The Isles of North and South Uist, Benbecula and Eriskay.

These islands blend soft green pastures with high hills and shell sand beaches that seem almost endless. Quiet places abound, where you may enjoy the solitude and take time to contemplate.....

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.”  (The film, though, was filmed maily on the neighbouring island of Barra.)

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.  

ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS - when contacting these providers, please mention Hebridean Hopscotch

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 and described on the BBC's Coast programme as, "The Holy Grail of Golf Courses" - 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.