19 Best North Uist Beaches (2026)
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Looking for the best North Uist beaches? Then this post is for you.
There are so many amazing beaches in North Uist but it is difficult to find any information about them.
Most are not even marked in Google Maps and there are hardly any photos to help you decide where to go.
After visiting every beach and sandy bay on the island I have put together this post to save you time and frustration from endless searching.
The post tells you where to park, how to get down to the beach and it has a photo of every beach.
Are the Beaches on North Uist Worth Visiting?
The short answer is YES!
The islands further north such as Harris and Lewis get all the attention when it comes to the best beaches in the Outer Hebrides but there are some incredible beaches on North Uist as well.
If there was a hidden gem in the Outer Hebrides, this would be it!
Not only are the beaches fantastic but there are so many. The island itself also feels more remote and there are fewer tourists than on Harris and Lewis.
One thing to be aware of when planning your trip to North Uist and its beaches is tide levels. All the beaches in North Uist are more impressive around low tide but for some tide level is more important than for others.
Since it makes such a big difference to how the beaches look a tide level section has been included for each beach.
And don’t forget to factor in time to visit the beaches on the islands nearby such as Kildonan beach on South Uist, West beach on Berneray and Eriskay beach.
To drive less split your time between the best hotels in North Uist and the best places to stay on South Uist.
North Uist Beach Map
The Best North Uist Beaches
1. Clachan Sands
Since it is a large shallow bay Clachan Sands is one of the best places on North Uist to admire the turquoise waters the Outer Hebrides is so famous for.
This is a great beach for walking, swimming, kayaking and other water sports.
The only downside is that it can get relatively busy with people exploring the beach since there is a campground at Clachan Sands. North Uist has a couple of campgrounds close to beaches but this is the most scenic.
It is right next to the beach. It can’t get much better than looking out of your tent in the morning to this view.
There are no services at the campsite and there is an honesty box on site to pay the nightly charge.
Tide Level: On a sunny day the crystal-clear waters in the bay turn turquoise a few hours before or after low tide.
Parking: Clachan Sands is at the northern end of North Uist.
Put Clachan Sands Camping Area into Google Maps and follow the directions down the small road that takes off from the B893.
From Clachan Sands Cemetery take the track to the left past the cemetery. It is very bumpy but take it slow and it is fine to drive all the way down to the beach.
It is also possible to park by the cemetery and walk the last couple of hundred metres to the beach.
Access to the beach: From the carpark it is less than a hundred metres to the beach which is to the right of where you park. You can see the beach from the car park so you can’t go wrong.
Walking from the cemetery, follow the road to the left past the cemetery. The path will at some point split. Go right for the beach described above and left for Clachan Sands 2 which is described below under beach number 8.
2. Malacleit Beach
Malacleit beach is also called Sollas beach. North Uist has a couple of tidal bays and straights which are just sand at low tide.
At high tide Malacleit beach looks like any other bay on the island. You can see the same at Kirkibost and the causeways over to Benbecula but Malacleit beach is the most spectacular.
You will also find one of the most photographed houses in the Outer Hebrides here. It is called Struan Cottage and the photo above is taken from right next to the parking area at the Wee Cottage Kitchen (see below).
Tide Level: At the northern end of the bay there is a beach that is also visible at high tide but the main bay is under water.
The most interesting part of a visit here is seeing the tidal bay so try to be here close to low tide. A few hours before or after low tide is also an excellent time to come to see the wonderful range of blue water colours.
Parking: Next to the Wee Cottage Kitchen in Malacleit is a car park.
Access to the beach: The beach can be accessed in a few different locations. You can get down by the Wee Cottage Kitchen but the walk to Vallay Island (the island in the middle of the bay) starts from the other side of the bay.
Stay right next to Malacleit beach at Vallay Sands B&B!
3. Traigh Iar Beach and Machair
The Udal peninsula has seven beaches in total, five of them are on this list. A circular walk that takes 2 to 3 hours takes you past six of them.
So if you have limited time this is the place to come to see the best beaches North Uist has to offer. For a detailed description of the walk buy the Cicerone guide to Walking on Uist and Barra.
Traigh Iar Beach and Machair is the busiest of the beaches on the peninsula – partly because it is the most impressive beach but also because it is close to the car park.
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: There are two places to park and get down to the beach.
The first carpark is on the Udal peninsula in Grenitote. The parking is at the end of the road and is called Grenitote Picnic Area.
There are limited spaces and it fills up early. Many people walk the circular route so if the parking is full it can take a while for a space to free up. To get a parking spot on a day with nice weather make sure you arrive early.
The second place to park is close to the Co-op in Sollas. Drive out to the churchyard where you can park.
Access to the beach: The most interesting way to get here is to do the circular walk but there is a shorter way.
From the carpark on the Udal peninsula walk along the beach for about 300 metres before taking the path to the left. It is a 5 to 10-minute walk to the beach.
From the churchyard in Sollas it is also a short walk to the beach.
It is easiest to get down to the beach from the parking at Grenitote.
4. Traigh Stir – Hosta Beach
Surfing has become one of the most popular activities to do at Hosta beach. North Uist and the Outer Hebrides might not be the first place you think of for surfing but there are a few good beaches for adventurous surfers. Another one is Scarista beach on Harris.
If surfing is not your thing Hosta beach is great for walking. It can have a strong currents so it is not recommended to swim here.
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: At Baleloch take the exit towards the coast. At the end of the road is a car park.
Access to the beach: A short walk takes you to the grassy verge overlooking the beach shown in the photo above.
5. Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve East Beach
The Balranald nature reserve is on the north-eastern side of the island. There are several beaches on the reserve. If you only have time for one, pick East beach.
It is not marked on Google Maps but to help you find the location the what3words is digesting.detergent.feasted.
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: Parking is either by the visitor’s centre or you can drive all the way to the beach.
The road to the beach is not tarmacked. Drive slow and carefully to the carpark which is at the what3words location mentioned above.
There is nowhere to turn around except at the car park at the end of the road. Unless you are sure you are up for the drive it is better to do the short walk to the beach.
The sandy road that leads to the other beaches nearby are in a worse condition and so driving is not recommended.
Access to the beach: From the visitor’s centre it is one mile (1.6 km) on flat ground to the beach. It takes about 20 minutes to walk.
The parking is right next to the beach.
To plan your trip read my guide to the best things to do on North Uist
6. Baleshare Beach
Baleshare is a small island which is connected to North Uist by a causeway.
The views from the beach are different to most of the other beaches on the list with Benbecula and the mountains of South Uist in the background.
Tide Level: Come at low tide when the area around the causeway is brown clay on one side and a white shell beach on the other. Baleshare beach is also much wider and more stunning at this time.
Parking: Going north, take the exit to the left shortly before Carinish Village Hall. There are a few turns to take when you get on to the island, so use Google Maps to help you find it. The what3words for the parking is massaging.pure.spring.
Access to the beach: The beach is in front of the car park. Despite being a bit more difficult to find and further away than most of the other beaches on the list you still get a surprising number of people here most days.
7. Vallay Beach
On the northern side of Vallay island are a couple of white sandy beaches. More than the beaches themselves it is the location which makes them special.
Vallay Island is only accessible on foot and the walk must be done at low tide since it crosses Malcaleit bay. It is one of the most unique things to see in North Uist.
On the island don’t miss the large, ruined house which once belonged to one of the wealthiest families in Scotland, called Beveridge.
They made their money from linen production which allowed the owner to spend time on his hobbies which were landscape photography and archaeology.
Tide Level: It is not important for the beach itself but the island of Vallay is only accessible at low tide.
The hour before low tide the walk can be quite wet and it is a shallow sand river about 50 metres from the car park. Many people do the walk barefoot but it is not necessary if you have waterproof boots.
The bay continues to dry out in the hour after low tide. Be sure to check tide times in advance and to leave yourself sufficient time to get back to shore. When the tide turns the water comes in quickly.
Parking: The walk to Vallay starts from the western side of Malacleit bay. A small car park is located at the what3words destination of tonality.trip.section.
Access to the beach: On arriving at the island walk to the right of the two ruined houses and continue north. After a few hundred metres go right through the cattle gate and follow the path going northeast.
It is a 15-minute walk to the beach.
8. Balemore Beach
Along most of Balemore is a long stretch of beach. It could be argued it is several beaches since it breaks up before starting again in certain areas.
The most picturesque part of the beach is at the western side.
Tide Level: Not important for the beach but at the northern end is a large tidal lagoon which is all white sand at low tide.
Parking: A sandy track leads all the way around the beach. Most of it is impossible to drive unless you have a high clearance vehicle.
Parking is available for one or two cars just before the tarmacked road ends at Tranquil Sands holiday home. The what3words for the location is cost.pointer.timed.
The fact that the parking area is small is no problem since the beach is seldom visited.
Access to the beach: There are several paths down to the beach from the main road through Balemore.
The easiest access is walking the sandy track mentioned above since it is more difficult to park close to the other paths.
Book my favourite place to stay on North Uist: Benview Bed & Breakfast. It is close to Balemore beach
9. Udal Peninsula Beach 1
Since most of the beaches on the Udal Peninsula are not marked on the map and don’t have a name they are referred to as beach 1, 2 and 3 depending on how close they are to the carpark. Beach 1 is closest to the parking area.
In the summer months purple flowers form the machair close to the car park. Walking a bit further the views change. The flowers disappear but the bay opens up.
Tide Level: Around low tide you get beautiful reflection of the sky on the beach. At high tide the beach is less interesting.
Parking: Grenitote Picnic Area. For a description on how to get here see beach number 3 above.
Access to the beach: The beach is right in front of the car park.
10. Clachan Sands Beach 2
There are two beaches at Clachan Sands. The second is much quieter because it is a short walk away and it is also more difficult to get down to.
It is just as impressive but it doesn’t have the crystal-clear turquoise waters you get at the other Clachan Sands beach, described above (beach number 1).
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: By Clachan Sands Camping Area, as described for beach number 1.
Access to the beach: From the parking go left. It is a short walk uphill.
Be careful going down to the beach since it is a very steep scramble.
11. North Ford Causeway
At low tide the strait between North Uist, Grimsay and Benbecula is all sand.
There is a viewpoint close to Grimsay on the right side of the road when driving from Grimsay to North Uist. A road takes off to the left a little bit further on which goes out to a house.
You can drive halfway up the road but for views in this direction it is better to cross the road by the viewpoint.
There are a couple of places you can stop along the road but they are all on the same side as the viewpoint.
Tide level: Visit at low tide or a few hours either side. At high tide there is nothing left of the beach.
Parking: Park at the viewpoint. The what3words for the viewpoint is storeroom.cats.clocking.
Access to the beach: The beach can be accessed from the viewpoint but the sand is often wet. If crossing the road there are large boulders making it very difficult to get down to the beach on this side.
Also visiting South Uist? Read my guide to things to do in South Uist
12. Traigh Udal
There are so many large beaches with bright white shell sand in North Uist. On any other island this would be one of the top beaches to see but given there are so many beaches here it doesn’t even make the top ten.
The one thing that sets this beach apart from many others on the list is that you will likely have the beach to yourself since it is a bit more difficult to get to.
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: Grenitote Picnic Area. For a description on how to get here see beach number 3 above.
Access to the beach: The only way to get to the beach is on foot. It takes 45 minutes to walk the 2 miles (3.2 km) to the beach.
On the way you will pass beach 9, 13 and 15 on this list. On the way back walk past Traigh Iar Beach and Machair (beach number 3).
Buy the Cicerone Guide Book to Walking on Uist and Barra
13. Udal Peninsula Beach 3
This is the only rocky beach on North Uist. It is made even more interesting by the historic cemetery at the end of the bay and the views towards Berneray’s beaches and the mountains of the Isle of Harris.
Tide Level: At high tide only a thin line of rocks are left.
Parking: Grenitote Picnic Area. For a description of how to get here see beach number 3 above.
Access to the beach: It is an hour’s walk from the car park but it is along Udal peninsula beaches 1 and 2, which are both on this list. Being so far away from the carpark also means that you are likely to be here on your own.
Rather than walking the same way back do the circular walk past Traig Udal and Traigh Iar Beach and Machair. The walk doesn’t go all the way out to the end of the peninsula but crosses to the other side by this beach.
14. Kirkebost Sands
Tide Level: The area from Carinish in the south to Paible and Balemore in the north is all sand at low tide. It looks spectacular as you drive along the road which hugs the coastline. At high tide you will be driving along the sea.
Parking: At Kirkibost Café or Westford Inn.
Access to the beach: There are several places to get down to the beach. For both parking and easy access to the beach, stop at Kirkibost Café.
15. Udal Peninsula Beach 2
The backdrop of Clachan Sands, Berneray and Harris makes it a more interesting view than many of the beaches which face out to sea.
Tide Level: Around low tide.
Parking: Grenitote Picnic Area. For a description on how to get here see beach number 3 above.
Access to the beach: The only way to get to the beach is by walking the length of the Udal peninsula beach 1 (beach number 7 on this list). It takes 30 minutes to get to the beach.
16. Newtonferry Beach
Close to the causeway over to Berneray is the small village of Newtonferry. Calling it a village might be a bit of a stretch since it is really only a couple of houses.
In front of the houses is a large sandy beach. It faces north towards Berneray and a ruined house in the middle adds a point of interest.
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: At the end of the tarmaced road continue down the small track. Park close to the beach.
You can also leave your car where the tarmacked road ends. There is only room for a couple of cars but you are pretty much guaranteed to be here on your own so that won’t be a problem.
Access to the beach: The parking is right in front of the beach.
Stay at Newtonferry Pods close to the beach
17. Goular Beach
Goular Beach is at the Balranald nature reserve. There are a few smaller nature reserves across North Uist but the largest and most visited is at the northwestern side of the island.
Behind the beach is a large campground with facilities. However, it means that this beach can get very busy.
The family run campsite is open for both tents and caravans. There are several pitches with electric hook-ups, chemical toilet emptying, washing machines, toilets and showers.
With such a great location it is a popular site so make sure you book in advance at the Balranald Hebridean Holidays Campsite.
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: There is a large car park by the RSPB Balnarald visitor’s centre or drive a bit further in and park by the campsite.
Access to the beach: It is less than a hundred metre walk to the beach regardless of where you park.
18. Griminish Beach
Getting here is as interesting as the beach itself.
The last part of the road is impossible to drive. Even walking it can be a challenge since it is often flooded which means having to skirt around.
Close to the beach is a large ruin and sheep often graze the area.
Tide Level: Not important.
Parking: Close to Monty’s Cottage park at the side of the road. This is where the road gets very bad so don’t try to drive past this point.
Access to the beach: A 5 to 10-minute walk past the ruined houses takes you to the beach.
19. Glaic Beach
At the southern end of Uist is the small road called Knockquien.
It is a dead-end but there are lots of interesting bays at low tide. Most are muddy but at the end of the road is a small beach with wonderful views towards Eaval mountain.
Tide Level: Low tide, at high tide there is no beach left.
Parking: At the end of the road park on the side of the road.
Access to the beach: A short walk takes you down to the beach.
How to Visit the Beaches by Public Transport or Bike
Public transport in the Outer Hebrides is limited so I highly recommend booking a rental car for your trip.
Book your car hire with Rental Cars
Bus: The bus routes on North Uist are limited and mainly run along the eastern side of the island. This is the opposite side to where the beaches are.
The most useful route in terms of bus stops for the beaches is the W18 North West of North Uist circular service. It runs both clockwise and anticlockwise.
The problem is that the service is very limited which means that it is nearly impossible to plan a day trip to any of the beaches along this route by bus.
The W16 North Uist Spine route is more frequent but only stops as Clachan, Baleshare and Carinish village.
From the bus stop there is a fairly long walk to the beaches but at least you can get close to Clachan Sands, Baleshare Beach, Kirkibost Sands and North Ford Causeway.
Check the most recent timetables to plan your trip.
Bike: The circular road around North Uist is where you find most of the beaches. It is relatively flat and therefore a great road to explore by bike.
There are three bike rental companies in North Uist:
- Bike Uist is at Kirkibost where you can hire ebikes or standard bikes.
- Lasgair Bike Hire rent out ebikes, roadbikes, hybrids and mountain bikes. They deliver and pick up in North Uist.
- Hebridean Ebike rent out ebikes and they will collect and deliver from your accommodation or the ferry port.
Which Hebridean Island Has the Best Beaches?
Isle of Harris might have the best beaches in the Hebrides but North Uist is not far behind. North Uist is underrated and much less visited – but that is a good thing for you. Since you are reading this post you are probably considering a visit. My advice is, go! You won’t regret it.
It is also possible to do a day trip to Harris from North Uist so you can compare the beaches on this list to the best beaches on Harris, such as Luskentyre and Seilebost beach.
What Beaches Are on North and South Uist?
The beaches on North and South Uist are very different. In North Uist there are many more beaches and they are more varied in how they look.
The beaches on South Uist are along the western coast of the island which at low tide nearly forms one long beach that stretches for 20 miles.
The best beaches on North and South Uist are:
- Clachan sands – North Uist
- Malacleit beach – North Uist
- Stilgarry beach – South Uist
- Udal Peninsula beaches – North Uist
- Kilaulay beach – South Uist
Are the Uists Worth Visiting?
Yes! They are often overlooked in favour of the better-known islands further north, such as Harris and Lewis – but the Uists have so much to offer. The Uists are two islands, South Uist and North Uist, which are very different.
North Uist has stunning beaches while South Uist has a quiet windswept feeling. Both islands are a perfect base for exploring all the islands linked by the causeways, from Eriskay’s beaches in the south to west beach on Berneray in the north.
It is also possible to do day trips to the Isle of Barra beaches, Vatersay bay beach and Harris from the Uists.
How Long Should I Spend in Uist?
A week is a good length of time to spend on Uist. The weather is changeable so this means that you are likely to have a few days with good weather to explore the beaches at the right tide level.
There are also many good walks, such as the ridge of Beinn Mhor in South Uist, cosy cafes to go for cake and coffee and don’t forget to include time to visit the other islands.
Berneray is one of the best places in the Outer Hebrides to see seals and in Barra you can even see a plane land at the only tidal beach runway in the world.
To drive less split your time between the best accommodation on North Uist and the best accommodation on South Uist.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit North Uist?
The best time of year to visit North Uist is between April and October. The summer months are warmest and midges are much less of a problem here than on the mainland. This is because there is normally always a bit of wind.
In the winter months many of the cafes and sites are closed. It is also more likely to rain.
Can You Drive Between North and South Uist?
Yes, you can drive between North and South Uist. There is a causeway all the way from Berneray in the north to Eriskay in the south allowing you to drive the nearly 60 miles stretch through 6 islands without getting on a ferry.
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
Top 10 Best North Uist Hotels, B&Bs and Pods
29 Best Things to Do in North Uist
35 Top Things to Do in South Uist
