Getting Here
Ferries, flights, trains and coaches: every way onto the island, with links to book each one.
North Uist sits in the middle of the Outer Hebrides, reached by sea or by air. The journey is part of the trip, and with a little planning it’s straightforward. Below are the main routes, with links straight to the services that run them.
Not sure which route suits you?
Tell us your sporting dates and where you’re coming from, and we’ll help you time the ferry or flight, and the drive at either end, around your days on the water or the hill.
By sea
CalMac runs every ferry to the Outer Hebrides. Book vehicle spaces early, and check the timetable for your dates: sailings vary by season and day of the week.
Around 1 hr 45 min crossing
The quickest and most popular way onto North Uist. Drive over the Skye Bridge to Uig on the north of Skye and sail straight into Lochmaddy, where the Estate Office and the Lochmaddy Hotel are a short walk from the pier.
Lands in Lochmaddy, beside the Estate Office
Around 1 hr crossing
A beautiful crossing through the islands of the Sound of Harris. Berneray is joined to North Uist by causeway, so it suits anyone coming down through Lewis and Harris or adding a few days on Harris to the trip.
Around 20 min drive to Lochmaddy
Around 2 hr 40 min crossing
The main crossing from the north-west mainland. Drive down through Lewis and Harris to Leverburgh, then cross to Berneray: a long day, but a fine way to see the whole island chain.
Then drive south and take the Leverburgh ferry
Around 5 hr 30 min crossing
A good choice coming up the west coast from Glasgow, though it doesn't sail every day: check the timetable for your dates. From Lochboisdale it's a scenic drive north over the causeways through South Uist and Benbecula.
Around 1 hr 10 min drive to Lochmaddy
By air
Loganair flies to the Outer Hebrides, with Benbecula the closest airport to North Uist. The planes are small and busy in summer, so book early.
Scheduled Loganair flights
Benbecula is the nearest airport, joined to North Uist by causeway. Pick up a hire car when you land, or ask the Estate Office and we'll point you to local car hire and taxis.
Around 30 min drive to Lochmaddy
Loganair, from several Scottish airports
Stornoway on Lewis has the most flight connections in the islands, and Barra's beach runway is served from Glasgow. Both make sense if you're touring the islands rather than coming straight to North Uist.
Then continue by road and ferry
Secure your fishing, stalking or wildfowling days as soon as your crossing or flight is confirmed: the best weeks go first.
Without a car, and once you're here
You don't need a car to reach North Uist, but you'll want one to get around it.
ScotRail runs to Oban (for Lochboisdale), Kyle of Lochalsh (for Skye) and Inverness (for coaches to Ullapool and Skye). Some of the most scenic lines in Britain, and an easy way to start the trip.
ScotRail (opens in a new tab)Scottish Citylink coaches run to Skye, including Uig for the Lochmaddy ferry, and to Ullapool for Stornoway. Coming as a foot passenger? Tell the Estate Office and we'll help with the last few miles.
Scottish Citylink (opens in a new tab)A car is by far the easiest way to reach the beats, the hill and the moor. Car hire is available on Benbecula and is worth booking well ahead in summer. Local buses run, but services are limited.
Traveline Scotland (opens in a new tab)The Hebridean Way cycling route runs the length of the islands, right through North Uist. Bikes travel on CalMac ferries and the roads are quiet, though the wind is a real factor.
Visit Outer Hebrides (opens in a new tab)Travelling with your kit
Most guests bring their own kit by car on the ferry, which is the simplest way. If you'd rather travel light, the Estate hires rifles, shotguns and rods.
Bring your firearm or shotgun certificate, and keep guns and ammunition locked and out of sight in the vehicle. Overseas guests may need a Visitor Firearm Permit, granted before travel; the Estate Office can apply for you if it has your details at least two months before you arrive. Flying? Loganair carries sporting guns in the hold only, and you must request it at least 72 hours before check-in with a copy of your certificate; ammunition has its own rules, so check both before booking. Or travel light: rifles and shotguns can be hired.
Stalking and rifle hireRods travel easily in a car or as a foot passenger on the ferry. Loganair may accept rods as cabin baggage, but tackle boxes go in the hold at a charge, so tell them when you book. Rods can also be hired from the Estate if you'd rather travel light.
Fishing and rod hireGundogs are easiest by car on the ferry. Every dog needs a CalMac pet ticket: either 'pet remains in car', or one of a limited number of places in the pet lounge, where dogs stay on a lead. Loganair only carries pets in the hold, one per flight, and not over Christmas, so flying with a dog takes planning.
Wildfowling with dogsFAQs
Straight answers to what visitors ask us most. Open any question for the detail.
All questions about the EstateBy Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy, by ferry from Leverburgh on Harris to Berneray (joined to North Uist by causeway), or by Loganair flight into Benbecula. Every route, with links to book, is on our travel page.
Not to get here, but it makes the trip far easier. You can arrive as a foot passenger or fly into Benbecula, but the beats, hill and moor are spread across the island and buses are limited, so most guests bring a car on the ferry or hire one on Benbecula.
As soon as your sporting dates are confirmed, especially with a car between May and September, when vehicle spaces sell out weeks ahead. Foot passenger and bike places are much easier to find at short notice.
Island travel depends on the weather, and CalMac and Loganair will offer alternative sailings or flights. Call the Estate Office as soon as you know; we'll do what we can to make up the time, though days missed through travel disruption aren't refunded (see our terms). Travel insurance that covers disruption is worth having.
Yes, with a valid UK firearm or shotgun certificate, or a Visitor Firearm Permit for overseas guests, granted before you travel. Driving onto the ferry is simplest; if you fly, Loganair carries guns in the hold only and needs your request, with a copy of your certificate, at least 72 hours before check-in. The Estate's rifle and shotguns can also be hired by the day.
Yes. Get in touch before you travel and we'll help you plan the last leg, whether that's a hire car from Benbecula or a local taxi. The Uig ferry lands in Lochmaddy beside the Estate Office, and Benbecula Airport is around 30 minutes' drive.
Still have a question?
The Estate Office replies within one working day. Call, or email info@northuistestate.co.uk.
Whether it’s choosing a ferry, timing a connection or getting from the airport, just ask. For somewhere to stay once you’re here, see accommodation.
Ready when you are
Got your dates, or still deciding? Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll put a trip together around the fishing, stalking, wildfowling or wildlife that suits you.
