North Uist
North Uist is a spectacular blend of sandy beaches and machair land interlaced with freshwater lochs and rolling moorland hills. Running 13 miles North to South it takes roughly 45 miles to travel around the whole island. The west coast looks out to the Monach Islands and the magnificent St Kilda archipelago. The island is a haven for wildlife watchers and perfect for walking, cycling, kite surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking.
Balranald Hebridean Holidays is the ideal base for exploring Uist and discovering the numerous places of interest, events and attractions.
These are just a few things to do and see:
Visitor Attractions
Sports & Leisure
Eating & Drinking
Crafts & Shopping
Visitor Attractions
Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve
- Visitor Centre with interpretation, guided walks during the summer months.
- http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/balranald/
Barpa Langais
- Barpa Langais is the best preserved Neolithic chambered cairn in the Outer Hebrides. Located at Langass, North Uist.
- https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/barpa-langais-p522631
Coral Box
- Coralbox make small gifts such as mugs, coasters, pocket mirrors, greetings cards and much more. All items can also be personalised. Shop located on the Isle of Berneray.
- https://coralbox.ecwid.com/
Hebridean Smokehouse
- Come to our viewing gallery and shop. Watch us making our Peat Smoked Salmon, Seatrout and Scallops. Have real taste of the Hebrides. ‘best in the world’… Prue Leith. Located at Clachan, Locheport Isle of North Uist.
- http://www.hebrideansmokehouse.com
Langass Woods
- Community woodland located at Langass, North Uist. Footpath, interpretation boards and art trail.
- https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/langass-woodland-p532831
Shoreline Stoneware
- Hand crafted pottery inspired by the Atlantic coastline. Shoreline Stoneware draws inspiration from the unique Hebridean environment. Natural beach-weathered sea fragments, abandoned at the high-tide line, provide some of the delicate textures captured on the surface on the clay. Located in Locheport, North Uist.
- http://www.shoreline-stoneware.co.uk
Taigh Chearsabhagh
- North Uist’s Museum & Art Centre located in Lochmaddy. Exhibitions, events, cafe, shop and post office
- http://taigh-chearsabhagh.org
Western Isles Wildlife
- Wildlife Holidays and Bird Tours in the Outer Hebrides.
- http://www.western-isles-wildlife.com
Sports & Leisure
Lionacleit Sports Centre, Benbecula
- Fitness Suite, swimming pool, sauna, games hall and running track
- Tel.: 01870 603693
- https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/sport-and-health/sports-centres/centres/sgoil-lionacleit-sports-centre/
North Uist Angling Club
- For details of boats and permits.
- http://www.nuac.co.uk
- Permits available from Westford Inn, Claddach Kirkibost, North Uist, HS6 5EP
- Tel: 01876 580653
North Uist Estate Fishing – Fishing for brown trout, sea trout and Atlantic Salmon.
- Fishing permits can be obtained from either Lochmaddy Hotel or North Uist Estates Office in Lochmaddy.
- Tel: 01876 500332
- https://www.lochmaddyhotel.co.uk/fishing
Uist Community Riding School
- Beach rides, lessons either outdoors or in the well-appointed Indoor School, pony club etc.
- http://www.ridehebrides.org
- Tel: 01870 602808
Benbecula Golf Club
- 9 hole golf course
- http://www.benbeculagolfclub.co.uk
Askernish Golf Club
- An Old Tom Morris Course situated on island of South Uist, Askernish Golf Course is a unique test for any grade of golfer.
- http://www.askernishgolfclub.com
Eating & Drinking
The Dunes Cabin
- Based on the campsite from April to September serving homemade soups, freshly filled sandwiches and rolls, home baking, filter coffee, teas, snacks and Orkney Ice Cream.
- https://www.facebook.com/Thedunescabin
- Croft shop specialising in a range of Local Hebridean produce including Druim Torrach Beef, Scolpaig Farm Hogget and North Uist machair potatoes. Located next door to the Balranald Campsite on North Uist. Self service bean to cup coffee machine, teas and hot chocolate.
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- https://www.facebook.com/theduneslarder
- Only 5 miles from the campsite. Serves delicious lunches and evening meals Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday). Booking recommended.
- Tel: 01876 580653
- https://westfordinn.com
- Catering trailer serving shellfish based at Struan, Malaclate, North Uist during the summer months.
- Seafood cafe at Kallin Harbour, North Uist
- Grimsay Coffee and Bake House, Ceann Na H-Airigh
- https://www.grimsay.org/cafe
- Bookings are taken by phoning Charlie’s on
- 01870 603242
- https://www.facebook.com/Charliesbistroandbothy
- Freshly baked sweet and savoury sourdough pastries paired with barista coffee and spectacular coastal views.
- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555293067654
- A family run distillery producing some of Scotland’s very finest artisan spirits including the multi award winning Downpour Gin range
Crafts & Shopping
Caim Candles
- A small family run business supplying scented candles and home fragrance based on the beautiful Isle of North Uist. The handmade candles are poured in small batches to ensure quality and care. The Signature Uibhist inspired range is inspired by Hebridean life.
- https://caimcandles.co.uk/
MacGillivrays
- Hebridean Gift Shop located in Balivanich, Benbecula. An “Aladdins Cave” of quality souvenirs, clothing, tweed, books, music, crafts, games, jewellery, photography, fishing tackle with an emphasis on local history and information. Local information available on walks, tides, history, beaches, events, etc.
- https://www.hebridesgifts.com/
Hebridean Jewellery
- Manufacturers of sterling silver and gold jewellery from the Pictish and Celtic periods through to the new millennium range. Located in Iochdar, South Uist.
- http://www.hebrideanjewellery.co.uk
Puffin Studio Crafts
- Arts and crafts, picture framing
- The Old Post Office Creagorry, Benbecula Tel: 01870 603885
Uist Gifts & Info
- Gifts from South Uist, Information and land services in South Uist. Based in Lochboisdale.
- https://www.uistgifts.com/
- Tel: 01878 700777