About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Baleshare
A remarkably flat and tranquil island that few visit. Just south of the North Uist circuit and reached by a minor road and causeway this is an off-the-beaten-track sort of place that offers easy walking and cycling, one of the best beaches in the outer Hebrides and magnificent views from the island’s high point – the sand dune off the southern tip.
Baleshare means ‘east township’. It is thought that there once was a ‘west township’, but it was wiped out in a storm in the 1500s, leaving no trace. Most of the islands population of 50 or so, are clustered along the eastern shore, or scattered along the road running the length of the northern half of the island. The southern half of the island is totally empty and full of dunes, marshes and bird life.
The incredible Baleshare Beach, 6 km of shell-white sand and shingle, runs alongside the thundering Atalantic. It is popular for all watersports and here you can be assured of getting a big patch of beach or surf to yourself. The wild dunes form a lofty spine along the length of the beach with untouched machair that is absolutely stuffed with wildflowers and insects. The views from the top of the dunes are magnificent.
To the north is the low white line of North Uist’s beaches. To the south the shallow lagoon waters barely separate the beaches between Baleshare and Benbecula and on calm days beautifully reflect the landscape. In the far distance the mountains of South Uist rise out of the brown, wildlife-filled peat bogs and tidal streams.
The east coat is an expanse of wild salt marsh, sand flats and shallow tidal lagoon.
Highlights of Baleshare
- 6km shell-white beach
- Machair studded with wildflowers
- Walking alongside the tranquil salt marsh
How to get to Baleshare
Linked by a causeway to North Uist, head north along the A865 from Benbecula, then follow signs left to Baleshare. There are Buses to Baleshare from Balvanich in Benbecula and Lochmaddy in North Uist.
Baleshare walk
It is possible to walk around most of the Baleshare coastline, including the amazing Baleshare Beach. More information read our Baleshare walking route blog.
Walking the coastal route round Baleshare
Baleshare walking route
A flat, easy, mostly free-range walk around Baleshare on farm tracks, lanes and footpaths.
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