The best MTB trails around Eilean Siar
4.3
(5)
78
riders
18
rides
Mountain biking around Eilean Siar offers an adventurous experience across rugged landscapes and iconic coastal scenery. The archipelago features a blend of natural beauty and historical sites, providing diverse terrain for exploration. Riders can expect to traverse roads, land rover tracks, deer tracks, and expansive beaches, with some areas requiring hike-a-bike sections. Dedicated cycling routes like the Hebridean Way and man-made skills trails around Lews Castle Grounds provide structured riding opportunities.
Best mountain bike trails around Eilean Siar
- The most…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.0
(2)
26
riders
25.5km
02:22
740m
740m
Mountain bike the Tarbert to Rhenigidale loop via Postman's Path, a 15.9-mile route with 2420 feet of elevation gain in North Harris.
5
riders
33.2km
02:17
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5
riders
17.8km
01:38
440m
440m
Challenge yourself mountain biking the Sròn Uladail Stalker's Trail, a moderate 11.1-mile route with views of Sròn Uladail.
1
riders
9.68km
00:42
90m
90m
Explore the easy 6.0-mile mountain biking trail through Lews Castle Grounds, featuring woodlands, coastal views, and historic landmarks.
29.6km
01:53
80m
80m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
73.8km
04:22
490m
490m
This 45.8-mile mountain bike loop from Stornoway to Arnol Blackhouse offers a moderate ride through open moorland and cultural sites.
1
riders
52.9km
02:52
280m
280m
This moderate 32.9-mile mountain bike route from Stornoway to Carloway via Penthouse Road offers expansive moorland views and historical sit
5
riders
30.3km
03:00
680m
680m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
32.1km
02:16
550m
550m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
54.1km
03:00
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Eilean Siar
Other adventures around Eilean Siar
Tips from the Community
A beautiful castle with impressive rooms and gardens. The souvenir shop is worth a visit and there‘s also a Starbucks café inside!
0
0
Lews Castle is a very impressive former stately home that now boasts function rooms, a cafe and accommodation too. Designed by architect Charles Wilson, the building dates back to 1851. The modern annex is the Museum nan Eilean Stornoway, where you can learn more about the archipelago's rich culture.
0
0
As Harris' capital, Tarbert is a great base camp for adventures on Harris and Lewis. While staying here, you can visit the Isle of Harris Distillery, the Loomshed Brewery or purchase some Harris Tweed from the shop of the same name. The main draw for hillwalkers will be The Clisham, the Outer Hebrides' only Corbett, at 2,621 feet (799 m). However, many of the hills in the region are also spectacular objectives.
0
0
The castle is now a hotel/holiday apartments, so you CANNOT tour it in its entirety! Non-residents, however, have access to the ground floor during the café's opening hours. Storehouse Cafe - Lews Castle https://share.google/fTN7Xzmct2DlACoXl Also located here is the highly recommended Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean https://share.google/hN2uyRJPYXvdC3RT3 Currently featuring 6 "Lewis Chessman" pieces as a special exhibition, highly recommended! There's also a souvenir shop with lots of Harris Tweed (prices like everywhere else), and you can admire the ballroom from the outside. That's it - I still found it extremely worthwhile!
1
0
Loch Dun Na Cille isn't just another loch: beyond the water lies an ancient pre-Roman dun (a temple or a funerary fortress?) whose base still protrudes from the wall of the current cemetery. If you look closely, there's a small square window right at water level that could have been its original entrance.
0
0
You cross the Carloway Stone Bridge: a sturdy 19th-century remnant, no longer a major function, but a dignified support for the old A858. Its heritage is so significant that it has been protected as a Category B monument since 1993.
0
0
Rough world and fine tweed: the Outer Hebrides 👍
0
0
Lews Castle is beautifully situated in parkland.
4
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when mountain biking in Eilean Siar?
Mountain biking in Eilean Siar offers a diverse and rugged experience. You'll encounter a variety of surfaces, including roads, land rover tracks, deer tracks, and expansive sandy beaches. Some areas may require 'hike-a-bike' sections, adding to the adventurous nature of the trails. The landscape features stunning coastlines, vast moorlands, and hills.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Eilean Siar?
Yes, Eilean Siar offers several easier routes. For instance, the Lews Castle Grounds Trail is an easy 6.0-mile (9.7 km) route providing structured riding opportunities. Another accessible option is The Machair Path in South Uist, an easy 18.4-mile (29.6 km) path.
What are some longer mountain bike routes in Eilean Siar?
For longer rides, consider the Stornoway to Arnol Blackhouse loop via Penthouse Road, which is 45.8 miles (73.8 km) long. Another substantial route is the Pentland Road Trail, covering 32.9 miles (52.9 km).
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in Eilean Siar?
Yes, many routes in Eilean Siar are designed as loops. Examples include the Rhenigidale Postman's Path Loop, a moderate 15.9-mile (25.5 km) trail, and The Golden Road loop via Coffin Road, a moderate 20.6-mile (33.2 km) route.
What kind of attractions can I see along the mountain bike trails in Eilean Siar?
Eilean Siar is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore landmarks like Lews Castle, the ancient Callanish Stones, or the unique Barra Airport Beach Runway. The region also boasts stunning coastal scenery, vast moorlands, and numerous freshwater lochs.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about Eilean Siar?
The mountain biking routes in Eilean Siar are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.25 stars from over 5 reviews. Riders often praise the rugged coastlines, varied tracks, and the wild, remote character of the islands, which offer a truly adventurous experience.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking and wild swimming in Eilean Siar?
Eilean Siar's extensive coastline with white sandy beaches and numerous freshwater lochs, particularly on North and South Uist, and Lewis, offers excellent opportunities to combine mountain biking with wild swimming. Many routes traverse coastal areas or pass by lochs, allowing for refreshing dips amidst your ride.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Eilean Siar?
The warmer months, typically late spring to early autumn, offer the most favorable conditions for mountain biking in Eilean Siar. While the islands are beautiful year-round, be mindful of the prevailing southwesterly winds, which can impact your ride regardless of the season.
Are there any dedicated mountain biking facilities or skills trails?
While Eilean Siar doesn't feature extensive graded trail centers, you can find man-made skills trails around Lews Castle Grounds in Stornoway, providing some structured riding opportunities. The Hebridean Way also offers a prominent cycling route with diverse scenery.
Can I find mountain bike routes that offer panoramic views?
Absolutely. The islands offer elevated terrain with spectacular vistas. For example, the Rhenigidale Postman's Path Loop provides significant elevation changes and coastal views over the Sound of Harris. Peaks like Clisham on Harris, Eaval on North Uist, and Ruabhal on Benbecula also offer expansive island views.
Are there any routes that pass by historical sites?
Yes, many routes integrate historical sites into the natural landscape. The Stornoway to Arnol Blackhouse loop via Penthouse Road connects with the historic Arnol Blackhouse. You can also find routes near the ancient Callanish Standing Stones on Lewis.
Most popular routes around Eilean Siar
Most popular attractions around Eilean Siar
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Check out more MTB trails throughout Eilean Siar below and find the perfect route in your destination.
Explore more
Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.
