Uist Forest Retreat
© 2024 Uist Forest Retreat
Taigh na Coille, Claddach Vallay,
North Uist, HS6 5BY
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Adventures
For ideas of the many things you can do on North Uist you can visit the Outer Hebrides Tourism site or download the app.
From our jaw dropping sunrises to spectacular sunsets, you will never be bored here on North Uist. Here’s a few of our favourite things to do on the islands.
Go otter tracking & seal spotting
Thanks to miles of coastline, sea pools and fresh water lochs and burns, we have a thriving population of otters here on Uist. In an attempt to try and protect the otters on some of their common road crossing points, you will see a number of ‘otter crossing’ signs on causeways around the islands.
Steve Duffield took the stunning image of the otter above. You can book a trip with Steve at Western Isles Wildlife and get guided to some of their favourite places. Another very memorable sighting when you’re lucky enough to see one! Steve can also guide you to lots of other hot spots for wildlife and make sure you get the most out of your time exploring the wildlife throughout Uist.
Take a boat trip to St Kilda
The archipelago of St Kilda lies approx 40 miles from the coast of Uist. It’s such an exceptional place it holds UNESCO Dual World Heritage status. With some of the highest sea-cliffs in Europe and large colonies of rare and endangered species of birdlife such as the puffin and gannet, it keeps a place in the heart of many who visit there long after they have left.
You can take a trip there with the local team at Uist Sea Tours and enjoy an adventure to one of the world’s most special places. Steeped in stories of a truly hardy community that existed there up until 1930, you can be sure to gain an insight in to an extraordinary Hebridean culture and epic environment.
Get close to eagles & feast on lobster
When the largest bird in the UK swoops down alongside your boat to take a fish for his supper, you won’t be the only person on board to gasp at the sight.
Nick and Nye at Lady Anne Boat Trips has been working with the resident pair of white-tailed eagles (also known as sea eagles) for many years now. The chances of an eagle flying low beside you are high and the photo opportunities are out of this world. The experience isn’t just limited to eagles, you’ve a real chance of spotting a rich variety of other seabirds, dolphins, otters and even deer as they swim to neighbouring islands. This is a gentle and comfortable boat ride around the sheltered coast line of Grimsay.
When Nye has safely delivered you back to shore you can walk straight to Kallin Seafood cafe and feast upon a hearty meal of lobster and chips, scallops or prawns – it’s a perfect ending to a perfect adventure!
The perfect location for yoga
Take your yoga practice a step further by embracing your flow in the wilds of the Outer Hebrides.
By the beach, in a Yoga Hut or from the comfort of your treehouse; let Judith coach you through your yoga practice and feel yourself stretch out every inch of your body as you sink in to a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing. If you’ve never tried yoga before, Judith can offer the perfect introduction to relax and revive. Try out Hot Hatha Vinyasa Flow or even a yoga retreat. Find Judith on facebook at Yoga Hebrides.
Go trout fishing
Enjoy peaceful fishing trips on the many lochs of North Uist.
Bob Mortimor described his time spent filming on North Uist for Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing as “…the most extraordinary place we’ve been.” You can read more about their story here and watch the programme on iPlayer.
North Uist Angling club was formed in 1952 by a group of like-minded friends who enjoyed good company, fishing and a dram in more or less equal measures. Find out more about the club and also view a handy map of the fishing opportunities.
When you’ve worked up your appetite, enjoy a meal at Westford Inn, Hammersay House or Taigh Chearsabhagh.
Visit Harris
Take a day trip to the Isle of Harris to see Luskentyre, Callanish Stones and Rodel Church.
Your stay at Uist Forest Retreat means you are perfectly placed to explore the best of all Outer Hebrides from a single, central location. No need to pack and unpack, settle in your treehouse and take day trips to explore other islands and highlights of the Hebrides.
Luskentyre is famous for its beach that can be seen from the roadside. Rodel church is a beautiful building set in some stunning scenery. Finally, head for Callanish Stones, just don’t be an Outlander and hold on to one for too long……
Stay in & stargaze
Don’t forget to step out on your balcony on a dark clear night. Or sit in and turn out the lights! Admire the abundant stars, the milky way, and if you’re lucky you might even see the Northern Lights.
For aurora borealis updates, alerts and reports, follow Aurora Watch Western Isles.
Explore ancient places
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Barpa Langais, the best preserved Neolithic chambered cairn in the Outer Hebrides. Built by Neolithic farming communities it is just one of the many magnificent archaeological sites that can be found all across Uist. Iron Age wheelhouses and standing stones are common throughout the Western Isles.
For a map showing the many important archaeological sites that can be found in the area, take a look at the website of the National Record of the Historical Environment, Canmore.
Ride in the ocean
Uist Community Riding School is based on the island of Benbecula, approx 30mins drive away.
The history of the ‘Saddle Club’ dates back to the 70’s, when the army had a permanent base here. The facilities were set up to provide riding and tuition for service personnel and their families; this was quickly extended to local residents also. The riding school is now community-owned and continues to cater for all levels of experience.
Golf on the machair
Askernish Golf Club (pictured above) was first created by Old Tom Morris in 1891, but over the year it fell into disrepair.
Part of the area was used in the 1930’s as an airstrip. Today, the community-owned estate ‘Storas Uibhist’ operate the newly revamped course that receives excellent feedback for it’s natural setting.