BALRANALD BAY VIEW
The Beach Cottage
Walking
Walking
There is excellent walking direct from the cottage without the need to drive anywhere or to set foot on road. Grass tracks and a series of gorgeous firm, flat, white sand beaches allow continuous walking or running for many miles in solitude. The pure air, wild ocean vistas, vast sky-scapes, the sweet scent of the Machair wildflowers in summer and the terrain uninterrupted by gates or stiles can make this a runners paradise. The surfing beach of Hosta can be reached on foot by following a path around the headland.
As well as the many beaches to walk there is excellent hillwalking both on North and South Uist. Hillwalkers and coastal walkers will find a great deal of information and can read about the adventures of others in North Uist and Berneray on Walk the Highlands
Below are a few of the options.
Udal peninsular
With wonderful views of the beaches and coast, an archeological site, beautiful Machair and birdlife this is a great place to explore. You can walk for 5.75 miles in a circular route or shorten the walk. The walk takes about 3hrs but it is such a lovely place to stay for longer and take a picnic.
Barpa Langass and the stone circle
Lovely views over the Loch and 360 degree views at the top. On a clear day you can see for miles to the coast and see the distant hills of Skye. Explore the stone circle and stop for lunch or tea and cake at Langass Lodge. The circular walk is about 2 miles or you can just walk to the stone circle. Golden Eagles can often be seen soaring over the hill and Short Eared Owls hunt over the moorland just before sunset. Read more about the walk and the history of the stone circle (has various names including Pobull Fhinn or Finn's people) in our blog
Vallay
At low tide walk across the expanse of sand from Cladach Vallay to the now uninhabited island of Vallay, with its distinctive historic house that can be seen from the coast. The island is home to a colony of nesting Little Terns which are a protected species.
Check the tide times before you go and allow enough time to cross back over the sand.
Langass Woodland and Hercules the bear
Hercules was a grizzly bear who escaped on Benbecula whilst filming an Andrex advert. He was found on North Uist. he went on to star in Octopussy, one of the James Bond films.
Kids will enjoy the "paw print" trail around the woodland
The Hebridean Way
The Hebridean Way starts on Vatersay and passes through Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray and Harris ending on the Isle of Lewis.
The route is very varied passing over hills, moorland, along stunning Machair and the coastline. In total 156 miles long but it can be walked in sections.
Panoramic views from Ben Langass
MORE ACTIVITIES
WILDLIFE
Explore the wildlife of the Island. RSPB Balranald visitor centre is 5 minutes walk from the cottage
ST. KILDA
Visit the remote and fascinating archipelago of St. Kilda- a UNESCO world heritage site
