Things to Do
An isolated white sandy beach is a 20 minute walk from the house across the machair. Fantastic fishing, wildlife & culture, outdoor sports and day trips to neighbouring islands are all to be had.
Please look at notice boards and ask the locals as there is a great deal more to see and do. This information is for guidance only. Visit Outer Hebrides also has lots of ideas for things to see and do across all the islands.
Walks with Bird, Seal & Otter Spotting
There are walks everywhere with beautiful, empty white sandy beaches, machair lands and freshwater lochs. For organised walks see notice boards on local shops and also the tourist shop in Lochmaddy.
Wildlife is in abundance. Seals and Otters are easily spotted along the coasts. For bird watchers the Balranald R.S.P.B. site is an obvious attraction.
Day Trips to Harris
You can catch the morning ferry over to Harris for the day and return on the evening service. The island is rich in heritage and is birthplace of Harris tweed. Many activities are on offer, from walks, golf and fishing to sailing, kayaking and cycling. Visit Outer Hebrides has plenty more information about things to see and do on Harris.
Caledonian Macbrayne operate the ferry service between Berneray (accessible from North Uist via a causeway) and Leverburgh on Harris. The service varies according to the tides, so it is advisable to check timetables and plan this day trip in advance.
Boat Trips
Boat trips can be arranged to the Monach Isles and elsewhere in advance.
Niall Johnson has a large rib boat and is hugely experienced. He is also the owner of Uist Outdoor Centre.
01876 500 480
Lady Anne Boat Trips offer Sightseeing and wildlife watching trips from Kallin Harbour on Grimsay.
01870 602 403 or 07305163700
Kilda Cruises offer day trips to St Kilda, a place of immense environmental and historical significance. They can also provide tailor made trips to other Hebridean islands as well as sea angling trips upon request.
01859 502 060 or 07760281804
Fishing on North Uist
Fishing permits for North Uist can be bought at the Lochmaddy Hotel. Hotel guests and the owners have first pick and sometimes it is difficult to get all day slots, but they will fill you in on the details and costs of this fishing.
Fishing on Berneray Loch
There is good fishing on this loch. The season runs from March until September. A daily fishing permit can be purchased from Ardmaree Stores for £10.00, plus a £5 refundable deposit. Please make sure that you get the right permit and know exactly which loch and which boat you are allowed to fish from.
Hebridean Rod Hire
Fishing store in Lochmaddy that can provide rods and tackle.
Sea Fishing Trips
It’s worth asking about to see if someone can take you out fishing on their boat.
Niall Johnson, the owner of Uist Outdoor Centre, has a large rib boat and is hugely experienced. He may be able to organise a sea fishing trip, if arranged in advance of your trip: 01876 500 480
Kilda Cruises can provide sea angling trips upon request: 01859 502 060 or 07760281804
Uist Outdoor Centre
This centre can be found in Lochmaddy and offers a range of outdoor activities such as canoeing, surf canoeing, abseiling, rubber tubing, diving, and, rock climbing.
Boat trips can be arranged to the Monach Isles and elsewhere with the owner of the centre, Niall Johnson. He has a large rib boat and is hugely experienced.
Kite Surfing
The empty white beaches, turquoise lagoons and favourable winds have been attracting more and more experienced kite surfers to North Uist. The RAF host some of their kite surfing meets on neighbouring Benbecula, describing it as “home to some of the UK’s most breathtaking kite surfing locations”.
Surfing & Bodyboarding
The main North Uist break is Hosta, which faces northwest and is usually small and soft, but on the right swell, it can fire.
A lot of other bays nearby are worth a check for small but consistent surf Magic Seaweed has all the latest surfing information on the Outer Hebrides.
Golf
There are two golf courses that are accessible by car from Newton Lodge. Benbecula Golf Club offers a 9 hole (18 tee) course on North Uist’s neighbouring isle. Askernish Golf Club is a little farther away on South Uist, but is a beautifully restored 18 hole course, which was originally designed by Tom Morris. The course dates back to 1891 and is now somewhat regarded as a golfer’s pilgrimage.
Museum & Arts Centre
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm.
Taigh Chearsabhagh is an Arts centre that usually has an art exhibition, together with a museum. There is a café, shop selling books, gifts and artists’ materials.
The centre also provides a pathway for exploration via a sculpture trail of seven commissioned works by artists. Each sculpture involved the local community in its construction and all provide a place to sit surrounded by sea, islands and sky. The sculptures are found in various locations across North & South Uist and Benbecula.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to explore the untouched, rugged coastline and get up and close with nature. You may be lucky enough to encounter dolphins, seals, various birds, otters and even whales!
Niall Johnson, the owner of Uist Outdoor Centre, offers sea kayak rental and tours: 01876 500 480
The Northern Lights
If you’re visiting in Autumn or Winter you may fortunate enough to be graced with the spectacle of the Northern Lights. Clear late nights or very early mornings offer you the best chance to see them.