Explore Wild landscapes
North Uist and the surrounding islands are a paradise of wild and remote landscapes, with rugged moorland, sweeping machair meadows and breathtaking beaches.
There are many splendid walks on the islands, from an evening stroll on the track behind the cottage to climbing some of the islands modest hills. Maps and guidebooks are available from MacGillivray’s shop, or check out suggested routes on Walk Highlands.
If you fancy a beach walk or a cold water swim then there are plenty to choose from! Enjoy wide open skies, white sands and tourquoise seas. Some of our favourites are Clachan Sands and Baleshare Beach. Beaches are often deserted. Go for a horse ride along Balivanich beach, or hire a kayak or SUP.
Bikes can also be hired on the island, and there are on- and off-road cycle routes around the islands, including the Hebridean Way cycle route.
At night the vast open dark skies offer spectacular stargazing. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon, and if you’re lucky you may see the Northern Lights dancing over the sea.
Discover Local Heritage
The islands are dotted with pre-historic ruins including Bharpa Langrass burial cairn, and the stone circle at Pobull Fhinn. Stone ruins from the late 18th century are also common, including a small ruined settlement up the track behind the cottage.
Learn more about the history and Gaelic culture of the islands at one of the local museums: Taigh Chearsabhagh in Lochmaddy, Kildonan Museum on South Uist and Grimsay Boat Museum. Discover a rich, and sometimes sad, history from communities living through the wild island conditions.
To get a more current flavour of island life enjoy the local food and drink. Freshly caught seafood and hand-dived scallops can be sampled from Namara Seafood and we recommend a visit to the Hebridean Smokehouse for peat-smoked salmon.
For gin lovers visit Downpour distillery to taste some award-winning gins, made with local botanicals; or head to the iconic building of Benbecula Distillery for some island whiskey. Take a tour and visit their cafe.
Watch the wildlife
North Uist is one of Scotland’s top wildlife destinations. The island’s lochs, machair, and shorelines are alive with birdlife – hen harriers, oyster catchers and short-eared owls, as well as the rarer white-tailed eagles and corncrakes.
On the west side of North Uist visit RSPB Balranald, where work is done with local crofters to provide the right habitat for corncrakes as part of their recovery programme. On South Uist the Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve is a community nature reserve, formed in partnership with local crofters. There are 3 trails you can follow which explore the reserve.
Keep your eyes peeled for otters along the coast, red deer in the hills, and seals basking on the rocks. Wildlife boat trips offer the chance to spot sea eagles, porpoises, and even minke whales in the surrounding waters.
Venture further afield
Hop in your car and venture further south to South Uist and Eriskay or go North to Harris and Lewis. Glaic Cottage is well placed for day trips across the Outer Hebrides.
On Harris there are more stunning beaches, the Isle of Harris (Gin) Distillery in Tarbert, Harris Tweed exhibitions and shops, as well as galleries and eateries. Venturing further north into Lewis, you may want to visit Callanish Standing stones, Dun Carloway Broch or Grearrannan Blackhouse Village.
Heading south through South Uist you can visit the statue of Our Lady of the Isles, Kildonan Museum, Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve and Cadh Hallan Roundhouses. Across the causeway on Eriskay, look out for the Eriskay ponies. It is also the site of events inspiring the story Whisky Galore, and the Am Politician pub and restaurant has a bottle from the wreck.
Even further South, visit the beautiful, tranquil island of Barra to see aeroplanes landing on the beach at low tide, and to enjoy a circular tour around the island. This is a full day outing from Glaic cottage.
There are several companies that offer trips to the remote uninhabited isles of St Kilda, a World Heritage Site. This trip is sure to be a highlight of your holiday but needs booking well in advance and is dependent on good weather .
Cast a line
North Uist is a dream for anglers, with hundreds of lochs, rivers, and sea lochs teeming with life. The island is famous for its wild brown trout and salmon fishing, with opportunities for both seasoned fishers and beginners. The fishing in Uist is managed by North Uist Estate and South Uist Estate. Both Estates have Angling Clubs which can give information on permits.
