skye and the north westlocated on the exposed west coast. The hemisphere, with some 250,000 seabirds, of the Sound. For those prepared to
east coast of the islands is where most including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, make the effort some of the islands within
ports and anchorages are to be found, shags and great skuas, arriving there in the the Sound are themselves worthy of a visit
and is the area most commonly visited summer to breed. The island is privately - most notably Pabbay and Berneray (the
by cruising yachtsmen. The island chain owned and, whilst visitors are welcome, latter is now linked to North Uist by a
runs approximately north to south for they are asked to stay away during the Causeway).
some 120 miles, and consists of five major lambing season of April and May each year
islands and numerous smaller ones. The – see www.shiantisles.net for further North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist
northernmost island is Lewis which details. all lie between the Sound of Harris and
is divided by a deep isthmus with the the Sound of Barra, and are connected
southern part being North and South Harris has the most mountainous by a series of causeways. The islands
Harris; to the south lies North Uist, landscape of the Outer Hebrides, its each have a distinctive feel, with North
Benbecula, South Uist and Barra name deriving from the old Norse for Uist being best known for its stunning
respectively. ‘High Land’. The east coast of the island beaches, rich birdlife and the ferry port at
is typically rugged whilst the exposed Lochmaddy. Although the smallest island
All of the islands share many common west coast has numerous sandy beaches, of the three, Benbecula is the second
characteristics - stunning scenery, a strong bordered by the machair lands - best seen most built up area of the Outer Hebrides
island community and the cleanest air in
Europe. Full provisioning services can be
found at Stornoway although all shops will
be closed on Sundays. Tarbert, Harris and
Castle Bay, Barra have a selection of shops
with some provisions usually available at
Lochmaddy, Lochboisdale and Eriskay.
Be prepared to find that bread and
newspapers are not available every day!
Moorings are available at Rodel (Harris),
Berneray (North Uist), Lochmaddy
(North Uist), Loch Carnan (South Uist),
Lochboisdale (South Uist), Acarsaid
(Eriskay) and Castlebay (Barra).
Lewis is the largest and most populous of
the islands; the main port of Stornoway
plays a most important role in the lives
of all islanders, and has a number of
pontoons in the inner harbour at which
visiting boats can berth. The town also
hosts the annual Hebridean Maritime in the spring months. A short distance Looking towards South Uist from Eilgarry,
Festival which, in 2010, takes place of the west coast of Harris lies Taransay, Barra © Dennis Hardley.
between the 12th and 17th July (www. 45made famous by the Castaway television
sailhebrides.info). In addition to a rugged series. and has many visitor attractions. South
coastal landscape and beautiful beaches Uist is the second largest island in the
Lewis also has many world famous Harris and the Uist are separated by the chain; its western coastline is an unbroken
archaeological sites including the Iron Age Sound of Harris, which provides one of white shell beach which is almost 20 miles
Carloway Broch and Neolothic Callanish only two remaining breaks in the main long. The eastern coast is broken by two
Stones. body of the Outer Hebrides through large inlets, the most significant of which
which boats can reach the west side of is Loch Boisdale in which visiting yachts
The Shiant Islands lie approximately the islands. Although the Sound is almost can find a sheltered safe haven if weather
5 miles south east of Lewis and are well five miles wide in places it is also shallow conditions should deteriorate. South Uist
worth a stop-over enroute from Skye and littered with many islands. Extremely is connected to the Isle of Eriskay by a
to the outer islands. They are one of careful pilotage is therefore required, causeway - Eriskay is the island on which
the great bird-stations of the northern together with the detailed Admiralty chart the SS Politician was wrecked, leading to
highland pubs
Whilst there are many excellent pubs, hotels and stalkers and locals, and serves not only lunch
restaurants along the Scottish coastline, there and dinner but breakfast as well. The pub has
are two within this region which merit particular eleven moorings for visiting yachts, together with
mention. a recently upgraded pier for landing purposes.
The Old Forge at Inverie is the most remote pub Further north the Badachro Inn (www.
in mainland Britain (www.theoldforge.co.uk), badachroinn.com) lies on the southern shores
accessible only by water via Loch Nevis or after of Loch Gairloch within the confines of Badachro
a long walk over the mountains of Knoydart. The Bay. The pub has a very similar feel to the Old
pub has won many awards and accolades over Forge, with perhaps even more of a relaxed
the years, including the 2008 Best Independent atmosphere. The bay is a very secure anchorage,
Pub in Scotland and a commendation at the 2009 sheltered from almost every wind direction, and
UK Seafood Awards. The clientele include an early arrivals might even be able to pick up a
eclectic mix of sailors, mountaineers, musicians, mooring.
www.sailscotland.co.uk
Skye & North West.indd 9 11/12/09 12:57:57
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