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A mini guide to
The Uists & Benbecula: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Use the causeways
All the islands from Berneray to Eriskay are joined by causeways, so one car can cover the chain. Allow time for single-track sections.
Watch for wildlife on the roads
Birds, sheep and cattle graze the machair beside the roads, so drive slowly through crofting townships.
Check seasonal hours
Several cafés and hotels change their opening through the year. Check websites, especially between October and April.
Book ferries in advance
CalMac says reservations are essential from Uig to Lochmaddy and strongly recommended at Lochboisdale.
Follow the Access Code
The machair and beaches are working croft land and nesting habitat. Keep to paths in spring and summer and keep dogs on leads near livestock.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Uists & Benbecula?
The Uists & Benbecula is in Na h-Eileanan Siar, Scotland. Machair, chambered cairns and causeways from Berneray to Eriskay. Nearby stops and stations include Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale, Benbecula Airport.
How long do I need in The Uists & Benbecula?
Two or three days to travel the chain from Berneray to Eriskay. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Barpa Langass, Pobull Fhinn, Dun an Sticir. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Lochmaddy (CalMac ferry to Uig (Skye)); Lochboisdale (CalMac ferries to Mallaig and Oban); Benbecula Airport (Flights); Berneray and Eriskay (CalMac ferries to Harris and Barra). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 9 places to eat and drink in and around The Uists & Benbecula, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 12 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is The Uists & Benbecula accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in The Uists & Benbecula
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Dun an Sticir
Iron Age broch in a loch about 9.5 km north of Lochmaddy; a building was raised on the site in the late medieval period.
Teampull na Trionaid
Ruins of a 13th-century Augustinian nunnery at Carinish, believed to be a daughter house of the Iona nunnery.
Balranald RSPB Reserve
RSPB reserve on the west coast of North Uist with sandy beaches, a rocky shore, marshes and dunes.
The Outer Hebrides
More areas to explore
Barra & Vatersay
Kisimul Castle, the beach airport and the sands of Vatersay
Open the mini guide →
Isle of Lewis & Stornoway
Stornoway, the Calanais Stones, blackhouses and the Butt of Lewis
Open the mini guide →
Isle of Harris & Tarbert
White beaches, the Bays, Tarbert and the church at Rodel
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Pobull Fhinn: Otter, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Dun an Sticir: Helen Spencer, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Teampull na Trionaid: MatthewVernon, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Balranald RSPB Reserve: Alan Jamieson, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Barra & Vatersay: Conor Lawless from North Uist, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, source
- Isle of Lewis & Stornoway: LornaMCampbell, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Isle of Harris & Tarbert: Zenit, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring The Outer Hebrides