29 Best Things to Do in North Uist
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North Uist doesn’t attract the same attention as Harris and Lewis, but it is a wonderful island.
There are plenty of interesting things to do in North Uist such as historic sites, walks and beaches which rival those on Harris.
The problem is because North Uist doesn’t see the same number of tourists as Harris and Lewis there is much less information about what to do on the island.
Therefore, I have put together this list of the top sites, hikes and day trips based on my many visits to North Uist.
Things to Do on North Uist
1. Explore the Beaches
When reading about the beaches in the Outer Hebrides the Harris beaches are more often than not the ones mentioned. However, don’t dismiss the beaches on North Uist!
Having travelled extensively in the Outer Hebrides I the North Uist beaches are underrated. They might not be quite as impressive as Luskentyre beach or Seilebost on Harris but there are so many and you will often have the beaches to yourself.
My favourite thing to do in North Uist is beach hopping, especially on a sunny day. When the sun is shining the beaches look more spectacular. The sands are bright white and the waters are turquoise.
To plan your visit read my North Uist Beach Guide
2. Pobull Fhinn Stone Circle at Langass
Phobull Fhinn is often described as the “North Uist stone circle”, although the stones are not quite in a circle anymore. Several standing stones are scattered over a man made terrace with panoramic views towards the mountain of Eaval.
The stones are a 10-15 minute walk from Langass Lodge. Walk past the hotel along the track which leads to the sea. As the track splits keep left and proceed uphill.
The stone circle can be combined with Barpa Langais and Langass Woods. Trails run between these three sites which are only a few hundred metres apart.
3. Dun an Sticir
Dun an Sticir is a broch, which is a stone round house from the Iron Ages.
Broch sites are found all over Scotland but like most of the others there is now not much left to see. However, the location makes this one of the most interesting to visit.
Park at the Dun an Sticir parking which is shown in Google Maps. The what3words location for the parking is restored.existence.haggling.
Down by the tidal loch two sets of stone causeways take you out to the small island where the broch is located. Download the Uist Unearthed app before visiting.
It allows you to scan a QR code on site and using augmented reality technology the app shows you what the broch would have looked like over 2,000 years ago.
There are several sites through the Outer Hebrides from the Iron Ages. One of the other most interesting ones is the Iron Age house at Bosta beach on Great Bernera, a small island connected to Isle of Lewis by bridge.
4. Barpa Langais
This is the best-preserved burial chamber in the Outer Hebrides. It is about 5,000 years old and is from the Neolithic period. In fact it is one of the earliest standing structures in Northern Europe.
The stones cover an area about 20 metres in diameter. Inside is a burial chamber but it is no longer possible to look inside since the structure is unstable.
Being at the top of a hill the location has fabulous views. When looking around it is amazing to think that when the burial chamber was built most of this area would have been forest.
Another fun fact is this burial site has never been explored by modern archaeologists. Imagine what might be lying underneath.
5. Trinity Temple – Teampull na Trionaid
There was a church located here as early as the 12-13th Century. However, most of the ruins you see today are from the monastery that was built in the 14th Century. At this time it was an important seat of learning.
Park at the Trinity Temple car park which is next to the church close to the main road. It is marked on Google Maps.
Walk past the church and along the coast to the ruins or continue on the road and through a gate to the monastery. You can walk amongst the ruins and the site was much more interesting than I expected.
6. Scolpaig Tower
Scolpaig Tower was commissioned in 1830s by a local landowner to give locals an income during a time of famine. The tower might not look that tall but apparently it provided locals with jobs for 20 years.
Although it is called a tower it is really a folly. From a distance it appears round but as you approach you can see it is built with eight sides.
Arriving from the direction of Malacleit, drive past the entrance to the loch. Park in the small parking area on your left located shortly after the road to the tower.
The road to the tower is only open for people on foot.
7. Hercules the Bear Statue
It is really the story from 1980 more than the statue itself which makes this a fun attraction.
Whilst filming of an advert in the Outer Hebrides a grizzly bear called Hercules escaped. As the days went by and the bear wasn’t found hysteria started to spread across the island.
Hercules was born into captivity and had never learnt to hunt. People wondered whether when the bear got hungry would he start to kill livestock or people.
Hercules was on the run for 24 days before being spotted by a crofter in North Uist. During his time on the run no people were harmed and Hercules had lost half of his body weight.
The story captured the imagination not just of the locals but the whole world. His three weeks on the run made Hercules into a global superstar.
He received a letter from Ronald Reagan, made the cover of Time magazine and starred in the Bond Film Octopussy before retiring due to a bad back.
8. Hut of the Shadows
From the outside it looks like a small traditional stone house with turfed roof. Entering the hut it is pitch black. After your eyes get used to the dark you can see the camera obscura projecting on the white wall opposite the window.
Although it is an interesting installation I am not sure it is worth the trouble of getting here. The Sponish suspension bridge is closed and this means a long drive down a road full of large potholes.
Park where the road splits at the end of the peninsula. From here it is a short walk to the hut.
9. Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Centre
There are not many activities that are suitable for a rainy day in North Uist. This is pretty much the only one.
In addition to art and other local exhibitions there is an excellent café. The only time the café is really busy is the hour before the ferry from Lochmaddy to Uig departs.
Opening hours are:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am – 4pm
- Sunday: Closed
10. Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve
The Balranald nature reserve lies in the north western corner of North Uist. It is particularly popular for bird watching and many people come here to see corncrakes, one of Britain’s rarest birds.
There are also several good walks along the cliffs where you can spot seals and porpoises.
Close to the parking area is the Balranald camping area which is often busy. Walk a little further out and you will have the cliffs and the beaches to yourself.
Planning a trip to the Uists? Read my guide to the top places to stay in Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist and the best accommodation in North Uist
11. Otter Spotting
Let me be very clear, otters are difficult to see. When reading blog posts in the past I have been left with the feeling that if you visit a location known for otters you will see one. Sorry to be the bearer of bad new but that is not the case.
I have tried several times to see otters in Scotland but with little luck so far. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and you might have more luck than me.
One of the best places to see otters is close to Langass Lodge.
Every Wednesday morning there are organised otter walks. Join one of these walks for the highest chance of seeing an otter.
The walk should be booked in advance by calling Langass Lodge.
12. St Kilda Viewpoint
North west on the island, close to Hosta, is a hill called Clettreval. At the top is a radar station but before you get this far there are two viewpoints.
One is called the St Kilda viewpoint and faces north west. Closer to the radar station is a cairn with views to the south west.
On a clear day it is worth the detour for the views. However, you will probably struggle to spot St Kilda without binoculars.
13. Dun Torcuill
Dun Torcuill is on a small island in the middle of Loch an Duin.
The difference between a dun and broch is mainly how the walls were constructed and how tall they are. Both originate from the Iron Ages and were small forts.
Download the Uist Unearthed app before visiting (there is no mobile data reception so you can’t download it on site).
Close to the shore there is a QR code that you can scan and using augmented reality the app shows you what the dun once looked like.
Using the app it is an interesting site but without it all you can see are a few stones on an island.
The dun is not signposted and it is difficult to find. It is also difficult to park along the road but the best place to park is around what3words location of shoulders.inert.done.
Walk along the road for as long as you can before going towards the lake. The path is not marked and the area close to the lake is boggy. Look out for the pole with a QR code for the Uist Unearthed app at the lake edge and aim for that.
14. Art on the Map Trail & Uist Sculpture Trail
There are two art trails on the Uists. One is called “Art on the map” and the other “Uist sculpture trail”. The last time I visited I struggled to find some of the installations that are marked on the “Art on the map trail”.
On Nort Uist the most accessible pieces of art on the “Uist sculpture trail” are in Lochmaddy.
A series of walkways start from the parking area of the Taigh Chearsabhagh museum and art centre. They run along the coast where you will find the “mackerel” and “high tide low tide” sculptures.
15. Bird Watching
North Uist and the Outer Hebrides is one of the best places in the UK to see (or at least hear) corncrakes, one of Britain’s rarest birds.
Around Balemore and in the Balranald nature reserve you will often hear their raspy calls. They hide in the long grass so they are difficult to spot.
16. Hebridean Smokehouse
In Clachan is a local smokehouse with a viewing gallery where you can see the fish being smoked. Next door there is a small shop where you can buy the produce as well as other souvenirs.
The smoked fish is said to be delicious. It is even listed as one of the top 500 things to eat in the world by Lonely Planet (it is number 39!).
Opening hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 5.30pm
- Saturday: 9am – 5.00pm
- Sunday: Closed
Best North Uist walks
Planning on walking in North Uist and the surrounding islands? Then buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Uist and Barra. It has lots of excellent walks together with maps and detailed descriptions.
17. Udal Peninsula Walk
North Uist has fantastic beaches and the best way to see them is to do this walk. It is a 2-3 hour circular walk around the Udal peninsula and includes 5 beaches.
One thing to note is that finding parking can be a challenge.
The best parking is called Grenitote Picnic Area on Google Maps and as well as hikers people visiting Traigh Iar beach also park here. On a nice day come early to find a parking space.
18. Vallay Island
This is the most unique walk on North Uist since it can only be done around low tide. The parking area and start of the walk is on the Griminish side of the bay. The what3words for the parking is notebook.encourage.prep.
There is no path across the sands, just aim for the buildings on Vallay.
On the island explore the ruins of the large house. It was once the home to one of Scotland’s wealthiest families, the Beveridge family.
The house was occupied until the 1940s. It is amazing how quickly the weather on North Uist turns a structure into a ruin. This building looks like it has been abandoned for a lot longer than 80 years.
Don’t start the walk too long before low tide. I walked out the island less than an hour before low tide and the sand was still fairly wet.
It takes longer for the tide to return than you think and most of the standing water had drained away when walking back an hour after low tide.
Having said that, don’t stay too long on the island either. When the tide starts to come in it comes in quickly.
19. Eaval Mountain
Despite only being 347 metres high you get sweeping views from the top. It is the highest mountain in the area so you can see as far as Harris in the north, Skye to the east and Benbecula and South Uist to the south.
The walk takes 4-5 hours and is 12km.
20. Langass Woodland
There are few trees in the Outer Hebrides making walking in these woods something of a novelty. The woods are small and have good paths. Along the trail are small art installations and points of interests aimed at children.
There is a car park by the entrance to the woods or walk down from Barpa Langais.
The small road up to the woods is not marked on Google Maps but there is a sign by the A867. The what3words location for the parking is moons.goose.basically.
21. Baleshare
Baleshare is a small island connected to North Uist by a causeway. It is close Claddach.
After crossing the causeway stay on the road until you see a sign for the beach. The what3words for the parking is recorders.developer.rejected.
The views around the causeway and the beach are more impressive at low tide, but the walk can be done at any time.
Walk along the beach until the end of the island before retracing your steps. The full walk takes about 2 hours, but you can cut the walk short at any time.
Buy the Cicerone Guide Book to Walking on Uist and Barra
Best Day Trips From North Uist
One of the reasons to visit North Uist is its geographical location which makes it easy to visit other nearby islands.
All the islands from Berneray in the north to Eriskay in the south are connected by causeways so there is no need for ferries. However, it is a 1.5 hour drive from Berneray to Eriskay.
To spend less time driving anyone staying in hotels should consider splitting their time between North Uist and one of the islands further south.
Read my guide to the top places to stay in Eriskay, Benbecula and South Uist and the best accommodation in North Uist for suggestions on where to stay.
22. Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris is north of Berneray. To get there you need to take the Berneray ferry to Leverburgh. The ferry sails several times a day and I recommend booking tickets in advance.
The reason to visit Harris is for its beaches which are some of the prettiest in the Outer Hebrides.
Most of the things to do on Harris are outdoors such as exploring beaches or hiking so try to do this day trip on a day where good weather is forecast.
To plan your trip read my guide to Huisinis beach on Harris
23. Berneray
Berneray is the island north of North Uist. It is a small island of only 4 square miles. The main attractions are West Beach and seal spotting close to the village.
There is even a parking area called “seal viewing point parking” close to the post office. It is one of the best places in the Outer Hebrides to spot seals from land.
Berneray is connected to North Uist by a causeway and buses run between the two islands.
To plan your trip read my guide to how to get to West beach in Berneray
24. Grimsay
Grimsay is the only inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides that doesn’t have a long, white sandy beach. The island is rocky and craggy.
It is home to my favourite café in the Outer Hebrides, the Scandinavian Bakery. The cafe is located in the community centre called Ceann na h-Àirigh which is also home to the post office and a boat museum.
25. Benbecula
Benbecula is the island south of North Uist. The most interesting site on the island is the North Uist Distillery.
Otherwise, the island has a lot of services such as a hospital, an airport and supermarkets with the widest variety of produce in the area.
To plan your trip to Benbecula read my Benbecula Beach Guide
26. South Uist
There are many interesting things to do on South Uist.
The attractions vary from great hikes, such as across the ridge of Beinn Mhor, to the historic An Carra standing stone, Clad Hallan, to a local museum called Kildonan Museum.
There are also plenty of beaches to explore on South Uist. You can easily spend a couple of days on South Uist alone.
To plan your trip to South Uist read my South Uist Beach Guide
27. Eriskay
Eriskay is as far south as you can get before you need to board a ferry. It is a small island and its main attraction are the beaches.
Half a day is enough to experience the island and have lunch at the SS Politician pub.
Read more about Eriskay in my Isle of Eriskay Beach Guide
28. Mingulay
If you are wondering where is Mingulay? the answer is South of the island of Barra and Vatersay.
It is an uninhabited island that can be visited on a day trip with Uist Sea Tours.
From late April to the end of July puffins nest on the island. There are other places in the Outer Hebrides where you can see puffins, but on Mingulay you can get up close.
To decide if a trip to Mingualy is for you read my Mingulay Travel Guide
29. St Kilda
The islands have majestic cliffs and a fascinating history. People lived here until 1930 when life became too difficult and they all evacuated.
Uist Sea Tours offer day trips to St Kilda which is a 3-hour boat ride (each way). The sailing is in open sea it can be a rough journey with large rolling waves. This is not a good trip for people who suffer from seasickness.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in North Uist
North Uist and the surrounding islands are often overlooked in favour of Harris, Lewis and Barra. In my opinion North Uist is underrated.
The beaches are as interesting as those on Harris and Lewis and there are lots of things to do on North Uist. North Uist also sees fewer tourists which means that you often have beaches and sites to yourself.
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