Uist, Outer Hebrides is an accumulation of six separate islands which act as the perfect locations for somebody who’s looking for a getaway to enjoy some peaceful time. This archipelago aims to provide the best comfort with the promise of your own space and comfort.
This island is spread in each direction wherein it is nestled between Lewis and Harris to the north and Barra and Vatersay to the south. Uist is a name that is commonly used for the islands that make up Uist. to reach here is quite easy as it is accessible by ferries heading from the mainland and other islands.
Uist, as said before, is a group of islands and included in it are Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay. Each one of them has its own attractive location and a story ready to be disclosed to the world.
When you are thinking of visiting the Uist, you might wonder what am I going to do there? So, to help you find suitable answers to this question, read on to know what are the best things to do in Uist!
To simplify this article, it will be divided into two sections focusing on: North and South Uist
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The Best Things To Do In Uist
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Where to Stay in Uist Outer Hebrides
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NORTH UIST
Explore The Magical Langass Community Woodland
Known as nature-based heaven, the Langass Community Woodland is an eye-pleasing sight. A green oasis on the moors of North Uist, the community woodland is the favourite spot to visit for globetrotters. Its presence is of such significance because of the lowest rather none presence of any remaining natural forest within the island.
Langass community woodland looks such magical due to undying contributions and aggressive maintenance conducted by the local communities. These local communities come together and plant community woodland.
The woodland is home to a huge variety of wildlife such as woodland birds and even bats. Once you start your trail within the woodland, you’ll come across a few stunning sights such as the statue near the top which commemorates Hercules: a famous grizzly bear who starred in TV commercials and films including James Bond: Octopussy.
Enjoy A Beach Dining Experience Along The Waves
One of the highest things to try and do in North Uist is to let yourself loose and go wild with the made form of food and drinks this place must provide.
The restaurants here have an expensive selection on their menus starting from food from the native boats, native lamb and regionally caught shellfish, business for several tastes with each ancient and modern dishes. The community hubs, cafes and outlets provide daily home baking, delicious treats, a relaxed atmosphere, and wonderful views. outlets stock a large variety of native products, essentials, selected Scottish manufacturers and trained worker bakes.
See the ruins of the Iron Age fort Dun an Sticir
One of the living proof of the Iron age, the fort of Dun an Sticir is a sight to behold. Built between 100 BC and 100 AD, the location has given enough proofs to the world about the presence of the Iron age in the world. Interestingly, when the excavation happened, they found an immense about of pottery.
A highly magnificent monument from that age still stands bold and looks as ethereal as it could be. Built in a loch, Dun an Sticir has an incredible and brilliant construction proof. There are three different paths that could be taken to reach the main area. One of those three is a wide stone causeway which leads from the north and comes towards the island of Eilean na Mi-Chomhairle. Whereas the second one is a smaller causeway in comparison and leads from the south side of the lake to the same island. Lastly, the third causeway curves from that island to the east and towards the small island on which the broch lies.
A beautiful sight comes before us all when the tides are high, the causeways get partially submerged.
Check out theTaigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre
One of the prominent museums in North Uist is the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre. Being here is as magical as it could get and people from all over the world come here to spectate the wonderful collection it portrays.
Taigh Chearsabhagh showcases the various social, domestic, economic, cultural and religious life of North Uist alongwith a variety of fascinating artefacts mainly ranging from the 19th and 20th centuries. Adding to this wonderful portrayal, this magnificent museum also showcases a collection of Scottish and international art which also includes island-based artists and craft pieces.
The museum, nowadays, hosts poetry events, boasts a fantastic print workshop and also has a film club which does its session frequently.
While the above section totally focused on North Uist, the following section focuses on the southern part of Uist Outer Hebrides.
South Uist lies between Barra and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides and is a larger island in comparison. Looking at the area’s division, the east side is mountainous with the highest peak being measured at 2034ft. This peak is known as Beinn Mhor. Whereas the west proudly showcases the long line of sandy beaches portraying dunes and flower-filled machair to entice everyone who visits or even passes by.
On your visit to the island’s Askernish, you would be welcomed by beautiful and mesmerising golf courses supporting the view of majestic blue waters.
As tempting as it sounds, your visit to South Uist would only help you come closer to nature and yet let you experience the time of your life. Read on to know more about South Uist and get a step closer to making that tick list for this trip!
Explore the beauty of Loch Sgioport road
Feeling quite adventurous when in the Uist? Drive down the Loch Sgioport road and be mesmerised by the amazing variety of wildlife. While you enjoy the wind in your hair, you might also want to know that this indented coastline alongwith its inlets, headlands, islands and skerries is an attractive area for white-tailed eagles. These majestic eagles find their home all around the year but majorly during the late winter and early spring seasons.
Explore the North Loch Eynort & Arinaban Woodland
North Uist is a heaven for those who have a liking for exploration and Loch Eynort proves to be the best choice for it. This big sea loch is located on the east coast of South Uist which promises to provide a view worth your time and effort. To experience the scenic view, driving on the single-track road along the north shore will be one of the best choices.
Acting as an adding element to the beauty, once you have taken the road, you would find yourself at the Arinaban Woodland at the end. The presence of trees is a significant commence of the trail and indicates that you are on the right track. Moving ahead, you would find yourself surrounded with magical and mesmerising sight as the trail emerges into a wide-open landscape. This landscape includes beautiful hillsides filled with purple heather, majestic mountains and the overwhelming serene blue waters of Loch Eynort.
Walk along the beauty of Uist with Rubha Aird a’ Mhuile
If you feel adventurous enough and want to take on the wild side of nature, try including Rubha Aird a’ Mhuile in your best things to do in Uist. Situated on the westernmost side of South Uist, this is a true wilderness and a rocky promontory sticking out into the sea with long stretches of beach on either side to prompt you to get close to nature. Probably one of the hotspots for wildlife, Rubha Aird a’ Mhuile is home to views wherein you can easily spot seals seating on the rock or even see rare bird nests in the surroundings and much more.
This magnificent headland also shares itself with the Hebridean Whale Trail. One of the most interesting trails where you could spot the pod of resident bottlenose dolphins from Barra.
Walking Amidst Nature At Loch Driudibeag Trails
A freshwater loch situated on the island of South Uist has been turning heads of visitors coming from across the globe. This fantastic moorland offers an abode to different habitats and landscapes alongwith hen harriers and white-tailed eagles. The fauna comes under the conservation of the RSPB nature reserve which has now become a popular place.
Surrounding the enticing trail are some mesmerising views of impressive mountains.
Before You Leave for Uist Outer Hebrides
Before you set off on your way to Uist Outer Hebrides, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Scotland. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Uist Outer Hebrides
To reach Uist in the Outer Hebrides, a breathtaking island group in Scotland, several transportation options are available. The most common way to get to Uist is by taking a ferry from either Uig on the Isle of Skye or Oban on the mainland.
The ferry journey offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and takes approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the departure point. Alternatively, there is also a daily flight service that operates from Glasgow to Benbecula, which is the main airport serving Uist.
From Benbecula, buses and taxis are available to transport you to your desired destination within the Uist islands.
Whether you choose to experience the serenity of a ferry ride or opt for a quicker flight, getting to Uist is a magical journey that allows you to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Outer Hebrides.
Where to Stay in Uist Outer Hebrides
Please enter your desired location and dates in the search box below to find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Uist Outer Hebrides
When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof. It rains in Scotland on average 250 days a year, meaning that during your trip to the Isle of Skye in winter, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket (men’s / women’s).
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots (men’s / women’s). A lot of the best sights on Skye require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat (men’s / women’s) and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around here, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Uist Outer Hebrides
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, your Guide to The Best Things To Do In Uist Outer Hebrides. If you are visiting this incredible place and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning walk.
If you are planning a Scotland trip soon then check out our other Scotland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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