Local Attractions

The island of North Uist is filled with natural beauty and is known as one of the most spectacular of the entire Hebridean chain. The area near Cnoc Nan Uan has plenty of local attractions to enjoy on your holiday. 

Just outside the door of your Lodge, you’ll find stunning views of the landscape, spot quite a variety of wildlife and, during the summer months, you will definitely hear, and perhaps even see, the elusive corncrake on the croft. The birdwatching is absolutely top-rate, and any ornithologist will be pleased to know that an interesting variety of bird species such as raptors, eagles, sanderlings, lapwings and more can be seen nearby. For the general wildlife enjoyer, there’s also the chance to spot some seals or otters on nearby coasts.  Local wildlife tours are available by nearby operators, and these provide a chance for you to see all the biodiversity the island has to offer with a knowledgeable guide. 

The landscape itself is rich in lochs, moors, and seascapes ready to be explored through walking or cycling. A must-see near to your accommodation is the Balranald Nature Reserve, which includes a waymarked trail all around the westerly peninsula.  During the summer, the Reserve has a wide range of activities and guided walks, and these provide amazing opportunities to discover more about the incredible wildlife of North Uist. 

The island is surrounded by vast, sandy beaches everywhere you turn. Some of the beaches have many miles of uninterrupted expanse, and they’re almost always uncrowded and peaceful, each one being more beautiful than the last. 

Fishing and local produce abound here, and many of the local restaurants provide delicious seafood sourced nearby and of unbeatable quality. If you’re interested in fishing yourself, day or week permits can be obtained locally, and you can adventure to any of the numerous lochs and sea-pools for trout and salmon. 

Cnoc Nan Uan also provides a great way to immerse oneself in knowledge of crofting culture. For more than a century and half, crofting has been a main stay of Hebridean island culture and a huge source of connection for the locals. These communities also offer a connection to Gaelic-speaking culture. Though not everyone still speaks Gaelic, almost 70% of the population still can, and North Uist is a wonderful place to experience it. 

There is a strong connection to the past in the Hebrides with archaeological evidence to prove it. Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age archaeological sites dot the islands, as people have occupied the land for almost 8,000 years. Dun an Sticir, Pobull Fhinn, Udal, and Barpa Langais are on North Uist itself, but it may also be worth a day trip to the famous Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis just a short ferry ride away.

Plenty of day trips can be made from island to island as the whole chain is connected through a system of causeways and ferries. Local boat operators can take you around the sea on easy day trips, providing you with an opportunity to explore many of the beautiful corners of the Hebrides.