high mountains behind as the route hugs the west coast of Lewis. Teams will visit Calanais Stones, Dun Carloway Broch and a restored blackhouse village. They will ride and run along the spectacular Atlantic seaboard with detours to take in a couple of fine low hills and, of course, no final day would be complete without a visit to the peat hags of North Lewis! The last long leg is one of the finest trail runs on the islands and should guarantee a memorable finish at the Butt of Lewis.
The above description relates to the Hebridean Challenge route, fours and pairs will visit most of it but team logistics (particularly lack of a kayak!) means you will have to miss out on some of the more remote delights. If you fear you might be missing out, why not find some team mates and change into a team of five – its still not too late!
And there is still room for a few more teams and pairs, too.
Gavin Earons Route Planner and Results Officer Heb 2008