Things to do in South Uist

South Uist, the second largest island in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, captivates visitors with its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. The island offers diverse attractions, from tranquil beaches along its west coast to dramatic hills and lochs in the east.

History enthusiasts can explore ancient archaeological sites, including prehistoric settlements and standing stones, while nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching at the Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve. For a cultural immersion, visit the Kildonan Museum to delve into South Uist’s Gaelic heritage.

From hiking scenic trails and discovering local traditions to savouring freshly caught seafood, South Uist offers an unforgettable experience for all. Here are some of our favourite things to do in South Uist.

High Point in South Uist-Beinn Moor

Contents

Food in South Uist

Birdwatching in South Uist

Stay in a bothy in South Uist

Hike to South Uist’s highpoint

Stay in Howmore Hostel

Visit Flora MacDonald’s House

Play golf on Tom Morris’s course

Visit the ancient site of mummies: Cladh Hallan

Salar Flaky Smoked Salmon

Food in South Uist

Plenty of great food to try in South Uist, here are some of our favourite places to eat.

Salar Smokehouse https://www.salarsmokehouse.co.uk/shop/ has award winning Flaky Smoked Salmon produced in their own unique kilns. Located above the gentle waters of Loch Carnon in the north-east of the island it is worth the short detours from the A865 before it heads over the causeway to Benbecula. Look out for sea eagles, otters and more whilst you enjoy sampling the tasty delights of its natural flavours or with the addition of lemon, pepper, chilli or lime. (Main image above by congerdesign from Pixabay)

Polachar Inn https://www.polocharinn.com/ located on a white-sand beach and with its own standing stone next to the car park is a friendly 17th century inn is a great place to sit outside and soak up the Hebridean vibe.

The Scandinavian bakery https://www.uistscandibakery.com is a fabulous small independent artisan bakery in Lochboisedale that makes baked goods inspired by Scandinavian tradition and flavours. Think cinnamon buns, walnut sourdough, chocolate oat truffles, chocolate brownie cake and almond macaroon with Swiss meringue buttercream.

South Uist Salmon

Birdwatching in South Uist

Walk around Loch Druidbeg National Nature Reserve https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/loch-druidibeg-p522161 for one of the best places in the Hebrides to see a full range of wildlife and habitats. With over 200 species of flowering plants, the area is also rich in birdlife such as redshank, dunlin, lapwing and greylag geese.

There is a self-guided walk which will take approximately 3 hours. To get tp Loch Druidbeg turn off the A865 onto the B890. Find the parking area at the 90 degree left bend in the road. 

Bird spotting in South Uist

 

Stay in a bothy in South Uist

The Uisinis Bothy is a challenge to get to but the effort is well worth it. Overlooking a deserted white-sand beach of Bagh Uisinis it’s  great spot to spot sea eagles and grey seals as they bob in the surf. This stone-built refuge below Hecla and Bheinn Mhor has two rooms, sleeping four in total, a small kitchen and multi-fuel stove. Geoff Allen describes two routes to get to the hut in ‘The Scottish Bothy Bible’. The bothy is located at LR22: NF 849 332.

Hike to South Uist’s highpoint

At 620 metres Beinn Mhor is the highest point on South Uist. There is no recognised route up to the summit and so it is a matter of finding a place to park on the A865 and heading across the moorland. Try parking at the layby near the memorial (GR NF 768 346) on the A865 South of Loch Dobhrain.

Walk north along the road (past a small section of forestry) and once north of Loch Dobhrain use the track next to the house with thepolytunnel/ greenhouses (GR NF 767 341) to access the moorland. Walk ESE across the moor and aim for the main ridge up Beinn Mhor.

Climb the steep flank to reach a cairn and rockier ground to reach the narrow ridge and continue along it to the summit trig and large stone shelter. Return the same way.(Photos here https://www.islandeering.com/activity/hike-to-south-uists-high-point/)

Bothy in South Uist

 

Stay in Howmore Hostel

Howmore Hostel, nestled in Howmore (Tobha Mor), provides a charming and budget-friendly stay for travellers exploring the Outer Hebrides. This traditional hostel, managed by the Gatliff Trust, offers cosy accommodations in restored blackhouses, retaining the area’s cultural heritage. With its welcoming atmosphere, communal kitchen, and shared facilities, Howmore Hostel fosters a sense of community among guests. The hostel’s location provides easy access to South Uist’s attractions, from pristine beaches to scenic hikes. Nearby archaeological sites and the Kildonan Museum offer cultural insights, while birdwatching opportunities and outdoor activities abound. Howmore Hostel provides an authentic, comfortable base for exploring South Uist’s natural and cultural wonders. Find out more about staying in Howmore Hostel here. https://gatliff.org.uk/?page_id=10

Visit Flora MacDonald’s House

The famous Flora MacDonald’s birthplace is in the village of Milton in the west of South Uist. A large memorial cairn, inside cottage ruins, was erected by Clan MacDonald to mark her supposed birthplace and therefore the site of some significant Jacobite history. She helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to Skye from South Uist in a small boat following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Their journey is immortilised in the famous Skye Boat Song.

To get to Flora MacDonald’s Memorial head along the A865 north of Askernish, South Uist, then turn left along a minor road following the signs (Grid ref. NF 741 269). There’s a small area to park at the end of the minor road.

Play golf on Tom Morris’s course

Originally designed and constructed in 1891 by Old Tom Morris, this golf course remained lost for over 70 years until Master Greenkeeper Gordon Irvine rediscovered it during a holiday, uncovering its remarkable heritage. In 2008, the course was restored using techniques nearly identical to those employed 117 years ago.

At 6,259 yards, the course can appear deceptively straightforward, but even avid golfers find themselves challenged by its unique terrain, shaped around the naturally occurring grassy “Machair” dunes, which are unique to Scotland’s Northwest coast. Askernish has gained worldwide renown not only for its history as a lost Old Tom Morris course but also for its delicate integration into the natural environment.

Often described as offering “golf as it was meant to be,” Askernish provides an unforgettable experience amid the breathtaking landscape of South Uist. Find our more or book here. https://www.askernishgolfclub.com/

Visit the ancient site of mummies: Cladh Hallan

A trio of grassy depressions partially enclosed by stone walls marks the remains of three late Bronze Age roundhouses, which are among the most accessible of their kind in the Western Isles. These circular constructions were part of a larger settlement with several houses, but the internal layout of the buildings themselves is particularly intriguing.

The rooms are believed to have been arranged like spokes on a wheel, with each room’s function following the sun’s passage around the circle’s circumference. The house nearest the track was once used as a “house of the dead,” with numerous bones excavated from inside. The middle, largest house is thought to have been continuously inhabited for 900 years, making it one of the longest-inhabited prehistoric houses globally. The house furthest from the track is less impressive: it was occupied briefly and later used as a dump for dog feces. The roundhouses (or wheelhouses) here are bare inside, making it challenging to reimagine their original appearance.

For a better, albeit harder-to-reach, example, visit the impressive roundhouse on Grimsay. How to visit Cladh Hallan, turn off the A856 at Dalabrog to head west to the coast, park in the cemetery car park, and walk the short distance to Cladh Hallan (Grid ref. NF 731 219), which is always open.

Kisimul Castle