Kenman Holdings Limited, Registered Office: 11 James Street, Stornoway Isle of Lewis HS1 2QN
Company Registered in Scotland No SC109839. VAT Reg. No: 481 5881 17
Car Touring Holidays in the Hebrides
Travel at any time of the year. Holidays from 2 to 10 or more nights.
Flydrive packages include ‘personal welcome service’ and accessories.
Eight suggested itineraries, covering nine islands, can be customised to suit your special requirements or interests, such as nature, culture, history, arts, etc.
Use your own car or choose a Flydrive option - ‘one way’ hire cars available.
All ferries, accommodation, breakfast and any applicable flights are included. Half board also available.
Over 30 selected hotels, inns and guest houses to choose from.
For inclusive holiday examples see the links below or download the
Hebridean Hopscotch brochure (PDF)
Talk to a real person - no call centre and no buttons to press - call 0845 230 1236
0845 calls to us cost no more than 4p per minute for BT customers/from BT landlines (prices at July 06). Call costs from non-BT lines may vary.
(Check with your operator for details). or call 01851 706600 your normal phone operator's charge applies
Price Promise Guarantee - if, within 28 days of booking your holiday with us, you find an identical travel and accommodation package at a lower price with another travel operator, send us your original quotation from the operator and we will match the price or, at our option, cancel your booking and refund all monies paid, allowing you to accept the other operator’s offer.
Pricing information: Prices, based on 2 sharing, include ferries, 3 star accommodation, breakfast, air fares/taxes and car hire costs where applicable. Prices vary depending on travel date, accommodation choice and, for flydrive holidays, departure airport. Half board is available at a supplement.
British Airways flights to the Hebrides are services operated by Loganair.
Hebridean Hopscotch Holidays
a trading name of Kenman Holdings Ltd, acting as tour operators in a marketing co-operation among island accommodation providers, Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd (ferry operator) and Loganair/British Airways.
Weekend Escape >>>>
At the edge of Europe, with next landfall the Americas, you'll find that the magical, mysterious Hebridean islands are an area of great contrast.
There are vast tracts of moorland, som virtually unvisited and occupied only by flora and fauna, thousands of freshwater lochs and lochans, and mile after mile of soft shell-sand beaches, where tropical plants and seeds are often washed ashore by the Gulf Stream.
Wide open space is everywhere, so it's hardly surprising that visitors come to find peace and
quiet. Some arrive in the hope of seeing rare and wonderful creatures at close hand · sea eagles, otters, corncrakes, whales, puffins or dolphins, while some are content to sit on a deserted beach, with a good book to read.
With so much space, there's more than enough room for a new kind of visitor, too. Those who seek thrills and adventure from responsible exploitation of the powers of nature; those who come to the islands to
experience some of the most consistent surf in Europe; those who climb the sea-stacks; those
who harness the power of the wind, for kite surfing and land-sailing; those who cycle the islands' quiet roads.
With so much space, neither disturbs the other.
· Art
· Birdwatching
· Boat Trips
· Ceilidhs
· Crafts
· Culture
· Cycling
· Dining Out
· Fishing
· Golf
· Guided Tours
· History
· Just sitting, admiring the view
· Music
· Nature Reserves
· Photography
· Pony Trekking
· Swiss Ball
· Tennis
· Theatre
· Touring
· Walking
· Whisky tasting
· Wildlife
· Yoga
· Art
· Birdwatching
· Boat Trips
· Ceilidhs
· Crafts
· Culture
· Cycling
· Dining Out
· Fishing
· Golf
· Guided Tours
· History
· Just sitting, admiring the view
· Music
· Nature Reserves
· Photography
· Pony Trekking
· Swiss Ball
· Tennis
· Theatre
· Touring
· Walking
· Whisky tasting
· Wildlife
· Yoga
where pleasures can be as simple as you choose 2
will you come with us to peaceful places?
Whether your interests are high energy, active sports, or gentler and more passive pursuits, Hebridean Hopscotch brings you a convenient, high quality and good value for money opportunity to experience the Hebrides at first hand. You'll also experience the hospitality for which the Hebrides is famous.
It starts as soon as you call us, for more information or to book your holiday. All of our advisors live locally, know the islands, and are ready to share their expertise with you, to ensure you enjoy the holiday you deserve.
Every hotels, inns and guest houses in the Hebrides, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
brochure has been selected because we believe you will be well looked after by the owners or managers and staff - in the true tradition of Hebridean hospitality.
Every holiday itinerary in the brochure is a foundation stone on which we can build your own holiday programme - personal to you and designed to fit your wishes. We'll book all your accommodation for you, your ferries, air travel if required, and even help you find a programme of activities. What's more, a made-to-measure holiday need cost no more than an ordinary trip. Our price promise guarantees it.
Explore the brochure and our website www.hebrideanhopscotch.com, to see what we have to offer you - you're welcome. 3 or as extreme as you dare enjoy or shall we take you to the edge?
INCLUSIVE HEBRIDES TOURING AND CENTRED HOLIDAYS BY AIR, CAR/FERRY OR RAIL/FERRY
Bike Touring
Go Karts
Hill Walking
Kite Buggies
Kite Surfing
Mountain Biking
Mountaineering
Paint Ball
Rock Climbing
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Sea Kayaking
Surfing
xtremehebrides.co.uk
Bike Touring
Go Karts
Hill Walking
Kite Buggies
Kite Surfing
Mountain Biking
Mountaineering
Paint Ball
Rock Climbing
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Sea Kayaking
Surfing
bikehebrides.co.uk
With the many improvements of recent years, the road to the isles is a great deal less arduous than it once was. Although it will take you a good deal longer than travelling here by air, the journey really is part of your holiday, giving you opportunities to explore other Scottish highlights on the way, perhaps the mountains and glens of the Highlands, or the west coast.
You can leave the UK motorway system near Perth and follow wide, smooth trunk roads past Inverness to Ullapool. Then take a short voyage on the Isle of Lewis, the pride of Caledonian MacBrayne's fleet, with observation lounge, restaurant, bar, children's play area - and some of the finest views in Scotland.
Or perhaps you'll take the scenic route to Oban or the Isle of Skye and cross with another of CalMac's large, modern ships. Typically carrying more than 100 cars and 600 passengers, these ships are surprisingly large - roughly the length of a football pitch. They're all drive-on / drive-off and offer a relaxed, stress free journey. No customs, no immigration, no fuss. The ferry journeys are truly important aspects of your holiday, with amazing scenery slipping
past the ship, plus an opportunity to observe the every day comings and goings of islanders. Of course, travelling in your own car, you'll enjoy familiar comforts, and you can bring as much baggage as you like - even your mountain bikes! Once in the Hebrides, all your inter-island ferry crossings, which are included in the holiday package, will also be on CalMac vessels. Because they're purpose built for the route they operate, the ferries vary widely in size and facilities, but each offers a uniquely fascinating journey - an everyday function of life for the local population, but almost certainly a source of inspiration for every visitor.
Whether you choose to cruise or prefer to arrive by air, our resident holiday advisors will look after every aspect of your booking, tailoring your accommodation choices to your interests and favoured touring route. A car is the ideal way to see the islands but it's not essential - whether you travel here by train, coach or bike, we can provide just the holiday to suit you - all you need do is ask us. MV Loch Portain links Berneray and Harris Helpful, friendly Calmac staff.
LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN....
Lewis and Harris, via Inverness and Ullapool. 3 nights (not sleeper) departing any Scottish station, except Lockerbie & Dunbar. From £199. 5 nights departing London, including 2 nights on sleeper train. From £269. Barra or South Uist, via Glasgow and Oban. 5 nights departing London, including 2 nights on sleeper train. From £299. In association with FirstScotRail ShortBreaks, these holidays include overnight sleeper train, ferry travel, hotel (B&B) and transfers.
Rail connections are available into London for your sleeper departure from Euston. From Inverness, a direct Scottish Citylink coach takes you past beautiful scenery to Ullapool and your ferry onward to Stornoway. For an even quieter holiday, a sleeper to Glasgow, is followed by a daytime rail journey on the famous West Highland line to Oban and ferry to Barra or South Uist, plus 3 nights on one of these islands.
Travel by train and you can still tour, if you wish, using either a hire car, excellent bus links, or a bicycle (why not bring your own? · see page 22). 4
Choose to cruise Choose to cruise · take your time, relax and enjoy the scenery
Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:03 Page 4
Enjoy the speed, comfort and convenience of your British Airways* flight, direct from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness to Stornoway's modern air terminal. Compared to a road and ferry journey, you'll save time getting here and you'll be ready to start exploring, as soon as you arrive. British Airways* also provides flights from Glasgow to Benbecula and Barra - a great experience for aviation lovers, landing or taking off from the world's only airport operating scheduled flights on beach runways. Our 'Flydrive' holidays include a car and you'll usually be met by one of our advisors, who will happily answer any last minute questions and point you in the direction of your first night's accommodation. Our own small fleet of Renault Scenics is normally reserved for 5 night 'Island Hopper' holidays, which are available from 1st March to 31st October. A stylish wicker picnic hamper (with cutlery, crockery, linen and a flask) is provided in your car so you'll have all the equipment you need for en route snacks while touring the islands. We've even remembered to include a rug to sit on, binoculars and a large umbrella (which we hope you won't need). Our 'Weekender' air holidays normally include an economical car from a reputable local hire fleet, though you can upgrade for a modest
charge. In fact, because all our holidays are 'made-to-measure' we can offer any combination of air travel, accommodation and transport, from a single centre holiday to a full island hopping experience - just ask our advisor for your choice of options. Throughout your stay, our locally resident team is just a phone call away, ready to offer any advice or assistance you may want. Often, we'll even be at the airport at the end of your holiday, to see you safely homeward bound. Connecting flights by British Airways or Flybe are available at reasonable extra cost from most regional airports. Simply call us for
details. The air holidays and flights in this brochure are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6349. Flydrive Holidays British Airways Saab 340 · Flights operated by Loganair 5 Flydrive Holidays · convenient, time saving and affordable Flydrive visitors are welcomed on arrival British Airways Twin Otter lands at Barra Enjoying a picnic on the Isle of Lewis
Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:05 Page 5
Isle of Lewis
· HISTORIC, TRaNQUIL, ENIGMATIC ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Walking: Lews Castle Grounds. Coastal track from Tolsta to Ness. West-side coastal walk.
Organised walks: RSPB Summer programme - see www.rspb.org.uk or call 01851 703296. Golf: Stornoway Golf Club offers 18 demanding holes in a parkland setting. £20/day £60 /week. www.stornowaygolfclub.co.uk - 01851 702240 Boat trip: Charles Engebret's full day boat trip is to the Shiant Islands, viewing wildlife, especially Puffins, from about June to mid-August. Charles
encourages all his guests to try a little fishing during the voyage. He can usually combine individual people and small groups to make an economic cost per person, around £50 to £100 each. This means you should be be flexible about the day of your trip. Phone 01851 702304 / 07766 375434 Guided excursions: Chris Ryan, of Out and About Tours, is a knowledgeable and entertaining local guide. Half or full day trips for up to 6 guests, including birdwatching, other flora and fauna, archaeology, culture and history. Learn about many aspects of Island Life. £70 half day, £120 whole day, for the entire party, including all transport. www.hebridean-holidays.co.uk - 01851 612288
'Extreme' Sports: Tim Pickering's Adventure Hebrides offers activities for both beginners and experienced participants, including: Power Kiting and Kite Buggies with a qualified instructor at a local beach (up to 3 people). Sea kayaking: In one of the world's best locations, a chance to see seals, otters, porpoises, lots of sea birds and a host of other sea life (up to 4 people). Climbing: With a qualified instructor for novices or experienced climbers (up to 4 people). All above with equipment and instruction · £45 per person (half day) £90 (full day).
For all his activities Tim generally recommends a half day for novices. Larger groups please ask. www.adventurehebrides.com - 01851 820726 Surfing: Lewis Surf Trek, run by Mark Lumsden, an accomplished, qualified instructor offers a £30 (per person) half day session (minimum of two people). He'll contact you on your chosen day to tell you the location he has selected for the most suitable swell on the day, then meet you there and provide all equipment. www.lewissurftrek.com - 07939 194 880 Adventurous, scenic boat trips: Murray Macleod's Seatrek, from Miavaig near Uig, is a firm favourite
with visitors. 2 hour trips in his fast, Delta-Rib powerboat provide views of islands and lagoons, seacaves, seals and nesting birds - there's a good chance of viewing sea-eagles, too. £25 per person. Seatrek also offers trips in combination with Adventure Hebrides - £85 per person full day including sea kayaking, climbing or abseiling (and lunch!). www.seatrek.co.uk - 01851 672464 Bike Hire: The Cycle Centre, Stornoway. From £9.50 per day to £38 per week. www.hebrideancycles.co.uk - 01851 704025 Even though Lewis is the most
populated of the islands, it sometimes seems like the quietest - perhaps because there is so much space over which the population is scattered. In fact, the total landmass of Lewis and Harris, is the third largest of the British Isles. Stornoway is the main point of entry to the Outer Hebrides, offering two or three daily ferry sailings from Ullapool (not Sundays) and a modern airport with around a dozen flights daily (limited Sunday services). There's a diverse range of shops, serving local
and tourist needs. Visitor attractions include an excellent museum of local history, the Lewis Loom Centre where you can learn about the history of Harris Tweed and the delightful grounds of Lews Castle. Travel a few miles in any direction from Stornoway and you'll find the treasures of Lewis. Close to the lighthouses at Tiumpan Head or the Butt of Lewis, you can view seabird colonies and migrating birds on passage - maybe even whales or dolphins. Take a trip round the West-side, where superb sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and crystal clear, clean breaking waters attract surfers and kayakers. The coastline is a joy for climbers, walkers and those who just sit and watch. There's a wealth of history, too, with restored
Blackhouses at Arnol and Gearrannan, which give a fascinating glimpse into island life of the last century. A little further on, you'll find the ancient Carloway Broch and the 5000 year old stone circles of Callanish - a little smaller than Stonehenge, but some find the accessibility provides a better experience. Continuing along the Atlantic coast, into an even more remote area, the re-created iron age fort at Bosta dominates a beautiful, almost white, shell-sand beach at the north of
Bernera. More extensive beaches and machair lie alongside the ocean as you travel further south-west, towards Uig. Along this road, said to be Europe's longest cul-de-sac, you'll find an amazing area of sand of around two square kilometres. The land here is more rocky and rugged and you've a fair chance of glimpsing red deer, plus golden or even sea eagles. 6
Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:06 Page 6
Isle of Harris ·
A RICH, ROMANTIC LAND OF CONTRAST Isle of Harris ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS Walking: Particularly recommended are various hill walks in the wild, rugged northern area of Harris, plus a number of valley walks off the road to Hushinish. Guided walks: If you are not used to hill-walking, you might enjoy the services of a local guide. Mike Briggs will provide an informative day, helping to identify flowers, wildlife and geological features. You'll get tips on navigation and map-reading, plus an insider's view on life on the islands. He can also offer advice on wildflower photography. Between them, Mike and Peggy Briggs are also qualified to teach Pilates, yoga, Swiss Ball and tennis (at the Bunabhainneadar court mentioned opposite). They have an entertaining style of
guidance and realise that visitors might not share their own level of super-fitness. For rainy days they offer fitness sessions in a well-equipped studio. Costs vary, e.g hill-walking £70 full day up to 6 people, Swiss Ball, Pilates and Yoga £25 per hour individual tuition, tennis £25 per hour coaching up to 8 people, or court hire for just £8 per hour. www.mikeandpeggybriggs.co.uk. 01859 502376. Organised walks: RSPB Summer programme - see www.rspb.org.uk or call 01851 703296. Golf: Harris Golf Club has 9 holes overlooking the ocean at Scarista. £12 per person per day (2006 rate) Life membership £250! Honesty box at most
times. "Forget America's Augusta National, England's Swinley Forest and even Scotland's Old Course at St Andrews. The most exclusive golf club in the world is on Harris. I squeaked in as a member after Nick Faldo told me that on a fine day it is Paradise" - Ian Wooldridge (Daily Mail 03.03.99). www.harrisgolf.com Seallam Visitor Centre: You can browse among exhibits dealing with the history and natural
environment of the Hebrides. This centre houses a
huge collection of resources for people wishing to research the family history of the islands. £2.50 entrance. www.seallam.com. 01859 520258 Surfing: Scarista beach produces an excellent left hand break for 'goofy' footed surfers. Frequent, consistent surf - for intermediate to experienced surfers. Off-road Mountain Biking: Spectacular views and downhill mountain tracks. Climbing: Adventure Hebrides (see the Lewis page, opposite) with qualified instructors, offers an opportunity to try the sport on the cliffs of Harris.
With all the equipment and instruction for up to 4 people. £45 per person (half day) £90 (full day). www.adventurehebrides.com. 01851 820726 Boat trips: Angus Campbell provides day visits to the World Heritage site of St Kilda - the island that was evacuated in 1930. From Leverburgh, a full day trip allows plenty of time for guests to explore the island at their leisure. Each visitor receives a map of Hirta and a suggested route to take for a tour on foot. Price per person £140. www.kildacruises.co.uk. 01859 502060 An island of contrasting scenery - where the moonscape features of the ancient, glacier scoured mountains in the north,
give way to the rich machair and stunning, golden sandy beaches of the Atlantic west coast. Tarbert is the main town, with a few small shops, bank and ferry terminal for services to Uig on the Isle of Skye and Lochmaddy on North Uist. Harris tweed is still woven by crofters here, on traditional foot driven pedal looms and weaving demonstrations are available. You can drive round Harris's circular road in around three hours - but it's sure to take you longer, as you won't resist frequent stops to take in the stunning land and seascapes. It's really worth visiting the delightful villages set amongst the rocky inlets of the Bays area of the east coast, such as Ardvey and Flodabay, then experiencing the deep contrast with Seilabost and Horgabost set among the sandy inlets and machair of the west coast. Don't miss the sands at Luskentyre.
In the south, near the small sheltered harbour of Rodel you can visit St. Clement's church, where Clan Macleod chiefs worshipped since the 1500s.
The nine hole course at Scarista is a test for
every golfer, but the views will turn every round into an even greater pleasure. To the west, a tortuous, 14 mile single track road reaches a magnificent conclusion at Hushinish, with its wonderful soft sand beach and views to neighbouring islands, including Taransay and Scarp (the setting for the highly acclaimed feature film, The Rocket Post). The road actually passes through the grounds of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, built in 1865 for the 7th Earl of Dunmore, and now used as a prestigious venue for house parties. Also a little way along this road is the most remote tennis court in Britain. In a beautiful setting overlooking the Atlantic ocean on the road to Hushinish, North Harris, the new court at Bunabhainneadar offers a top class artificial grass surface and a cosy wooden pavilion (in case it rains!). At the southern tip of Harris lies the small ferry port of Leverburgh, where a ferry weaves its way, several times a day (including Sundays) around the reefs and shallow water of the Sound of Harris to the Island of Berneray. 7 Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:07 Page 7 Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye
· SPECTACULAR, COLOURFUL AND ENCHANTING
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS Walking: On beaches, moors and mountains. There are plenty of walks for casual strolls, challenging hikes for the more experienced and professionally guided walking for the more ambitious. Guided walks / climbing / wildlife: George Yeomans offers a range of guided walks, scrambles and rock climbing, from absolute beginner level to experienced climbers. His guided wildlife walks are likely to be of special interest, giving guests a better chance to view otters, seals (common and grey), eagles (golden and sea), deer (red and roe), nesting seabirds, dolphins and minky whales to name but a few. Price £40 per person per day. 01478 650380 Seals: Boats leave Dunvegan Castle jetty every 20 minutes, during the tourist season. Adults £6 Castle and gardens admission £7 (2006 prices). www.dunvegancastle.com. 01470 521206 Pony trekking: An STB 4* activity centre, Skye Riding Centre, near Portree, offers varied trekking & riding opportunities, for experienced riders and absolute beginners. Treks from £18 for an hour, £31 for two hours. www.skyeridingcentre.co.uk. 01470 582419 Visitor Centre: Award winning AROS, at Portree offers a programme of exhibitions and shopping,
plus guided minibus tour. Give your driver a rest and join a 3 hour 'On The
Wing' tour from AROS, during which you'll take a leafy, lush ride. You'll confront hairpin bends and travel up onto the top of the island. Maybe you'll see an eagle there. Throughout the tour, you'll learn about the island's clans, culture, castles, prehistory, wildlife and landscape. Price £12 per adult. www.aros.co.uk. 01478 613649 Whisky Tour: Talisker Distillery, Carbost. Admission (2006 price) of £5 includes a discount voucher towards a 70cl bottle of single malt whisky. The distillery shop at Talisker stocks a wide range of rare and unusual malts. Please note that children under 8 years old are not admitted to the production areas. Tour times vary through the year - please see the web site or phone. www.malts.com. 01478 614308
Golf: Isle of Skye GC, Sconser. 9 holes and 18 tees, beside the sea with views of the Red Cuillins, the Isle of Raasay and Ben Tianavaig. 18 holes £18, day ticket £22. (Juniors £10/£12). www.isleofskyegolfclub.co.uk. 01478 650414 Boat Trips: Highly recommended by Skye hosts, Bella Jane is a modern, powerful, fully licensed vessel, built in traditional style and accommodating up to 30 passengers. It sails from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, offering the opportunity to view the seal colony and
other wildlife. Landing and non-landing fares
available, from £12.50 return. AquaXplore is aboard Bella Jane's sister craft , the Rachel Charlotte, a 9 metre offshore power boat (rib-style). Travelling at speeds up to around 25 knots, trips of up to 8 hours are available, with time ashore to explore remote islands and their wildlife. Landing and non-landing excursions available, from £15. www.aquaxplore.co.uk www.bellajane.co.uk. 0800 731 3089 or 01471 866244. Perhaps made most famous by the Skye Boat Song, this island presents some of the most varied landscapes in the Hebrides, from the dominant, rugged mountain range of the Cuillins in the west to the green, wooded Sleat Peninsula in the south and soft sand beaches on the coast.
If you can be persuaded to invest a day or two extra for your Hebridean adventure, Skye is a fascinating place to linger awhile, before or after touring the Outer Hebrides, using the short crossing between Uig and Tarbert (Harris) or Lochmaddy (North Uist). We're sure you won't regret a stay here. Arrive on the short half hour ferry crossing from the mainland port of Mallaig to Armadale, or take the spectacular bridge across from Kyle of Lochalsh. Broadford is the main centre in southeast Skye. From here you can explore the Sleat Peninsula, with its ruined castles, lighthouses and the Castle Gardens at Armadale. You might, perhaps, think about
taking a brief diversion to see the mainland
village of Plockton, made famous by television's Hamish Macbeth. The Cuillin mountains, jagged and shattered by time, are both a visual treat, photographed by leisurely travellers from many angles, and an area to which mountaineers are drawn. Northwest of the Cuillins lies the Talisker whisky distillery, and further northwards lies Dunvegan Castle, home of the Macleod Clan Chiefs for over 700 years. No trip to Dunvegan is complete without a trip by boat to view the seals, a close-up experience that you'll almost certainly treasure forever. The gardens of Dunvegan may reinforce your impression that the citizens of Skye are able to exploit the island's more sheltered position for their horticultural efforts - especially attractive
when the rhododendrons are in bloom. In the northeast, the town of Portree has a charming colourful harbour and its attractions include the award winning Aros Experience. Further north lie the wonderful landscape features of the Trotternish Peninsula, such as the old man of Storr, Lealt Falls and the rock towers of Quiraing. Skye is, perhaps, a little more commercialised than its more remote neighbouring Outer Hebrides, but this does not detract from its beauty, as the various attractions are mainly sympathetic to the environment, adding value to your experience. 8 Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:08 Page 8
South Uist, North Uist, Benbecula, Berneray and Eriskay
· GREEN PASTURES, SHELL SAND BEACHES AND CLEAR WATERS
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS Walking: Particularly recommended is a walk around part or all of the Berneray coast. The machair, which runs virtually the length of the west coast of all the islands, plus the many miles of white shell sand beaches alongside, are inspiring and invigorating. RSPB reserve: Balranald warden, Jamie Boyle, will provide further advice on the programme of summer organised walks. Also otter walks at Langass. www.rspb.org.uk or call 01876 560287. Organised walks: Brian Lowe, also working for the RSPB, normally leads weekly wildlife walks in North Uist, orientated towards birds and otters. He is usually able to advise on privately organised walks for groups. Call 01876 510725.
Golf: Askernish Golf Club - possibly the friendliest in
the world - 9 holes and 18 tees on a legendary, 1891, Old Tom Morris course, alongside the Atlantic ocean. £20 per day May-Oct, £10 per day rest of year. Open seven days a week and free club loan usually available. Handicap certificate not required, no need to book, simply pay in the honesty box and play. For cup and medal dates check www.askernishgolfclub.com. Benbecula Golf Club - 9 testing holes, 18 tees, water features requiring great judgement and club selection and some natural hazards such as rabbit scrapes to add to the fun of the game! An unhurried game of golf on a flat course, £10 per day in the honesty box, open 7 days a week. Booking not normally needed. www.benbeculagolfclub.co.uk. Sea Kayaking, surf kayaking, power boating, rock climbing and abseiling: Uist Outdoor Centre, at Lochmaddy, is run by Niall Johnson, who offers
extensive expertise and training in key adventure
activities. He holds five major Instructor qualifications in four key disciplines and heads a team of qualified and experienced instructors in what they describe as, "delivering some of the finest adventure experiences available on the planet." Day and longer activities available; phone for prices . www.uistoutdoorcentre.co.uk. Smoked salmon: Salar smoked salmon - "is a uniquely different product - a delicious taste experience; succulent with a firm, flaky texture..." Call at Salar Smokehouse, Lochcarnon, South Uist, where you'll find the perfect picnic snack. They sell local oatcakes, too, which go well with the salmon. www.salar.co.uk. 01870 610324. Museum: About 7 miles north of Lochboisdale, alongside the main north-south road, Kildonan Museum is more a visitor centre, than just a
museum. It houses a collection of items collected
by local Parish Priest, Father John Morrison, during the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the collection is displayed within the rooms of a recreated croft house. Kildonan is a good stopping off point for refreshment during the day, with an excellent cafe. Open April to September, including Sunday afternoons. Berneray, said to be HRH Prince Charles's favourite island, is the landing point for the short ferry crossing to or from Harris. This tiny island is a gem, with superb beaches and colourful machair flowers. Be sure to spend an hour or two here, before or after crossing the short causeway that links Berneray to North Uist. An island of dark, rolling moorland, North Uist's
inland fresh water lochs are a trout angler's paradise, while the west coast is punctuated
by beautiful, soft shell-sand beaches and the
RSPB nature reserve at Balranald. On the east coast, Lochmaddy, is the main town, with a ferry terminal for sailings to Tarbert (Harris) and to Uig (Skye). A visit to the arts centre at Taigh Chearsabhagh is well worthwhile, to experience the arts, culture and heritage of the islands in a friendly and stimulating environment. The Isle of Benbecula - Beinn na Faoghla - with its causeway links to North and South Uist, and its airport offering a daily service to Glasgow, is the main communications and commercial centre of the Uists. Here you may try a round of golf, perhaps, or explore the local heritage at the iron age fort at Nunton Steadings. Or comb some of the miles of white sanded Atlantic beaches on the west coast like Shell Bay or Culla Bay.
South of Benbecula, the Isle of South Uist - Uibhist a Deas - is softer and greener than the islands to the north, with a central, hilly spine. Again, the west coast is peppered with stunning white shell-sand Atlantic beaches and flower strewn machair. The village of Howmore is a worthwhile diversion, with its traditional thatched croft houses, ruined churches and a beautiful beach.
Lochboisdale provides ferry connections to
Oban on the mainland and to Castlebay on the neighbouring island of Barra. Anglers can experience some of the best salmon, sea-trout and brown trout waters in Europe - while non-anglers will find it a great place to buy smoked salmon. Eriskay, linked to South Uist by a causeway, was the arrival point of Bonnie Prince Charlie, but is perhaps more celebrated for its connection with the SS Politician, which sank and lost its, "Whisky Galore." From Eriskay, if travelling south, you can continue your journey to the Isle of Barra by the ferry service, which runs four times each day. 9 Brochure5.qxd 05/12/2006 18:10
Isle of Barra
· LIKE A JEWEL BESIDE THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Walking: On beaches, moors and hills. There are plenty of walks for casual strolls and challenging hikes for the more experienced walker. Kite buggies and landboards: Barra Power Kiting offer a complete range of kite lessons from basic beginner through to intermediate level in all aspects of land based kite sports. The activity is winddependent and the instructors will not allow you to take on more than they're sure you can cope with. Both Nick and Kay are fully qualified PKSF instructors in Power Kiting, Kite Buggying and Kite Landboarding, and carry full public liability insurance. Prices, per person, from £15 for an hour. www.barrapowerkiting.co.uk. 01871 810950. Sea kayaking : When not running longer tours, Clearwater Paddling operates day trips all around the island exploring uninhabited islands, and undisturbed wildlife. As you slip quietly by in the sea kayak, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises or basking sharks, plus eagles and a host of sea birds. The sea kayaks are comfortable, roomy and designed to remain upright, so you should stay dry. You will quickly discover that it is easy to paddle your own sea kayak and in no time you will be confident and in control. Prices from £15 per person for an evening trip. www.clearwaterpaddling.com. 01871 810 443. Boat trips: Barra Fishing Charters is run by Donald B MacLeod, who spent most of his working career in charge of his own fishing trawler. The vessel complies with MCA safety and licensing regulations and is licensed to carry up to 12 people. His most popular, full-day, trip is to Mingulay, viewing puffins on the cliffs and other wildlife. Price £35 per adult. A two hour outing including equipment and bait for fishing is from £15 per person. www.barrafishingcharters.com. 01871890384. Bicycle hire and boat trips: John Macdougall offers bikes for £12 for the first day and £6 each day thereafter. Such a small island is ideal for exploration by bike, even for those who may be out of practice, provided the weather is kind. John also
offers afternoon boat trips on board his new 12
passenger MCA certificated fast rib. The £20 trip is aimed at giving visitors opportunities to see basking sharks, dolphins, seals
