Isle of Flodaigh seals, off Benbecula

Summary

This short walk to a sea inlet overlooking a small island where seals bask at low tide. The route can be difficult at high summer due to the growth of bracken.

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Farm track, then boggy path, return route can be a little overgrown in summer.

Getting there

Start

End of public road to Isle of Flodaigh, off Benbecula, just south of causeway to Grimsay.

Public Transport

Bus (W19) at start of Flodaigh road on A865.

Start Grid Ref

NF843551

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 1.75km / 1 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 16m (Profile)

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Explorer 453 - Benbecula

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

WARNING

We've had a 2026 report that this walk is impassable as overgrown, but also positive experiences from 2025. If you do visit please let us know what you find.

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

To reach Flodaigh, turn off the A865 on Benbecula, just south of the causeway to North Uist, at a bend with a telephone box, following the sign for Flodaigh. If you wish to lengthen the walk, by walking the pleasant section of road and causeway to the island, you can park at this junction, otherwise continue along the road until after the causeway slightly up the hill there is a parking area with rubbish bins at the road end. Note that parking here is not allowed between 8.00 and 8:45am, and between 3.30 and 4.30pm. Do not drive beyond the parking area and do not block entrances or the turning space. Start the walk by following the right hand track which climbs from the parking area.

Stage 2

When the track levels off go through the gate and then through a second gate. There are good views north to the prominent hill of Eaval on North Uist.

Stage 3

Continue until the track bends left to head towards the croft house, soon turn right onto a grassy path signed Seal Point. The wide path can be wet underfoot, continue ahead through a gap in the fence. At a faint path junction (the return route comes in from the left here) bear right onto a smaller grass path to round the end of the the fence ahead and then keep straight ahead with the other fence on your right.

Stage 4

After passing some old farm machinery the shore is reached. The best viewing area for the common seal colony is from here with most seals found on a small island in the middle of the bay. Bright green mounds of grass marked with white spraint show that otters live locally.

Stage 5

To return take the path to the right as you face inland. This heads through bracken which can be a little overgrown in summer to follow the side of a deep inlet. This is a great place to watch seals in the water and look for otters and birdlife. At the head of the inlet continue ahead. Before the trees are reached bear left to follow the boggy path along the line of old wooden fence posts. This soon rejoins the outward route, turn right along this to return to the track and parking area.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

South Uist cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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