Getting to the Island of North Uist

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There are regular ferries both from Uig (Isle of Skye) to Lochmaddy (2 hours) and from Mallaig to Lochboisdale (3.5 hours). The ferry from Oban now terminates at Barra (4.5 hours). However, with an overnight stay on Barra followed by a short ferry crossing from Barra to Eriskay (40 minutes), North Uist can be reached by road via the islands of South Uist and Benbecula, which are all connected by causeways. Allow  1.5 - 2 hours for the drive from Eriskay to the cottage because the road is single track with passing places. The scenery is lovely and everyone on the road waves to each other!

 

Whichever ferry you choose, the sea journeys are fascinating. You may see whales, dolphins, porpoise and birds such as shearwaters and gannets during the crossing. The approach to Lochmaddy is a good place to see white tailed sea eagles. Throughout all of the ferry journeys, many new islands will appear on the horizon. The ferry from Mallaig allows stunning views of some of Scotlands most scenic high mountains and also passes close to the Isle of Skye. The ferry from Oban passes the Ardnamurchan peninsula and the scenic islands of Mull, Eigg and Rhum.

 

Book your journey through Calmac Ferries 

 

There are regular non stop flights to Benbecula Airport (30 minutes from the cottage) from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness through www.flybe.com

British Airways fly from London and have a codeshare with flybe.

 

A more adventurous alternative is to fly to Barra, where the aircraft lands on the beach at low tide! 

 

Local Car hire is available at competitive prices either from Benbecula airport (www.askcarhire.com) or MacLennans (01870 602191). Car hire is also possible from Barra.

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Taxi companies also operate locally.

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Full directions will be emailed to you on booking, or sent

by post if you prefer.

 

Day trips to other islands

 

There are daily sailings from Berneray (30 minutes drive from the cottage) to the Isle of Harris (a one hour crossing) and from Eriskay (linked by a causeway to the Uist and Benbecula Island chain) to Barra with Calmac Ferries.

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