The Western Isles of Lewis, Harris, Uists, Benbecula and Barra

Transcription

1 The Western Isles of Lewis, Harris, Uists, Benbecula and Barra SEA LEWIS BOAT TRIPS: Explore the coastline North and South of Stornoway in our 8.5m Rib. Comfortably seating 8 passengers, we can provide sightseeing and sea-fishing trips, take a trip to the Shiant Isles and its abundance of wildlife including puffins, sea eagles and occasional sightings of dolphins and porpoises. Leaving by prior arrangement from Stornoway area, contact Charles or Joe on / sealewis850@gmail.com (Map Grid: B) CALANAIS VISITOR CENTRE provides a range of facilities, incl. Cafe, Gift Shop, Art Gallery & toilets. We also promote a greater understanding of the majestic and enigmatic, world famous Calanais Standing Stones site via an interpretive display called the Story of the Stones. Open: April, May, Sept & Oct - Mon-Sat: 0am-6pm; June, July & August: 9.0am-8pm, Mon-Sat Nov-Mar - Tues-Sat: 0am-pm. Tel: GEARRANNAN BLACKHOUSE VILLAGE Sited in an environment of outstanding natural beauty at Carloway on the Atlantic coast of the Isle of Lewis, this unique group of restored thatched cottages should be included in the itinerary of all visitors to the island. Step back in time, learn about and experience the way of life in a typical crofting township of the last century. See traditional activities, including The weaving of the famous Harris Tweed. Buy some mementoes of your visit in the village shop and relax in the cafeteria where you can enjoy the best of home - made fare. Open from Monday to Saturday 9.0am to 5.0pm throughout the summer season, but feel free to visit at any time. Admission charges and further information. HS 9AL. Tel: info@gearrannan.com DOUNE BRAES HOTEL RESTAURANT: A warm welcome awaits you. We are open for meals & refreshments daily. Light meals served during the day and our full menu in the evening. Locally sourced food including our own beef raised on our croft, shellfish and local lamb. A good selection of Malt Whiskies in the Lounge Bar. Coffees to go whilst you explore the west side of the Island. Tel: THE LOCH ERISORT INN is situated midway between Stornoway and Tarbert, about.5 miles along the B8060 from Balallan. Home cooked meals, using local produce, including shellfish (when available), are served all day in the restaurant. There is also a well stocked and lively bar. The Inn is open days a week, and food is served from midday Monday to Saturday, and from.0 on Sundays. Tel: BLUE PIG CREATIVE SPACE: Carloway s unique working studio and gallery of Jane and Peter Harlington. Collage, printmaking and mixed media originals. Bespoke workshops by appointment. Blue Bothy accommodation. bluepigstudio@googl .com Tel: Visit us on Facebook! 6 THE BEACH HOUSE GALLERY: Stunning location, stunning building and a stunning little gallery tucked away at the end of the road at Dalbeg (HS 9AE) on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Originals, prints, greetings cards and crafts, all handmade by Lesley & Alisdair Wiseman. Open most afternoons but phone if you want to make sure we re in or if you want to visit at a different time. Tel: CALLANISH STANDING STONES One of the most significant and important megalithic complexes in Europe. The most impressive set of stones is called Callanish and the circle can be seen clearly from the main road (A858). It consists of rows of large pieces of Lewisian gneiss arranged in a cross shape. At the centre of the cross is a monolith and a small chambered cairn. Visitor Centre. CARLOWAY BROCH is located above Loch an Duin on a rocky knoll in a good defensive position. A Broch is an Iron Age structure designed to impress and defend, and were probably the homes of tribal leaders and important members of the community. They are built with two concentric walls of stone, with a stairway or gallery within the walls to the upper floors. The Broch at Carloway is one of the best preserved in the Hebrides and dates back over 000 years. 0 Let the adventure begin! Leaving from Miavaig Harbour, Uig, Isle of Lewis. Tel: bookings@seatrek.co.uk 9 SEATREK is based in Uig on Lewis, one of the most beautiful locations in Britain. We offer unforgettable boat trips around the Hebrides. Try any of our trips for a great family experience with the opportunity of seeing seals, basking sharks, dolphins and many species of birds. Seatrek RIB Short Trips Sea Eagles & Lagoon Trip... hours Island Excursion... hours Customised Trips... hours Fishing Trips... hours Gallan Head Trek... hours Sea Stacks Trip... hours Engage professional WESTERN ISLES TOUR GUIDES to enhance your visit. Contact W.I.T.G.A. for more information Mob: j.m.morrison@btinternet.com

2 Isle of Lewis - see map on page 5 UIG LODGE is a fishing lodge, B&B and award winning salmon smokery based on the beautiful west coast of Lewis. It overlooks the thedramatic dramaticwhite white sands sands of Uig of Uig Bay.Bay. Visitors Visitors welcome welcome all year all round. year round Monday - Saturday 9.00am pm. Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am pm Tel: Visit our online shop info@uiglodge.co.uk ALBANNACH GUIDED TOURS AND TAXI: Executive Taxi service Lewis & Harris. Your personalised Guided Tours Lewis to Barra & ALL of Scotland (Walks & Drives) with a fully qualified & insured Scottish Tourist Guide. Pick ups Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stornoway, etc. Your own friendly, informative Guide shows you the sights, wildlife and historical attractions, many off the beaten track! Tel: Mobile: sales@albannachtours.co.uk LOCH CROISTEAN COFFEE SHOP & RESTAURANT Situated in the hills of Uig. An ideal place to stop for some home cooking in cosy surroundings. Have a relaxing cup of tea with home baking or choose from the all day menu, featuring a Menu of the Day & light meals incl. vegetarian, vegan & children s choices. Popular with locals & visitors alike, music night on Wednesdays, and course dinners on Fri & Sat evenings - Booking by phone essential. Summer hours: Tues to Sat.noon to 8pm. Fri & Sat. Buffet dinner from :0pm. Tel: lochcroistean@gmail.com CARLOWAY TO NESS Just north of Carloway is Leathad Ard garden, a hidden oasis of colour and open to the public, with donations to charity. See what can be done, even in an exposed location. Other points of interest are the Whale Bone Arch in the village of Bragar, the Trussel Stone, just north of Barvas and Steinacleit Stone Sets north of Shader. At the far north of Lewis are a range of attractions: the Ness Heritage Centre at North Dell, the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, the Port of Ness harbour and beach, Harbour View Gallery and a large play park. 5 NORSE MILL A short walk from the main A858, near Shawbost next to Loch Roinavat, is a renovated pair of thatched buildings used in past times to process barley grain into meal. The mill was powered by water from the stream from the nearby Loch Roinavat. The buildings give a very rare glimpse into the Scandinavian past of Lewis and are open to the public without charge. The path to the mill is a bit rough in places and is a ten minute walk from the car park. SEA IN DESIGN: Ships lamps, telescopes, compasses, oil lamps, militaria, maritime curiosities and Hebridean artefacts. 0 minutes from Stornoway on the way to The Butt of Lewis. Open year round. Tues - Sat or by appointment. Tel: We are also on Facebook! 6 HARBOUR VIEW GALLERY: Original paintings, prints and cards by Anthony J Barber, capturing the moods and colours of the Islands. Work can be viewed at Harbour View studio gallery, Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis. The artist exhibits throughout UK, including RSA and RSW (Edinburgh) and RSMA (London). Work in private collections in the UK, Europe, USA & Australia. info@abarber.co.uk. Tel: The PORT OF NESS is a picturesque fishing village, with a good beach. Other attractions include a wonderful play park for the children and The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. The Play Park at Ness can only be described as world class! On a scale of one to ten, this is eleven. Set up by the community, this park is set close to the shore on the machair (sand based grassland) and dunes. The park covers a large area and has just about every imaginative activity that you could ever wish to take part in (The kids will love it too!). COMUNN EACHDRAIDH NIS is situated in North Dell on the main A85. Based in the former Cross Primary School it houses an accredited museum featuring displays on various aspects of island life and a vast archive and genealogical records for the whole North Lewis area. With gift shop and café. Open Mon-Fri am-5pm throughout the tourist season. The museum will be closed in 08 due to major renovation work which will result in unavoidable disruptions and reduced services at times. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Tel: office@cenonline.org 0 9 ST. COLUMBA S UI CHURCH (Eaglais na h-aoidhe) was built in the th century on the site of a cell first occupied by St Catan, a contemporary of St Columba, in the 6th century. Situated within its own graveyard, overlooking Broad Bay, the church is the burial place of the Macleod Chiefs of Lewis and contains two carved grave slabs commemorating Roderick Macleod VII (d.98) and his daughter Margaret Mackinnon (d.50). It is only a 0 minute drive from Stornoway and on a bus route. Stornoway - see map on Page MUSEUM & TASGLANN NAN EILEAN, LEWS CASTLE & CAFÉ Discover the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides and learn about our distinctive lives shaped by the land and the sea... including six of the Lewis Chessmen discovered in Uig in the 80s, loaned by the British Museum. See the restored ground floor of Lews Castle, enjoy a bite to eat in the Storehouse café and find your ideal souvenir. Open 0am 5pm April to 0 September and pm pm October to March. Closed Thursdays & Sundays. (Map Grid: A) Tel: museum@cne-siar.gov.uk STORNOWAY SEAFARI: The Western Isles boast some of the most dramatic coastlines in Scotland. The most enjoyable way to view them is from the water itself. We are a small professional sea tour operator and our services include wildlife/coastal tours that run seasonally between 5th Apr & st Oct. Our vessel Our Lilly is a 8.5m rib which is coded for passengers and crew. To book or find out more, please contact us on Freephone: (Map Grid: B) stornowayseafari@gmail.com HARRIS TWEED HEBRIDES is an award-winning cloth manufacturer based in Shawbost on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Our Stornoway based store stocks a wide range of Harris Tweed by the metre, garments and accessories. OPEN throughout the year from Monday to Saturday, 0am 5.0pm. Visit us to see the finest Harris Tweed products and to find out more about our beautiful cloth! 5 North Beach, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, HS XQ. Tel: shop@harristweedhebrides.com (Map Grid: B) ENGEBRET LTD FILLING STATION Open days: Monday to Saturday 6am to pm, Sunday 0am to pm. Licensed convenience store, Calor gas, hot and cold food, ATM. Also selling outdoor equipment and footwear, maps and GPS, sea and freshwater fishing equipment. Firearms dealership. engebretltd@gmail.com (Map Grid: D) Tel: HEBRIDEAN JEWELLERY SHOP at 6 Cromwell St. Stornoway selling a wide variety of jewellery, giftware and books of quality and good value for money. This quality hand crafted jewellery is manufactured on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. If you are unable to visit our shop, please visit us on our online store. Tel: (Map Grid: B) HS DD 5 THE STORNOWAY SMOKEHOUSE is the oldest in all the islands and has one of the last brick kilns remaining anywhere. Seasoned by decades of use, we cure in it our flagship product, Stornoway Double Smoked Salmon, which we export widely. In our shop, we also sell our Famous Stornoway Kippers and a wide range of other smoked delicacies. We will be glad, when possible, to show our customers round when the kilns are working. Just ask! info@stornowaysmokehouse.co.uk. (Map Grid: C) Tel: WESTERN ISLES TOUR GUIDE ASSOCIATION: Enhance your visit with a professional Western Isles Tour Guide. Guides are trained to interpret the landscape, history and culture of the Outer Hebrides. Established in 998, our service is available in nine languages. We will help you create a unique experience. Contact WITGA Guide Coordinator, Joan Morrison, for more information. Tel: Mobile: j.m.morrison@btinternet.com

3 Stornoway, capital town of the Isle of Lewis A B C Stornoway War Memorial D 8 STORNOWAY is the main town on the Isle of Lewis. Just over,500 people live in the town, which is about a third of the total population of the island. Stornoway was named Steering Bay by the visiting Vikings, which, phonetically translated, became Stornoway. It exists mainly due to its sheltered location, with the ferry from Ullapool a regular visitor. Hospital A85 A859 Water Mill USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Tourist Information Office Stornoway Airport Information Caledonian MacBrayne MACLEOD & MACLEOD STORNOWAY BLACK PUDDING Bus Station South Beach St Supermarket Police Station Church St. 0 9 Hospital Macaulay Rd Council Offices Sandwick Rd Albannach Tours and Taxi Crazy Golf Tennis Courts Western Isles Tour Guide Play Park Blue Badge Scottish Tour Guide Lews Castle College LEWS CASTLE, MUSEUM & CAFE Walking Route 0 0 TECH MOBILE MOBILE PHONE ACCESSORIES SEA LEWIS BOAT TRIPS Woodland Walks STORNOWAY SEAFARI Police Lifeboat 9 HEBRIDEAN JEWELLERY 9 MACLEOD & MACLEOD Sports Centre and Swimming Pool STORNOWAY BLACK PUDDING Nicholson Institute Western Isles Council Library 6 Takeaway Food Bus Station 6 Supermarket 5 Ferry Terminal ENGEBRETS FUEL & TAKEAWAY FOOD HEBRIDEAN TEA STORE 5 THE STORNOWAY SMOKEHOUSE HARRIS TWEED HEBRIDES A Places to Visit Shops and Services B Sport and Recreation Eating Out Isles FM 0 C D ALBANNACH TOURS & TAXI

4 Isle of Harris - see map on page 5 ARDBUIDHE COTTAGE GALLERY: A warm welcome awaits at the Studio/Gallery of Willie and Moira Fulton, the only 5 star arts venue in the Hebrides. The gallery is located in the Bays area of Harris along the Golden Road at Drinishader. Both are graduates of Edinburgh College of Art and the studio sits in one of the islands most scenic spots. Willie has exhibited nationally and worldwide. He is also an artist member of The Paisley Art Institute. Tel: HEBSCAPE GALLERY AND TEAROOM on the A859, Ardhasaig, Isle of Harris is the perfect place to relax with stunning views over West Loch Tarbert, Taransay and the North Harris mountains. Light lunches, homemade cakes, fresh barista coffees or loose leaf teas & soft drinks. Award winning photography, Hebridean Ceramics, gifts & exclusive greeting cards. Open: (kitchen closes at.00pm) April to October, Tuesday - Saturday. info@hebscapegallery.co.uk Tel: HOLMASAIG STUDIO GALLERY: Quidinish S.E. Harris. Fine Art by resident artist Margarita Williams DA awarded the CRMacintosh/Assoc/ France residency in Collioure 0. Watercolour paintings, cards Japanese woodblock prints, mixed media work reflecting the unique landscape, birds and wild flowers. St Kilda also inspires her varied work 00 + originals. Open: am - 5pm Mon - Sat. Tel: THE HEBRIDEAN DESIGN COMPANY: Handmade Glass and Embroidered Art all designed and created here in Harris. Inspired by the colours and the landscapes. Open throughout the year. Orders shipped worldwide. Studio, Talla na Mara, West Harris, HS AE. Tel: info@thehebrideandesigncompany.com HARRIS TWEED AND KNITWEAR: Situated 5 miles from Tarbert on the Golden Road in the beautiful Bays of Harris. Here in the village of Drinishader at the Old School you will find a wide range of Harris Tweed: Jackets, Coats, Bags, Shoes, accessories, gifts, knitwear and local knitting wool. 9 Come along and view the purpose built Harris Tweed Clo Mor Exhibition. Experience the past and present day process of Harris Tweed. A unique display of old and new pictures, artefacts and present day designer productions and a view of Marion Campbell s exhibition. Coach parties welcome, toilet facilities available. Tel: HARRIS TWEED ISLE OF HARRIS: Situated in Tarbert, Harris at the far end of the bay near the main junction A859. A large selection of Harris Tweed Clothing for Ladies, Gents and Children. Superb range of bags, hats, shoes, boots, purses and many more accessories, all in Harris Tweed. We also have a large Tweed store opposite the shop with exciting Tweeds to choose from as well as yarn and wool. We offer weaving demonstrations upon request. Coach Parties welcome. Tel: / info@harristweedisleofharris.co.uk 0 ISLE OF HARRIS DISTILLERY: We are open from 0.00am pm, Monday to Saturday throughout the year. A warm welcome awaits with hearty soups and home baking available in the canteen. Come in to say hello, buy something special in our shop or simply have a seat by the fire. Tours of the distillery are available, please call to book in advance. Tel: Awarded 5 Stars by Visit Scotland in 0, this beautiful shop is situated at Grosebay, seven miles from Tarbert and well signed off the main A859 to Leverburgh. Dedicated to provide tailored clothing of the highest quality, our Harris Tweed is woven by Donald John Mackay MBE of the Luskentyre Harris Tweed Co. We are exclusive stockists of Mario-Barutti and AtelierTorino jackets, waistcoats and topcoats. For Ladies, we offer a stunning collection of clothing designed especially for us in Superfine Harris Tweed. Tel: harrisknitwear@hotmail.com THE MACHAIR KITCHEN: CAFÉ RESTAURANT Beach and ocean view dining from the Machair on the west coast of Harris. If you are engaged to be married, check us out for your forthcoming wedding celebrations. Talla na mara, Pairc Niseaboist, Isle of Harris, HS AE. themachairkitchen@hotel-hebrides.com Tel: SEA HARRIS: Specialise in fast, comfortable 8 day trips from Leverburgh to St. Kilda on our purpose built vessel Enchanted Isle. These dramatic volcanic islands are owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland and are listed as a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Site, they boast the highest sea cliffs in the UK as well as being the single most important sea bird breeding station in North West Europe - an amazing experience! We also offer shorter boat trips to the many other islands around the coast of Harris on our Rib Pabbay, with our Shiants trip from Tarbert being a firm favourite with bird and nature lovers and often referred to as a mini St. Kilda. Tel: Book online at Shops and Services Sport and Recreation Eating Out SCARISTA HOUSE RESTAURANT Isle of Harris: Good Hotel Guide César Award winner. Featured in The Good Food Guide, The Michelin Guide, Scotland the Best and Alastair Sawdays s Eat Slow Britian. Elegant, licensed, candlelit restaurant open for dinner to non-residents every evening serving fresh Island fish, shellfish, lamb, beef and game. Scottish cheeses. Interesting and varied wine list. Booking essential. Tel: bookings@scaristahouse.com Tarbert Street Map Police Surgery School Sports Centre & Soft Play Area Essence of Harris Island Stitches Tourist Information & Car Park 9 War Memorial Community Centre Shops 0 Harris Tweed Isle of Harris USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Places to Visit HOTEL HEBRIDES: With a high level of design throughout, this star boutique hotel incorporates stylish and contemporary dining in the modern Pierhouse Seafood Restaurant and at its heart a great bar, the Mote lounge, with a fine selection of whisky, great food, live music and a brilliant buzz. Tel: stay@hotel-hebrides.com Hotel Hebrides Distillery Church CalMac Tourist Information Tarbert Police Station Tarbert Caledonian MacBrayne Tarbert Albannach Tours and Taxi Island Stitches: Unit, Harris Garage, Tarbert. Tel: info@islandstitches.co.uk

5 Isles of Harris and Lewis Harbour View Gallery 8 Port of Ness 9 Ness Historical Centre 6 Sea in Design 5 Norse Mill 8 5 The Beach House Gallery Gearrannan Blackhouse Village 6 Blue Pig Creative Space 9 Carloway Broch Doune Braes Hotel Callanish Visitor Centre SHADER Callanish Standing Stones VJO *YVPZ[LHU *VɈLL :OVW 0 Seatrek Uig Lodge Clach an Trushel Standing Stone Loch Erisort Inn GEARRANNAN Great 6 Bernera Bosta Beach & Iron Age Village AIRD UIG COL ISLIVIG SHULISHADER PORTNAGIURAN St Columba s GARRABOST Church SHESHADER 0 Point A866 A858 BAYABLE B89 ACHAMORE KNOCK To Ullapool LEURBOST SCALISCRO Uig 8 A859 B8059 MANGERSTA STORNOWAY Y GARYNAHINE CARISHADER Tiumpan Head Lighthouse UPPER COLL 8 TIMSGARRY GRESS BREASCLETE CALLANISH B895 West Side TOLSTACHAOLAIS 0 6 ARDROIL Back A MIAVAIG Uig Beach TOLSTA A858 CARLOWAY VALTOS Norse Mill and Kiln Bridge to Nowhere Whalebone Arch BRAGAR DALBEG Traigh Mhor Beach BARVAS ARNOL SHABOST DALMORE Isle of Lewis 6 5 St. Columba s Ui Church Steinacleit Stone Sets A85 THE SCALLOP SHACK 8 Ness BORVE LEATHAD ARD OPEN GARDEN FOR CHARITY PORT NESS NORTH DELL CORNET S CRAFT, WOODEN ART & GIFTS Megga 8 Ness Play Park RAVENSPOINT HOSTEL, CAFÉ, SHOP & FUEL THE BEACH HOUSE GALLERY 0 ISLAND ARTS GALLERY & COFFEE SHOP BORGH POTTERY Butt of Lewis Lighthouse ENDS here GISLA B80 See Page for more detailed map CROSSBOST LAXAY BRENISH KEOSE BALALLAN KERSHADER HABOST A859 B8060 Scarp GRAVIR EISHKEN North Harris HUSHINISH BOWGLAS Seaforth Island South Lochs ARDVOURLIE B88 AMHUINNSUIDHE LEMREWAY BUNAVONEADER Shiant Islands Wildlife Site of Special Interest ARDHASAIG 0 9 RHENIGIDALE Taransay URGHA TARBERT T LUSKENTYRE SEILEBOST CARNACH A859 5 BORVE SCARISTA 5 DRINISHADER Harris Walkway NORTHTON ARDVEY Seallam! Visitor Centre 5 To St Kilda 8 6 ARDSLAVE MANISH FINSBAY The Machair Kitchen Café Harris Tweed Isle of Harris Isle of Harris Distillery Hotel Hebrides Ardbuidhe Cottage Gallery 9 Harris Tweed and Knitwear 6 The Harris Tweed Co. Grosebay Holmasaig Studio Gallery 8 Sea Harris Scarista House Restaurant 9 ESSENCE OF HARRIS 50 SKOON ART CAFE 9 GEOCRAB South Harris Scalpay MEAVAG HORGABOST The Hebridean Design Company 8 KYLES SCALPAY 8 Hebscape Gallery & Tearoom 5 LOCHS MAARUIG See Page for more detailed map 50 PLOCKRAPOOL 5 SCADABAY GROSEBAY CLUER STOCKINISH FLODABAY FINSBAY GALLERY To Uig on Skye 5 HARRIS ART GALLERY 5 LEVERBURGH QUIDINISH To Lochmaddy on North Uist 5 ANCHORAGE RESTAURANT Church of St. Clement RODEL To North Uist ELIZABETH MCKENZIE Local fully qualified, experienced, insured Blue Badge Scottish Tourist Guide or

6 Isle of North Uist and Isle of Berneray - see map on Page 8 NORTH UIST is a landscape of fresh and salt water lochs, with miles of sandy beaches, and cultivated crofts, popular with walkers, bird watchers, motor homers and cyclists. The road along the west side of the island passes the Westford Inn () (page 8), an excellent place for meals, and Balranald R.S.P.B Nature Reserve. It follows the machair (fertile coastal grassland bordering the sand dunes). The eastern side is mainly a water world, and is a fisherman s and bird watcher s paradise. LOCHMADDY is the largest village in North Uist and is also the port where the ferry arrives from Uig on Skye. The Loch itself is designated a European marine site (special area of conservation) giving recognition to the wonderful marine landscapes and diverse wildlife. Facilities in the village include a Tourist Information Centre, a very good museum and heritage centre called Taigh Chearsabhagh. The village also has a number of serviced accommodation providers and places to eat. 56 R.S.P.B. NATURE RESERVE at Balranald. Balranald is famous for its corncrakes, now one of Europe s most endangered species. The circular nature trail through the croft land of the reserves is miles (.5 km) and takes - hours. The trail goes through wildflowerrich machair and round a bird-rich headland. A wide selection of wildlife can been seen, from wading birds to the elusive otter. The village has a shop and café, Berneray Shop and Bistro (55) (page 8) a picturesque fishing harbour, a post office and the Caledonian MacBrayne pier for the connection to the Isle of Harris. On the north of Berneray is a very scenic walk, with views towards the hills of Harris. For more information about Berneray and its history, the island has a very good museum and historical centre (see picture on the right). 5 BEACHES are a huge attraction on North Uist and Berneray. Traigh Lingeigh has a huge expanse of pure white shell sand, crystal clear waters and a safe shallow sandy bay suitable for swimming and snorkelling. There are also picnic tables and benches. The West Beach on Berneray is a three mile stretch of wide, clean and often deserted sand. Behind all of the beaches is the machair - green grassy plains covered in a mass of amazing wild flowers in the spring and summer. THE ISLE OF BERNERAY lies at the northern end of the Uists, and has a very active community with some significant attractions, mainly cultural, and related to the wonderful scenery. The landscape is mostly agricultural, with corn fields on the western side of the island on the Machair (sand based grassland). Corncrakes and other long grass nesting birds are common in early summer. 5 BAYHEAD SHOP AND FUEL: Licensed convenience store with Post Office & petrol station. Our wide range of fresh foods & groceries features local products. Newspapers & fresh baking available daily. Open Mon-Sat 8-6pm. Tel: On B865 at Bayhead, HS6 5DS. CLADDACH KIRKIBOST COMMUNITY CENTRE Café serving local produce and homebaking. Also computer internet access, local information, nursery services, and public toilets. TRINITY TEMPLE is a historic ruin listed as of European significance and possibly Scotland s oldest University. The building is the remains of a medieval monastery and college founded by Beathag, daughter of Somerled. The building has been extended up to the 6th century but destroyed after the Reformation. Again restored in the 6th Century by Dotair Ban and recently renovated in Isle of Benbecula - see map on Page 8 MacLeans Bakery & Butchers BALIVANICH BENBECULA in Gaelic is Beinn na Faoghla which means Mountain of the Ford. This is a very apt name for the island and its solitary hill, Rueval, which is in fact a stepping stone between North and South Uist. The islands are connected by a series of causeways, but once upon a time crossing to the Uists would mean fording the dangerous stretches of tidal sands. The temptation to bypass most of Benbecula by taking the direct road through the island is always there; however, Balivanich and the coast road is worth the detour. The main town is called BALIVANICH, and is situated on the north west of the island. The airport is located in Balivanich, as is the military base, hospital, fuel station, post office and a selection of shops, housing and businesses. Benbecula is one of the best locations to shop, with supermarkets, a bakery, and good places to eat and have cups of coffee. 60 GRAMSDALE Community 59 Uist Riding Centre 6 Stepping Stones Restaurant Ruabhal NUNTON GRIMINISH 6 Isle of Benbecula Borve Castle THE HEBRIDEAN WAY is a classic 85 mile cycle route, starting at Vatersay to the south of Barra, and finishing at the Butt of Lewis, crossing 0 islands, linked by ferries and causeways. Following the official National Cycle route 80, it provides spectacular scenery and awesome coastlines. Along the west side of Benbecula, the cafes, restaurant and supermarket make it an ideal staging point. See maps on page 5 & 8. LINICLATE Liniclate Sports Centre CREAGORRY UIST COMMUNITY RIDING SCHOOL: As a community organisation, the riding school is an important feature of the Uists. It is well supported by local people as well as visitors, many of whom visit year after year on their trips to the Islands. It is the only BHS-approved riding school and livery yard in the Outer Hebrides and caters for all ages and abilities. It offers a wide variety of all weather activities, including beach rides, riding lessons, hacks and pony rides. Tel: info@ridehebrides.org MACLEANS BAKERY & BUTCHERS: Run by the MacLean brothers since 98, we are a small independent bakery based in Uachdar, Benbecula, just off the main A865. Our delicious breads, rolls, pastries, savouries, oatcakes & biscuits are freshly made every day using traditional methods. Shop open: Mon 9.0-pm, Tues-Fri pm & Sat 9.0-pm. Tel: enquiries@macleansbakery.co.uk LINICLATE is the second largest habitation and is where the secondary school and very fine leisure complex are located. The local enterprise company, campsite, Borve Castle, hotels and beaches are also in the same area. Liniclate is just a few minutes off the main A865. The ruin of th century Caisteal Borbh (Borve Castle) was a Clanranald stronghold and is found along the coastal road to Balivanich. 6 6 THE STEPPING STONE RESTAURANT: Serving snacks and hot meals throughout the day, using fresh local produce where possible. Evening meals available from 6.0 to 9pm daily. Opening times: Monday to Saturday.00am pm, Sunday pm. Dinner reservations are recommended. Tel:

7 Isle of South Uist - see map on Page 8 6 ORASAY INN is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the north end of the Isle of South Uist. Owned and managed by Isobel and Alan Graham, this small, intimate hotel and restaurant serves some of the finest food in the Hebrides. Orasay Inn is the ideal location for a special Hebridean holiday. Whatever type of activity you prefer, we provide a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with the best of fresh, local cuisine, as an end to the perfect day. A superb selection of fish and seafood comes fresh from boat to hotel kitchen, supplied by local fishermen. Much of our beef is from our own fold of Highland Cattle, raised on our croft. Discerning, reliable producers and suppliers, who are aware of the quality we require, provide locally reared Hebridean lamb, pork, game, poultry and vegetables. Booking is essential for lunches and evening meals. orasayinn@btinternet.com Tel: SOUTH UIST is a stunningly beautiful island of crystal clear waters with white powder beaches to the west, and heather uplands dominated by Beinn Mhor to the east. The 0 miles of machair that runs alongside the sand dunes provides a marvellous habitat for the rare corncrake. Golden eagles, red grouse and red deer can be seen on the mountain slopes to the east. LOCHBOISDALE, once a major herring port, is the main settlement and ferry terminal on the island with a population of approximately 00. Recently, a brand new marina has opened, with a good walk from the village to the marina and facilities at the end of the breakwater. The island is one of the last surviving strongholds of the Gaelic language in Scotland and the crofting industries of peat cutting and seaweed gathering are still an important part of everyday life. The Kildonan Museum has artefacts from this period. ASKERNISH GOLF COURSE is the oldest golf course in the Western Isles and is a unique test for any grade of golfer. 6 SOUTH UIST is a wildlife wonderland, archeologists paradise and historians dream. It is also the birthplace of Flora MacDonald and just outside the village of Kildonan, is a memorial to her. Flora gained immortality by her assistance to Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Outer Hebrides after his flight from the mainland following defeat at Culloden in 6. WALKING is a key part of the South Uist experience with walks at all levels. Ben Mhor, Ben Corodale and Hecla are the three highest peaks on South Uist, and for the keen and experienced hillwalkers, there is a good horseshoe walk to the hills direct from Howmore hostel. The route leads into the most spectacular and interesting of the South Uist landscapes. Loch Druidibeg is one of the best places in the Hebrides to see the full range of island wildlife and habitats. The loch is situated to the east of the A865, close to Stilligarry Visit the HEBRIDEAN JEWELLERY shop and workshop at Iochdar, selling a wide variety of jewellery, giftware and books of quality and good value for money. This quality hand crafted jewellery is manufactured on South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The shop in South Uist has a coffee shop close by the beach, where light snacks are served. If you are unable to visit our shop, please visit us on our online store. Tel: HS8 5QX. SALAR SMOKEHOUSE: Award winning flaky hot smoked salmon is a speciality. Online ordering available. Visitors are very welcome for our tastings at our shop which is set in a very scenic location with an abundance of wild life, including sea eagles, otters, and wild deer. Takeaway drinks, locally produced gifts, WiFi and toilets are available. Tel: In the far south is the ISLE OF ERISKAY with its famous ponies. The ponies are semi wild and often seen in the vicinity of the village. Eriskay is also home to famous wreck the S.S. Politician. The wreck was the inspiration for the Compton Mackenzie book and film, Whisky Galore. The SS Politician was an 8000-tonne cargo ship which left Liverpool on the rd February 9 laden with amongst other things 60,000 bottles of whisky, bound for Kingston in Jamaica and New Orleans. She went aground off the coast of Eriskay. Isle of Barra - see map on Page 8 Isle of Barra Parking, Toilets & Chemical Disposal Dun Sgurabhal ELIOGARRY Dun Sgurabhal Compton Mackenzies House School OROSAY Barra Airport Traigh Mhor Ferry crossing to Eriskay CLEAT Grean Cemetary Recycling Point NORTH BAY ARDVEANISH CUIDHIR Dun Cuithir Seal Bay Woodland Walk Barratlantic Fish Factory Play Park BRUERNISH ALASDALE Loch Od Old School Dun Bharpa Deserted Village WALKING ON BARRA AND VATERSAY is particularly 69 interesting as very rarely do you lose sight of the sea and the main hills. One particularly good walk is to ascend Heaval, the highest hill and view the surrounding islands. On a clear day, you can view the isles to the South and as far as the Isle of Mull. Sea kayaking, wind surfing, power kiting, rock climbing are all developing around these islands as interest grows in outdoor activities. Remote islands are 0 accessible with boat trips, running on a regular basis, to see the birds, marine wildlife and spectacular cliffs off the Barra Head Islands. Vatersay Walk: This walk is approximately hours of easy to medium going with one short, fairly steep climb to Dun Vatersay. The walk begins at the small car park across the road from the Annie Jane monument. It is a circular walk of about miles, taking in Bagh Siar (West Bay), Bagh a Deas (South Bay), Eorisdale and Baigh Bhatarsaigh (Vatersay Bay). The machair land running along the entire west coast of Barra and Vatersay is fringed with beautiful beaches and is also carpeted with wild flowers throughout the spring and summer months. Thatched Cottage Tangasdale Beach BORVE EARSAIRIDH Phone Box 69 BREVIG Archaeological Monuments Kisimul Castle Barra Heritage Centre Allt Chrysal VATERSAY UIDH Supermarket Vatersay Hall TOILETS and Cafe in summer months Standing Stone Play Park STARTS here Tourist Office Cafe Kisimul VATERSAY Dun CalMac Ferry Hospital 6 Lady Star of the Sea School and Swimming Pool Catalina Plane (crash site) 0 Annie Jean Monument Street Map Standing Stone War Memorial BARRA HERITAGE CENTRE located close to the centre of, Dualchas is placed in a prime location looking out over the bay to the southern islands. It is a treasure trove of historical documents, artefacts and photographs relating the story of the Herring fishing industry, the Clearances and the emigration which ensued after The Clearances. The centre is a visible commitment made by the community towards preserving Barra heritage and sharing their stories with people worldwide. Kisimul Castle 5 CASTLEBAY SPORTS CENTRE is situated next to School and includes a swimming pool (0 metres by 9 metres) with Sauna which can be used in term time after pm and in the holidays from pm. Also available is a fitness suite area with Technogym equipment. For general enquiries or to book a gym induction please contact For games hall bookings please contact School on For the latest information check our Facebook page - Sports Centre

8 Map of the Uists, Benbecula and Barra EXPLORE THE OUTER HEBRIDES is part of a network of similar Guides, websites, social media and advice throughout Scotland. Each area is managed by a separate organisation, all working together to provide consistent accurate tips and advice. For more information go to: To advertise in this guide contact: alan@explorescotland.net Tel: Isle of Harris 5 Berneray 55 BAILE BORVE To South Harris SOLLAS The Uists & Benbecula North Uist 56 BAYHEAD 5 To Skye LOCHMADDY LOCH BOWGLAS Kirkibost Centre LOCHEPORT 58 USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS CARINISH See Page 6 for more detailed map 60 NORTH UIST Tourist Information Lochmaddy Caledonian MacBrayne Lochmaddy BALIVANICH 6 LINICLATE BERNERAY SHOP AND BISTRO 6 Loganair (flight enquiries) SOUTH UIST LOCHCARNAN SANDWICK 65 MACLEAN S BAKERY & BUTCHERS LOCHSKIPPORT STILLIGARY STEPPING STONES RESTAURANT HOWMORE South Uist STONEYBRIDGE HEBRIDEAN JEWELLERY & CAFÉ 6 ORASAY INN HOTEL & RESTAURANT 65 SALAR SMOKEHOUSE KILBRIDE CAFE AND CAMPSITE Police Station Lochboisdale BENBECULA 60 CREAGORRY EOCHAR WESTFORD INN Caledonian MacBrayne Lochboisdale Benbecula GRIMINISH Uist & Barra Hospital Balivanich NUNTON 55 Police Station Lochmaddy 0 Police Station Balivanich 0 Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Kildonan Museum 6 BARRA 66 DALIBURGH Tourist Information Caledonian MacBrayne LOCHBOISDALE SOUTH LOCHBOISDALE SMERCLATE To Oban & Barra Police Station 0 BAILLE St Brendan s Hospital Eriskay Loganair (flight enquiries) Barra EOLIGARRY BAYHERIVAGH Barra BRUERNISH BALNABODACH CASTLEBAY 0 y STARTS here 5 Vatersay CAFÉ KISIMUL CASTLEBAY Barra, Eriskay & Vatersay CASTLEBAY SPORTS CENTRE To Oban 6 CAFE KISIMUL: () A family run licensed restaurant specialising in Indian and Italian cuisine & local seafood. Open Daily for lunches and evening meals. Booking advisable (evenings). Tel: Places to Visit Shops and Services Sport and Recreation Eating Out KISIMUL CASTLE sits on a rocky island just off and was built around 09. Since that time, Kisimul has been the stronghold of Clan MacNeil. It is completely surrounded by water and has never fallen to an enemy. Kisimul was abandoned in 88 when the island was sold, and the castle s condition deteriorated. The castle remains, were purchased by the chief of Clan MacNeil in 9, who in 00 leased Kisimul Casle to Historic Scotland for 000 years for the annual sum of and a bottle of whisky. The boat trip from jetty to the castle takes 5 minutes. Explore the Outer Hebrides is part of a network of guides, web sites and social media that provides the local s advice on the area of Scotland. For more information go to To advertise in this guide contact alan@explorescotland.net Tel: