The Western Isles - The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands - page 315

eyes to adjust to the light. On the way back keep a look out for otters, which love the
tidal rapids hereabouts.

North Uist's Neolithic sights
The most remarkable of North Uist's Neolithic sights is Barpa Langais , a huge,
chambered burial cairn a short walk from the A867, seven barren miles southwest of
Lochmaddy. The stones are visible from the road and, unless the weather's good, it's
not worth making a closer inspection as the chamber has collapsed and is now too
dangerous to enter.
A mile further down the A867, a side road leads off to Langass Lodge (see p.320).
Beside the hotel, a rough track leads to the small stone circle of Pobull Fhinn (Finn's
People), which enjoys a much more picturesque location overlooking a narrow loch.
The circle covers a large area and, although the stones are not that huge, they occupy
an intriguing amphitheatre cut into the hillside.
Three miles northwest of Lochmaddy along the A865 you'll find Na Fir Bhreige
(The Three False Men), three standing stones which, depending on your legend,
mark the graves of three spies buried alive or three men who deserted their wives and
were turned to stone by a witch.
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION

6

LOCHMADDY AND AROUND

By ferry There's a daily ferry from and to Uig, Skye (1-2
daily; 1hr 40min).
By bus A regular bus service runs down the backbone of
the Uists to Lochboisdale and Eriskay.
Destinations Balivanich (Mon-Sat 6-8 daily; 30-45min);
Balranald (Mon-Sat 3 daily; 50min); Eriskay (Mon-Sat

3 daily; 2hr 20min); Lochboisdale (Mon-Sat 5-6 daily;
1hr 30min).
Tourist o ce Lochmaddy's tourist o ce (April to mid-Oct
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; open to greet the evening ferry;
T 01876 500321) is a short walk from the quayside.

ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Tigh Dearg Lochmaddy T 01876 500700, W tighdearg
hotel.co.uk. The stylish modernity of this cherry-red,
purpose-built hotel is unique on the Uists; guests get free
use of the hotel's gym, sauna, steam room and wi-fi. The
hotel also serves delicious, quite elaborate food in the bar
and restaurant (mains £10-15); reservations are essential.

Daily 6.30-8.30pm. £90
Uist Outdoor Centre Cearn Dusgaidh T 01876
500480, W uistoutdoorcentre.co.uk. Outdoor centre with
hostel accommodation and activities ranging from sea-
kayaking to rock climbing for r esidents and non-residents
alike. March to early Dec. £10 /person

Berneray (Bhearnaraigh)
The ferry connection with Harris leaves from the very southeastern point of Berneray ,
a low-lying island immediately to the north of North Uist and connected to the latter
via a causeway. Two miles by three, with a population of around 140, the island has a
superb three-mile-long sandy beach on the west and north coast, backed by rabbit-free
dunes and machair. The Nurse's Cottage (June-Aug Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; £1), just
past the harbour, has a small historical display on the island.

ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION BERNERAY

By ferry The ferry from Leverburgh on Harris arrives at the
very southern tip of Berneray (3-4 daily; 1hr).
By bus There's a decent bus connection with Lochmaddy

(Mon-Sat 5-6 daily; 20min).
Tourist information W isleofberneray.com.

ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Berneray SYHA Hostel Port Ludaig W gatliff.org.uk.
The island has a wonderful Gatliff Trust hostel, which
occupies a pair of thatched blackh ouse s in a lovely spot by
a beach, beyond the main village. £12 /person

Burnside Croft Borve (Borgh) T 01876 540235. Follow in
Prince Charles's footsteps and stay (and help out) at “Splash”
MacKillop's B&B, overlooking the machair and dune s, an d
enjoy “storytelling evenings”; bike rental also available. £70