The Ultimate Road Trip Via Lochmaddy And Isle Of North Uist
Read Time: About 14 minutes
Lochmaddy, .James Stringer
If you love the landscapes of Scotland, you’re likely having a fantastic time on our campervan road trip to the Outer Hebrides. We’re back to explore more magnificent routes, taking in the sights and sounds of Loch Maddy and the Isle of North Uist. The island is renowned for stunning landscapes that range from sandy beaches and rugged coastlines to vast moorlands and diverse ecosystems. Our Loch Maddy and This North Uist campervan road guide is adaptable and by no means rigid. Book your campsite in North Uist and begin your Outer Hebrides road trip here, or start at any point in our guide. You’ll remain in control of your journey, have the freedom to explore as much as possible, and enjoy the thrills of seeing everything firsthand.
This is part five of our campervan road trip in the Outer Hebrides. Check the link above for the full itinerary. For our readers coming in from the last stop on our road trip in the Outer Hebrides Tarbert, the drive to Uig, takes approximately 4 - 5 hours via the A82 and A87.
- Ferry to North Uist
- Can you drive between North and South Uist?
- What is The Main Town in North Uist?
- Can You See The Northern Lights In North Uist?
- Camping in and around Lochmaddy and Isle of North Uist
- North Uist Campervans Price
- Campervan Hire Towns in Lochmaddy and Isle of North Uist
- A Good Hearty Tar ar to Lochmaddy
Ferry to North Uist
From Uig, hop on the ferry to North Uist, bringing your total travel time to around 7 - .5 hours. North Uist is a beautiful island with an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, history, and rich culture. You'll love our North Uist campervan road trip itinerary if you want a truly Hebridean experience. We'll outline the best attractions and activities to explore while rumbling around in your camper.
Can you drive between North and South Uist?
North Uist is connected to South Uist by a series of causeways linking smaller islands, like Benbecula and Grimsay. These causeways make it easy to travel by car along the island's length. The route between North and South Uist extends over beautiful stretches of water and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding lochs, wildlife and coastal landscapes, making it an unforgettable drive. If you want to explore more of the Hebrides, start in North Uist and work your way from there. Explore the remote charm of Lochmaddy and Isle of North Uist with specialized campervan hire Outer Hebrides services that understand these unique island adventures.
Lickisto Blackhouse Camping is a stunning wild camping spot with excellent amenities, spectacular views, and an array of camping options to suit all budgets and tastes.
What is The Main Town in North Uist?
The principal village is Lochmaddy. There's plenty to explore among the glittering lochs and beaches that litter the coast. Lochmaddy is the island's ferry terminus and principal village and has plenty of amenities, including an arts centre and local shops. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the harbour as you and the rest of the passengers disembark the ferry at North Uist. Grab a bite, refuel at the local cafes, and stock up on fresh produce to return to your campsite. Picturesque mountains overlook the ferry terminal, so feel free to enjoy your snacks alfresco, soaking in the scenery and the fresh air. The town's main attraction is Taigh Chearsabhagh, a beautiful community-run arts centre and museum with a shop and cafe. If you want to taste local heritage, visual arts, and Gaelic language and culture on the island, you will enjoy the exhibits and workshops.
Barpa Langass. Paula Fearn
Some prehistoric sites around Lochmaddy are perfect for firing up your imagination. The massive burial cairn, Barpa Langais, is the best preserved Neolithic chambered cairn in the Outer Hebrides.
This structure was typical of tombs constructed all over the island by Neolithic farming communities. In this case, the Barpa Langais is 25 metres in diameter and contains a great mass of stone that would have once loomed over the enclosing landscape. A couple of miles north-wet of Lochmaddy is the hill of Blashaval. A quick walk under a mile from the road leads to the three standing stones of Na Fir Bhreige or The False Men.
According to legend, three men from Skye were turned into stone by a witch as punishment for deserting their wives. The stones rest in a straight line extending from Blathaisbhal to the peak of Maari. Keep an eye out for otters in the area.
History buffs can also explore the ancient Cladh Hallan Standing Stones and marvel at their significance in prehistoric times. Further along the A865, around an hour's drive away, rests Cille Pheadair. This ancient church has a graveyard that dates back centuries and offers exciting insights into the island's religious history.
What a splendid stay awaits you at Talla Na Mara, a stunning brand new site on the equally new Community Enterprise Centre, looking out across the white sand shores of Niseaboist Beach.
Are you keen on some sun, sea, and sand? North Uist has some magnificent beaches on its western shores. Pack your buckets, spades and picnic hamper for a glorious day at Baleshare Beach. Located just 18 minutes from Lochmaddy, this pristine sandy shoreline is connected to the rest of North Uist via a causeway and is ideal for long, quiet walks, sunbathing, and exploring wildlife like the elusive corncrake. It has a great picnic and parking area, making for a beautiful day out with the family. Clachan Sands Beach and Machair is a popular camping spot with two expansive sandy beaches, Traigh Lingeigh and Tràigh Hornais, separated by a headland and used for parking touring vehicles. Traigh Lingeigh Beach boasts a fantastic white shell and sand expanse and is perfect for admiring crystal-clear waters and safe swimming and snorkelling.
RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve
Walkers can explore the island's fertile grasslands, sprinkled with wildflowers in spring and summer, with beautiful trails winding through panoramic scenery. Discover the wilds on other hikes, like the Beinn Lee above Lochmaddy, North Lee and Udal to the Langass Woodland. The wildness and abundance of island isolation make North Uist a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy many activities on the island's lochs and sheltered waters, like fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Nature lovers can potter around the stunning Balranald Nature Reserve, with a long sandy beach, a rocky foreshore, untamed marshes and defined dunes. It is a haven for birdwatchers, especially for spotting lapwings and other rare species in wild machair.
If the outlying, uninhabited islands interest you, then rumble over to the west side of North Uist. Clamber up the hill at Clettraval to admire stunning views of St Kilda and eye the archipelago through your binoculars. Get up close and personal to Monach Isles, a short boat ride across the water from the western coast, and marvel at one the largest grey seal colonies on the planet.
Can You See The Northern Lights In North Uist?
Under the right conditions, you can see the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. The island’s location on the Outer Hebrides, far from significant sources of light pollution, makes it a great spot, particularly in autumn and winter when the nights are longer and the skies are darker.
From rugged beaches to historic sites, North Uist is a blend of nature, history and island culture perfect for both adventures and relaxing escapes. Let's explore campsites and campervan hire options below.
Blend the thrills of beautiful white sand beaches, a lovely family-friendly atmosphere, and an intriguing history. You’ve got a splendid camping escape on the Island Of Benbecula at Otters Edge Campground.
Camping in and around Lochmaddy and Isle of North Uist
For those exploring Scotland's wild western edge, campsites in Outer Hebrides offer an unmatched sense of adventure and tranquility. One of the best parts about camping is the freedom to go anywhere, anytime, while enjoying the thrills of affordable getaways throughout the year. In this section, we’ll highlight the best campsites in Isle of North Uist, where you can fall asleep to the gentle rumble of the ocean, wake up to beautiful sunrises and the joy of being surrounded by nature. Open your campervan window and let the ocean air flow into your bedroom. Whether you’re searching for a spontaneous weekend trip in autumn or a memorable Christmas holiday, our campsites in North Uist are ideal for a relaxing escape.
Lochmaddy. Reading Tom
For a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, adventure, and peace in the heart of North Uist, find a campsite in Lochmaddy and look forward to a restful escape. With spectacular views over Lochmaddy harbour and the surrounding hills, Lochmaddy campsites are perfect for admiring the island’s rugged beauty, with clear skies often offering breathtaking sunsets and stargazing. The waters and nearby landscapes teem with wildlife, and it is an ideal base for enjoying an actual Hebridian experience. Blend the freedom of the outdoors with access to the village’s amenities, and you have an excellent base for adventure and relaxation. Why not look at Benbecula, Eriskay, and Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas nan Loch campsites? We’ll explore the attractions around each location and hopefully entice you enough to fnd a Lochmaddy campsite via Camperbug.
Our search system is easy to use and can filter campsites by name, postcode, or your current location. We list hundreds of campsites in Scotland and offer a filter feature that can separate campsites by accommodation preference.
Nestled between North and South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Benbecula is a fantastic base for a camping escape. The site bridges North and South Uist, making it an ideal base for exploring the island group. Easily access attractions of both neighbouring islands from a single scenic Benbecula campsite and explore striking landscapes ranging from sparkling lochs to dramatic moorlands. The views are magnificent, especially at sunset and sunrise, and abundant wildlife, like seabirds, otters, seals, and even corncrakes frequent the area. Benbecula is also an excellent base for pursuing outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, fishing, and kayaking. For an authentic island experience, find a campsite in Benbecula or check out nearby campsites in Liniclate, campsites in South Uist and campsites in Isle Of Barra. We have 20 campsites within 30 miles of Benbecula, and plenty more in the Outer Hebrides on Camperebug.
When you book a campsite in Newtonferry, you’re right amid gorgeous natural scenery with access to an array of outdoor activities for all ages and cultural experiences. Just a short drive away, the beautiful Balranald Nature Reserve beckons birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with the promise of observing an array of species, including corncrakes, lapwings, and other waders, who thrive in the gorgeous machair habitats. Newtonferry is well located for accessing miles of white sandy beaches, like Clachan Sands or Traigh Lingeigh - perfect for gentle coastal walks, picnics or quiet afternoons admiring the rugged natural tapestry. There are several intriguing historical attractions within easy reach, too, like the ancient Barpa Langass chambered cairn or the Pobull Fhinn stone circle, which offer wonderful glimpses at the island's rich history. If you would like to browse more options near Newtonferry, check out our campsites in Portree and campsites in Isle of Lewis.
Located on the island of North Uist in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, our selection of beautiful Sollas campsites are lovely options for genuinely immersing in these stunning isles' rich culture and natural beauty. A wealth of inviting white sand beaches, like Traigh Iar and Traigh Udal, offer breathtaking stretches of coastline lapped by turquoise waters, creating the perfect playground for beachcombing, walking, or admiring the unspoilt beauty of the isles. The area brims with an array of wildlife, and nature lovers of all ages can have plenty of fun spotting species like corncrakes, waders, and birds of prey at local nature reserves or while walking across the expansive, fertile coastal grasslands. Seals and otters are also often spotted along the shoreline. Enjoy the local larder by stopping at local shops for fresh seafood, home-baked goods and other Hebridean specialities. If you’d like to explore the area more, we offer campsites in Isle Of Harris and campsites in Isle of Skye.
Best Lochmaddy and Isle of North Uist Campsites
There are plenty of beautiful campsites in North Uist, and you’ll find plenty of gorgeous locations to pitch a tent or park your camper. We’ve picked three beautiful camping locations in North Uist that blend the best of both worlds - spectacular scenery and home comforts. Look at The Tractor Shed Bunkhouse And Camping Huts, Balranald Hebridean Holidays, and Moorcroft Holidays. We’ll explore what these campsites offer and the attractions around each location to help you make an informed decision and, perhaps, even shave off time researching where to stay at your campsite. Visit our main page or more campsites in UK.
The Tractor Shed Bunkhouse And Camping Huts in Isle Of North Uist
The Tractor Shed Bunkhouse And Camping Huts, Isle Of North Uist
Enjoy a cosy camping pod experience at The Tractor Shed Bunkhouse and Camping Huts on the Isle of North Uist amid the wild and windy Hebridean landscape. Tucked by Lochmaddy, the site provides rustic huts and a bunkhouse, perfect for immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the Outer Hebrides. With effortless access to nearby beaches (the nearest is a handy 2-minute stroll away), stunning coastal walks, and abundant wildlife, it’s a wonderful spot for nature lovers. Enjoy peace and adventure, dividing your time between sea kayaking and stargazing under unspoiled night skies. The pods with electric sockets are clean, well-equipped, roomy, and warm. Communal facilities include a kitchen area and a shower toilet area with lashings of hot water.
Balranald Hebridean Holidays in Isle Of North Uist
Balranald Hebridean Holidays, Isle Of North Uist
Balranald Hebridean Holidays is a beautiful, family-run campsite on the pretty west coast of North Uist. The site is located beside a gorgeous white sand beach and is an excellent base for exploring Uist. It serves as a bird watchers paradise owing to its position at the heart of the RSPB’s Balranald Nature Reserve. Hop in your camper or don your walking shoes to explore flower-rich machair and croft land that houses a range of flora and fauna. Potter over to Horseshoe Bay, just 40 metres from the site’s entrance, and get your heart pumping on walks, kite surfing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Sunsets are spectacular here, and the site welcomes dogs, cats and other domesticated critters. Campers share access to two heated amenities blocks with electric showers, a laundry room, a washing-up area, and more. The site also offers self-catering abodes with a range of home comforts.
Moorcroft Holidays in Isle Of North Uist
Moorcroft Holidays, Isle Of North Uist
Located a mere mile from Carinish, Moorcroft Holidays is a peaceful and spacious camping area next to a beach and an RSPB reserve. The site is well-placed for campers who want a blend of coastline and thriving wildlife, with stunning views of the Benbecula and North and South Uist hills. Wake up to the soothing sound of waves lapping the shore, and work up an appetite for breakfast with a lovely morning stroll. Anglers can pack up the angling gear, the whole kit and caboodle to spend relaxing days fishing at the exceptional lochs around the site. Campers can pitch a tent or park a touring vehicle on grass or hardstanding bases with optional electric metres. Standard amenities are available, and the site welcomes well-behaved pets.
North Uist Campervans Price
Hiring a campervan in North Uist is a beautiful way to explore the Hebrides, and it opens up an exciting world of adventure and freedom. Understanding several factors affecting the rental charges will help you plan a cost-effective holiday. Smaller campervans are generally less expensive than larger, luxurious models due to increased fuel and premium features. Hires for longer periods often have discounts, while shorter weekend breaks may incur higher daily charges. Prices also tend to rise during peak season, with more budget-friendly options available during off-season escapes. Knowing these factors can help you plan the perfect, budget-friendly escape ideal for your needs and preferences. Take a look at our North Uist campervan page, and send out a few inquiries to secure the best price. Check Camperbug for campervan hire if you need a camper.
Campervan Hire Towns in Lochmaddy and Isle of North Uist
Lochmaddy. James Stringer
Book a campervan in the Isle of North Uist, and you’re on your way to uncovering the thrills of camping under the stars with the comfort of home at your fingertips. Discover beauty, culture, and adventure within the Hebrides at your pace, falling in love with Scotland’s wild and stunning landscapes, where vast sandy beaches, rolling machair grasslands, and crystal clear lochs create the perfect settings for reconnecting with nature. Campervans also provide access to remote and off-the-beaten-path locations, including stunning spots like the Balranald Nature Reserve and the beaches of Baleshare. We recommend searching for campervans in Liniclate and South Uist. Our campervans in Lochmaddy are ideal for adventurous sorts who want to hop on the ferry to nearby Uig.
Campervans are cost-effective and incredibly easy to book on Camperbug. Use our county maps for England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, or add your town, postcode, or country of choice and let the system provide the best matches.
Hire a campervan in Liniclate, on the island of Benbecula, and you’ve got a wealth of Hebridean attractions at your fingertips. Liniclate sits between North and South Uist, making it a fantastic hub for exploring the Uists and neighbouring islands like Eriskay and Barra, all connected by scenic causeways. The settlement is home to a beautiful expansive beach where you can take a break from driving to enjoy watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding with a kitchen, a bed, and all your gear a short walk away at the car park. Benbecula also boasts stunning natural landscapes, including wildlife-rich areas, perfect for exploring at your own pace. Hire a campervan in Liniclate, and you will have endless opportunities for adventure. Check out more campervans for hire in Isle Of Barra, campervans for hire in Isle Of Harris, campervans for hire in Isle of Skye and campervans for hire in Kyle Of Lochalsh for more models and pricing.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
4 Berth , 4 Seatbelts, rear kitchen , shower and toilet . Engine size 2.2L 6 speed manual . Rear bike rack fitted . Pets allowed 30 per hire. Bedding 30 per hire.
When you hire a campervan in Carinish, you’re in a great location to explore the thrills of North Uist and the Outer Hebrides. Savour the stunning natural beauty of these gorgeous isles and fully immerse the senses in the freedom and flexibility to park up by spectacular views and changed sceneries as often as desired. Carinish and the wides Isle of North Uist is remote and peaceful, offering a respite from the busier tourist areas and the freedom to roam under bid skies. While it is a small village, Carinish is an excellent base for exploring beautiful beaches like Baleshare and Sealladh na Mara. There are plenty of hikes and nature walks to stretch your legs on, like Loch Euphort, Uist Way, and hikes to the Monument of Carnan. Explore the Carinish Standing Stones and the prehistoric Cladh Hallan, or hire a campervan in South Uist and Campervan in Portree, to explore attractions in the area.
A Good Hearty Tar ar to Lochmaddy
We hope our road trip guide has helped plan your campervan adventure around Lochmaddy and the Isle of North Uist and provided valuable tips on campervan rental options and campsites.
With its untamed landscapes and rich culture, this incredible destination is perfect for campervan escapes. Stay tuned for our next blog on our The Best Campervan Road Trip in the Outer Hebrides, where we’ll dive into the hidden gems of Rushgarry.
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