40 Great Things to Do in Uist & Barra in the Outer Hebrides
Uist is a collection of six islands in the Outer Hebrides which are located between the Isle of Lewis and Harris in the north and Barra in the south. his post lists the things to do in Uist, Barra & Vatersay.
There are ferries from the mainland, to the south of Isle of Lewis & Harris and to the north of Barra in the south.
The six islands that makeup Uist are Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay. All six islands are linked by a causeway, however, they are all unique and have their own character.
The distance from the top of Berneray and the south of Eriskay is 60 miles long. In good conditions, this is drivable in around 90 minutes.
The western part of the islands is filled with lovely bays while the east is covered in moorlands and hills. The locals here are very welcoming and it is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate your soul.
There is a nice big community spirit on these islands, Scottish Gaelic is still spoken amongst locals and crofting is alive. The islanders are very welcoming and there are always a few ceilidhs thrown in the summer.
The Monach Isles are included in Uist however these islands are uninhabited. The islands were abandoned in 1948. Many of the roads on the islands are single-track, therefore passing places will have to be used to let other vehicles pass.
There are many other smaller uninhabited islands in this archipelago.
Getting There
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry operators run two ferries to Uist from the mainland of Scotland.
The first ferry runs from Mallaig to Lochboisdale on South Uist. The journey is 3.5 hours long and there are one or two ferries a day.
The second ferry leaves from Uig on the Isle of Skye and arrives in Lochmaddy on North Uist. The ferry journey time is one hour and 45 minutes. Also, this ferry service runs one to two times a day.
Car hire is available from Benbecula airport. There is public transport available on the islands however it is tricky to get around this way.
Bernanray
Bernanray is an important link between North Uist and the Isle of Harris. It is surrounded by the waters in the sound of Harris.
This is now a very accessible island. The 900-metre-long North Uist Causeway was opened by Prince Charles on the eve of the millennium and a new ferry terminal was built in the 1990s.
There are signs of past times on the island including the Cladh Maolrithe standing stone which stands eight feet tall. Also, visitors can view the Pictish Square burial cairn at Ardmaree which was discovered in 1998 when work began on the new causeway.
Beasdaire
Beasdaire is located on the east coast where conditions are perfect for wind and kite-surfing.
West Beach
West Beach was voted as the 3rd top beach in Lonely Planet’s Top 20 Best Beaches in Europe. This beach was accidentally used to promote a beach in Thailand.
There is a nice walking route which connects West Beach to East Beach. Both beaches are stunning beaches you must visit on Uist.
Nurses Cottage Visitor Centre
The Nurses Cottage Visitor Centre has located a short trip from the harbour. This is where you can learn about the history of Bernanray.
Berneray Circular Walk
The circular walk begins in Borve and takes you on a magical mystery tour through the island’s rich history and diverse natural heritage.
Other things to do on Berneray
- Queen’s Beach
- Cladh Maolrithe standing stone
North Uist
North Uist is located between Harris and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. The island is connected by a causeway to the island of Bernenray in the north.
People who visit here are always taken away by this slice of paradise. There are some breath taking beaches and rare wildlife. The ferry to North Uist will arrive in Lochmaddy, long ago Lochmaddy was once a major herring fishing port.
North Uist is filled with lochans, peat bogs, tidal strands and flowers machair which is a great setting for wildlife. On North Uist, you can spot seals, corncrake (one of Britain’s rarest birds) and otters.
In the early 19th century there were about 5,000 people living on the island, now the population is approximately 1,200 people.
There are many prehistoric structures including Barpa Langass chambered cairn, the Pobull Fhinn stone circle, the Fir Bhreige standing stones, Baile Sear roundhouses and Eilean Domhnuill – possibly the earliest crannog site in Scotland.
Barpa Langais
Barpa Langais is a prehistoric chambered burial cairn in North Uist. The chamber is estimated to be 5,000 years old and stands 72 feet by 18 feet in height.
Traigh Lingeigh
North Uist is well known for its white sandy coastlines that stretch for miles. Traigh Lingeigh is one of the best beaches in North Uist.
Traigh Lingeigh is a great place to go to relax or to go for a swim and snorkel. This is one of the longest beaches in North Uist and is well known for its white shell sand and clear waters.
Balranald RSPB reserve
There are a few species of bird which are extinct on the mainland of Scotland. The Outer Hebrides have small populations of rare birds which you cannot find anywhere else.
At Balranald RSPB reserve you view a corncrake. There is a visitor centre and 3.5 miles loop trail along the beach and through the sand dunes.
Isle of Vallay
Vallay is an uninhabited small island in the northwest of North Uist. To get there you have to complete a tidal walk across wet sands and mud flats.
The walk begins at Botarubha and takes you past the ruins of Vallay House and the ruins of an ancient chapel. The island was once home to 60 people, it is still farmed and is now also an RSPB Reserve.
Teampull na Trionaid
Teampull na Trionaid is also known as the Trinity Church or the ruins of the Trinity temple. A 13th-century Augustinian nunnery at Carinish.
The church was an important medieval monastery and sea of learning but was abandoned after the Reformation.
There is a small car park only a five-minute walk away. To get to the ruin you have to walk through a field of sheep and rabbits.
Other Things To Do On North Uist
- Hut of the Shadows Art Installation
- Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre
- Traigh lar beach
- Dun an Sticir (Iron Age fort)
Grimsay
Grimsay is one of the smaller islands and is connected to North Uist and Benbecula by a causeway. The North Ford Causeway opened in 1960.
Grimsay is around three miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The population of the small island stands at just over 100 people.
There is one circular main road on the island and it is a perfect opportunity to hire a bike and cycle around the island. Grimsay has centuries of history and a strong seafaring tradition which is shown by a great selection of local attractions.
Grimsay is a tidal island and in the Spring or early Summer look out for tidal saltings which are ablaze with Thrift, Sea Pinks and other beautiful flora.
Also, there are a dozen old paths around the island which were used by the locals before the roads were built, these paths take you from homes to old churches, schools and the harbour.
Kallin
In the small hamlet of Kallin, there is a bustling harbour which was built in 1985 for the growing fishing fleet.
As well as serving the seafaring community there is a selection of boat trips which can take you to the Monarch Islands and Ronay, as well as stretches of coast that are home to some wonderful wildlife.
Bagh nam Feadg Grimsay Wheelhouse
Bagh nam Feadg Grimsay Wheelhouse is an Iron Age structure with a central chamber and surrounding cells. The structure was uncovered during the excavation of the local area.
St Michaels Temple
At St Michael’s Point, there is the ruin of St Michael’s Temple. From here, there are spectacular views out to the Isle of Rum.
Uist Wool Mill
This recently opened mill and wool centre is steeped in island traditions, the mill produces artisanal undyed yarns and wool products which are inspired by the Hebridean environment.
The mill welcomes visitors to browse the shop, wools centre and mill.
Other things to do on Grimsay
- Lady Anne Boat Trips
- Grimsay Boat Museum
Benbecula
Benbecula is also known as Beinn na Faoghla in Scottish Gaelic, this translates to ‘Mountain of the Ford’. Spectacular scenery is offered all around the island, there are lochs and lochans dotted all over the island.
Also, Benbecula was known for its airfield which was used in world war II and the Cold War. The airfield is now Benbecula Airport and is an army base.
The island is approximately 7 miles long and 7 miles in height. Approximately 1,200 islands live on Benbecula.
The east side of the island is scattered with lochans and moorland, giving a wild feel and it is the perfect location for wildlife and birdlife. There is a chance to spot buzzards, hen harriers, short-eared owls and golden eagles.
Balivanich is Benbecula’s main settlement and administrative centre.
Culla Bay Beach
Culla Bay is a stunning sandy beach in Baile nan Cailleach (Nunton), a small hamlet on the west coast of Benbecula.
This beach is close to the airport. Culla Bay is a popular swimming spot.
North Uist Distillery
North Uist Distillery produces delicious gin, infused with locally foraged heather flowers. They produce the Scottish ‘Downpour’ Gin which has bold flavours in every drop.
Currently, in 2023, the plan for the distillery includes producing whiskey. Gin tasting is available on-site.
Rueval
Rueval is the highest hill on Benbecula and it stands at 124 metres above sea level. Bencecula is mostly a flat island so this hill looks massive from the bottom.
You can get to the summit in less than an hour. From the summit, there are impressive views that stretch for miles over North Uist, Harris, South Uist and the Isle of Skye.
Borve Castle
Borve Castle is a castle ruin which is located near the village of Torlum. The castle was built in the 14th century, then it was abandoned during the 1715 Jacobite Uprising.
Other things to do on Benbecula
- Shell Bay
- Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail
- St Toranan’s Ruined Temple
- Uist Community Riding School
South Uist
South Uist is one of the largest islands in Uist and it is located between Barra and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides.
This island is well known for its beaches and the mighty mountain of Beinn Mhor which stands at 2034 feet tall. There are almost 1,700 islanders living on the island.
Lochboisdale
Lochboisdale is the main settlement on the Isle of South Uist and is where you will find the ferry terminal. There are some nice places to go here, you can visit the new marina or go to a cosy cafe.
Loch Druidibeg
Loch Druidibeg is an RSPB nature reserve and is a popular place to spot birdlife including white-tailed eagles and hen harriers.
There are trails to enjoy which take you around the loch and surrounding areas. Also, there are fantastic views of the tall mountains of South Uist.
Island of Calvay
The Island of Calvay is not far from Lochboisdale, the island is home to 13th-century castle remains and South Uist’s automatic lighthouse. Also, it is where Bonnie Prince Charlie fled after the defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
Polachar Stone
Polarchar Stone is a prehistoric monolithic monument which is believed to have marked the site of an ancient landing spot on the island’s shore, signposting the way for early settlers in the south.
The stone stands at nearly 1.7 metres tall and is surrounded by beautiful backdrops of sea and sky.
Arinaban Woodland
There are some trees at the beginning of this walk. Then, the trees disappear and open into a wide landscape.
There are beautiful views of purple heather in the late summer months across the hillside in the background. Below, you can see the serene waters of Loch Eynort.
There are a few short trails to complete which take approximately one hour. However, in the woodland, there are more trials to follow at your leisure.
Kildonan Museum
This small museum is located near the south end of the island. The museum shows island life and work and gives an insight into the culture and history of the area.
There is information about South Uist Clans, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald. Also, there is a nice cafe with a wide range of refreshments on sale.
Other things to do in South Uist
- Rubha Aird a’Mhuile Walk
- Loch Sgioport
- Machair Way path
- Askernish Golf Course
- Hecla, Beinn Mhor, Beinn Corradale and Ben Kenneth
Eriskay
A causeway was built in the millennium to connect Eriskay to South Uist, making it a lot easier to visit this beautiful island.
This is the smallest inhabited island in Uist with a population of approximately 150 people. Eriskay is a hilly island which is around a 3-mile long and 1.5 miles wide.
Eriskay is known to many as the site of ‘Whisky Galore!’ In 1941, the SS Politician sank carrying 28,000 acres of malt whisky.
The islanders of Eriskay recused the whisky from the ship and hid over 24,000 bottles over Eriskay and South Uist.
Coilleag a Phrionnsa
Coilleag a Phrionnsa is also known as the Prince’s Beach. The beach is named after Bonnie Prince Charlie who arrived on the island in 1745 and hoped the people of Eriskay would support him.
This beach is right next to the ferry pier for Barra. It is one of the top destinations on Uist.
Other things to do on Eriskay
- Ben Scrien
- Eriskay Ponies
Monarch Isles
Monarch Isles can be visited as a day trip on a boat tour. These abandoned islands are now a lovely nature reserve.
There is so much to explore including beaches, stories, history, and amazing wildlife. The Monarch Isles is home to one of the largest seal colonies in the world.
Barra
Barra is located south of Eriskay, you can catch a ferry from the south of Eriskay to the northern tip of Barra. On this island, there is well-preserved Hebridean history and heritage as well as breath taking natural surroundings.
A few Neolithic attractions include the island’s last remaining monolithic monument – the Brevic Standing Stone and the burial cairns of Dun Bharpa, Dun Scurrivala and Cuier.
Castlebay is the main settlement on Barra. In the Dualchas Heritage Centre, visitors can view artefacts including photographs and records from across all ages.
Kisimul Castle
From Castlebay, you can see Kisimul Castle, perched on the rock Bagh a Chaisteil islet, the historic seat of the Clan MacNeil.
The castle was restored in the 1930s and served as a site of pilgrimage for the descendants of Barra emigrants.
Boldnaboach
Bolnaboach is an abandoned village which was last inhabited in the 1920s. The is a good attraction with foundations of abandoned homes standing on the site which date back as far as Neolithic times.
Traigh Mhor
Traigh Mhor is a beautiful white sand beach known for being an airport. Barra is the only place in the world where the planes land on the beach and flight schedules are dictated by the tides.
Seal Bay
Seal Bay is a notable bay and is home to many of the island’s seals.
Halaman Bay
Halaman Bay is a perfect bay for surfing and swimming.
Queen Victoria Rock
Queen Victoria Rock is a magnificent rock feature which is located on the A888 Barra ring road. When it is approached from the east, the rock resembles the profile of the late famous monarch.
Great Rock of the Glens
The Great Rock of the Glens is a melting glacier from 10,000 years ago. However, local legend presumes that it was thrown from Eriskay by an angry giant.
Heaval
Heaval is the largest peak on the island. On the slopes, there is a white marble Our Lady of the Sea statue.
From the summit of Heaval, there are stunning views of Barra’s neighbouring islands including Vatersay, Mingulay, Berneray and Pabbay.
Vatersay
Vatersay is the most southern inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides. There are a number of attractions that show the vulnerable nature of life.
Eoradail is an abandoned village where cotters from neighbouring islands lived for six decades. There are many Neolithic remnants on the island including Dun Caolis (a burial chamber), a ruined 19th-century Bhatarsaigh and Tackman’s house.
Traigh Siar
Traigh Siar is one of the beautiful beaches in the West Bay of Vatersay.
At the west of the bay of Traigh Siar, there is the Annie Jane Monument which stands in honour of the 350 souls that sadly lost their lives when an emigrant ship beached here during a severe storm of 1853.
Heishival Beag
The wreck of an RAF Catalina seaplane can be seen. Sadly the seaplane crashed on the hill hilling three of her nine crew.
Vatersay Bay
Vatersay Bay is home to a beautiful beach called Bagh Bhatasaigh.
South Bay
South Bay is filled with three lovely beaches, Traigh Varlish, Caragraich and Bagh a Deas. There are gorgeous windswept sands with rich machair grasses and blossom with wonderful wildflowers in season.
Mingulay
Mingulay is the second-most southern island in the string of the Outer Hebrides. An island called Barra Head is located in the south and an island called Pabbay is located in the north.
The island was abandoned by its inhabitants 100 years ago. In 1912, the final families cast off for neighbouring Vatersay, leaving their village homes where the foundations are still standing.
Now the island is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and can be accessed by boat tours from the neighbouring islands of Barra and Uist.
Nowadays, the island is the perfect place for rich birdlife, the Carnan cliffs provide a protective breeding zone for fulmars, kittiwakes, puffins and razorbills.
How Long does it take to drive around Barra?
Barra can be driven around in 30 minutes.
Can you visit Barra without a car?
There are plenty of great walking routes on the Isle of Barra. The walking routes are described as moderate and take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours to complete.
Can you drive on Vatersay?
Yes, there are single-track roads on Vatersay with passing places that will need to be used.
Can you drive between North and South Uist?
Yes, since the millennium all the islands of Uist have been connected by causeways. You can get from North Uist to South Uist by driving along the roads and causeways that connect Grimsay and Benbencular in between these islands.
How do you pronounce Uist In Scotland?
In Scotland, Uist is pronounced as [You]- [IST].
Final Note
This post lists the epic things to do in Uist & Barra in the Outer Hebrides.
Uist is a group of epic islands in the Outer Hebrides. There are six inhabited islands in this group – Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay.
Also, there are uninhabited islands which include Monarch Isles. The eastern part of the isles is mostly filled with lochs and peat bog, meanwhile, the west side of the isles is filled with stunning white sand beaches with clear water.
There is so much history and culture to explore on the islands. Look out for structures that are from prehistoric times.
Also, visitors can learn about the Highland Clearances and emigration to other countries. Keen walkers can join the Hebridean Way to explore the best parts of the Outer Hebrides.
There are ferries connecting Uist to the Isle of Lewis and Harris, Vatersay and the Scottish Mainland.