Explore nature at its best and wildest.
Uig and the Outer Hebrides is the most magical place to come and experience the great outdoors at their most dramatic, changeable, beautiful and impressive.
Whatever your chosen activity, there is something special to discover. The best surf, swimming in the clearest water, hiking and climbing routes galore, watching birds of prey swooping overhead.
And if you fancy trying something new or want a guide, then there are a whole range of local specialists to help you discover the best the island has to offer.
Below is a taster of the range of activities available, plus some recommended places to find out more.
Surfing
The location in Timsgearraidh is perfect to discover the best of the surf beaches up and down the west coast of the island. Here is a good summary of the surf in Lewis, although as the post says, the local surf community is hugely knowledgable about conditions, the best breaks, and what beaches to be avoided (for example, Cliff pictured on the right is known for having a rip in certain conditions).
If you want surf lessons or guided sessions, then get in touch with Surf Lewis (for those that have booked already to stay in Hebrides House, we can put you in touch). They also offer stand up paddle boarding and snorkelling sessions too.
The house has a hot outdoor shower and bath for those coming straight off the beach to get rid of the sand, and there is a storage area for wetsuits and boards in the garage.
Swimming
The Hebrides is a great place to get into the water, either in the sea or lochs. The sea water temperatures in the summer months can be around 15 degrees celsius, dropping to around 5 to 8 degrees celsius in the winter.
There is both fresh and sea water swimming within walking distance of Hebrides House. Down on Uig Sands, where the sea meets the bay offers a relatively safe experience of the ocean and waves. For fresh water, Abhainn Dearg (Red River) snakes around the edge of Uig Sands - coloured rusty red because of the peat up on the moors. A few minutes drive is Loch Suainebhat at the foot of the hill Suaineabhal. It is the deepest loch in the Isle of Lewis and another location for swimming (or other water activities). Around 10 minutes drive is Valtos beach, which is perfect for less confident swimmers or children as it is a sheltered bay.
There are hardy types who go swimming with just bathers on, however many others wear 5mm wetsuits with boots, gloves and caps for a more comfortable experience and so you can stay in for longer. Zone3 are a great brand and their heat tech range keep even the coldest toes comfortable.
Open water swimming - in both the sea and lochs - has its risks especially in a changeable environment like Uig or for those unused to cold water. Visit Outer Hebrides has an information page on ensuring safety in the water, and Immerse Hebrides is an excellent local provider of guided swims, boat trips as well as Salt Box Sauna that travels to various beaches throughout the warmer months and is also available for private hire.
Walking
Uig is paradise for walkers and climbers. There are a whole host of routes for all sorts of abilities, and Hebrides House is the perfect basecamp for the more serious climbers who want to take on bigger expeditions southwards towards the Harris hills.
There are companies offering guided walks in Uig and the Isle of Lewis, and in our information pack are a range of suggested walks for you to try, for example the Forshnabhal to Clibh route (the photo to the left is the top of Forshnabhal looking down towards Timsgearraidh and Uig Sands).
Visit Outer Hebrides also list numerous guided tour operators.
Bird and nature watching
One of the most untouched natural areas of Western Europe, the Hebrides are renowned as a bird watching destination: birds of prey, sea birds and waders are routinely spotted in Uig. Sitting in the living room or on the patio of Hebrides House, and you’ll regularly spot golden eagles swooping overhead on the hunt for their dinner.
There is also a corncrake nesting area further down the hill from in the village of Timsgearraidh. They are well known for being shy, however you often can hear their unusual call.
Visit Outer Hebrides has a self-guided bird of prey trail throughout the Western Isles as well as more detail on the range of nature and bird spotting opportunities.
As well as birds, Hebrides House is regularly visited by deer, and for those with a lot of patience, you can see otters coming up the Erista river that runs past the house and down to the sands.
Dolphins have on occasion been spotted at high tide at Miavig pier, and the Outer Hebrides Whale Trail includes suggested locations for spotting whales, including Gallan Head which is around 10 minutes drive from Hebrides House.
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to experience the Outer Hebrides, and there are numerous cycle routes throughout the islands - including one that takes in the whole 185 mile archipelago.
Bespoke Hire in Willowglen in Stornoway has a hugely popular cafe plus bike workshop as well as bike hire. There is also Bike Hire Hebrides, who have a range of mountain, kids, hybrid and e-bikes available to hire (there are based in Stornoway).
There is a blog entry on cycle safety on the Visit Outer Hebrides website and you can also purchase the official Hebrides Way cycle map.
Fishing
Fishing is part of life in Lewis - you can see what remains of the Stornoway fishing fleet in the inner harbour, and older people remember when you could walk from one side of the harbour to the other by jumping from boat to boat.
There is a host of places to go rock fishing in Uig, where at certain times of the day you can catch mackerel.
Please be aware that many of the rivers are owned by estates, and therefore a permit is needed.
Contact Fish Hebrides for more information on fishing in the area.
