Pentland Road Trail

The route typically starts in Stornoway, where you can find various parking options. For the return trip, you'll finish back in Stornoway as well.

While the trail is primarily a road through moorland, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially given the open landscape and potential for livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always follow local guidelines.

The route can be enjoyed in various seasons, but spring and summer offer the most favorable weather conditions for cycling on the Isle of Lewis. Be prepared for changeable weather at any time of year.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Stornoway to Carloway return via Penthouse Road.

This moderate mountain bike ride, covering approximately 52.9 kilometers (32.8 miles), typically takes close to three hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

The route is rated as a moderate mountain bike ride. While it features relatively flat gradients, good fitness is recommended due to its distance. Some sections may require advanced riding skills, correlating to an STS S2 rating on the Single Track Scale.

The trail primarily consists of a single-track tarmac road that traverses the vast Barvas Moor. You'll ride through peat beds with relatively flat gradients, as the road was originally designed for horse-drawn vehicles with gentle inclines.

You can expect open and expansive views of moorland and hills, offering a significant appreciation for the scale of the moorland landscape. You might also spot several shielings, tiny, often disused dwellings, dotting the moor.

Key highlights include Stornoway Harbour and Lews Castle at the start, and the View of Loch Laxavat Ard from Penthouse Road. At the turnaround point, you'll find the Carloway Stone Bridge. Carloway also provides access to historical sites like the Iron Age Dun Carloway Broch and the Callanish standing stones.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with other paths, including the Hebridean Way (Hiking) and the Hebridean Way cycling route.

Yes, Carloway is a pleasant township on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, offering amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it a good spot for a break before your return journey.

Winter conditions on the Isle of Lewis can be challenging, with strong winds, rain, and potentially icy patches on the road. While possible, it requires appropriate gear, experience, and careful monitoring of weather forecasts.