Video: Joe Barnes and Fergus Lamb Bikepack The Hebridean Way

Dec 30, 2021 at 7:21
by Joe Barnes  


Neither Joe or Ferg had been on a bikepacking trip before and so the idea to start on what could be one of the best and most scenic routes in the world was an obvious first choice. Another key objective was to start and finish from their home town of Fort William and so that’s what they did. There followed an impromptu spending spree to get the necessary kit, strapping it on the bikes and hitting the road with a wing and a prayer.

The Hebrides

The first leg was a quick 50 miles down the coast to Oban where the ferry would depart and take the boys over to the start of the Hebridean Way, on the Isle of Barra. From here it was incredible beaches, mountains, causeways, ferry crossings and majority wilderness. For a first trip on loaded bikes this couldn’t have been a better start. As with all trips, however, there were a few bumps in the road and some hills to overcome, but the lads managed and they returned triumphant from their week away on the road.

beach camp

If anything was learned then it must have been that going by bike is a great way to see a new place, take in the sights and to return buzzing with a satisfyingly lead-like feeling in the legs.
Enjoy the film and please suggest where we can take the loaded up rigs on the next mission.

Camp spot 1

Total stats:
7 days
628km
5902m climbing

Author Info:
joebarnes avatar

Member since Jan 14, 2019
47 articles

24 Comments
  • 16 7
 bikepack with panniers? sorry to break the bad news but you've gone touring. The video should probably be deleted.
  • 1 0
 He is a mountain biker, gotta change it up every now and again
  • 1 0
 hahahah
  • 9 0
 what about a shopping basket? what's that discipline called?
  • 2 0
 @joebarnes: the shopping basket is at serious risk of rendering the trip commuting, or even worse, cargo biking
  • 3 0
 @browner: haha, cargo biking. i'll take that
  • 2 0
 Sorry to break the bad news to you but bikepacking IS touring, just a new marketing name to get more people doing it. Doesn't matter how you carry your kit, it is all the same thing - a bit of fun and adventure. Like that video a lot...
  • 2 0
 @ShoodNoBetter: yeah that's the joke...
  • 1 0
 Surely if you put a shopping basket on wheels it becomes a trolley? In which case have you not just completed a trolley dash for the ages?
  • 3 0
 @joebarnes: keep up the good work boys and as for the music just on another level the fact you actually played dead south on a mtb video!
  • 1 0
 @Meganstuart1: Thanks Megan. Thats two excellent trips to Harris for me now. Both different but both great fun. Im pleased you liked Dead South from the first trip there.
  • 3 0
 Did this in May, just a bit before you chaps. It was wet. Very wet. I also saw a seagull. I thought it was a plain old white tailed sea eagle at first, but pretty sure it was the more elusive seagull. I used a rack, but lashed a massive drybag to it, rather than panniers, so deffo not touring.
  • 2 0
 Did this back in 2005 - highly recommend it. An incredible trip. Some of the most fantastic scenery you’ll see. Most of my family still live within a mile of Rubha Robhanais, the lighthouse where they finished or in the other villages of Ness. #Cianalais.
  • 2 0
 Properly enjoyed that lads, thank you.
I think we were on Harris & Lewis at a similar time as you - last week of June. Although we had the mtb's and walking boots.
Badger Divide or An Turas Mor for next one?
  • 1 0
 Very nice you were there the same time. Thanks for the recommendations.
  • 4 1
 That was awesome. planning my next bike adventure now. Shopping basket is inspired.
  • 4 0
 Poor Mr Chips
  • 3 0
 Great video, how about trying the Badger divide on you're next mission
  • 1 0
 good shout. I have heard good things about this route
  • 2 0
 Good viewing, nice to see something different to the usual Barnes and Ferg rut railing.
  • 2 0
 This one is on my ‘to-do’ list: www.secondcitydivide.cc @joebarnes
  • 2 0
 That looks a great ride. thanks for the heads up on it
  • 2 1
 Class vid from the boys yet again.
  • 3 2
 Bloomin brilliant beys.







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