South Berneray circuit

Summary

A lovely coastal walk crossing the machair to reach Loch Bhuirgh and passing a monument to a modern day giant before reaching the vast beach on Berneray's west coast. Can be combined with the north Berneray circuit to make a much longer day walk.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Pathless coastal walking on dry turf, sandy beach and dunes with occasional waymarkers.

Getting there

Start

Car park on machair along track from Community Hall on the Borve (Borgh) road, Berneray.

Public Transport

Bus to Berneray via causeway from North Uist; also ferry link to Leverburgh in Harris.

Start Grid Ref

NF895805

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Ascent: 21m (Profile)

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Explorer 454 - North Uist

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

If planning to do the main Berneray circuit as well it is better to do that walk first. Otherwise, to reach the start of the walk drive or walk up the Borve road on Berneray until you reach the community hall. Here go through the gate on the left and drive along the narrow tarmac lane across the machair until the parking area is reached. From here walk left along the track, heading east until a sharp right hand bend. Leave the track here or soon after and continue ahead across the machair. This mixture of sand and peat is often cultivated, with potatoes, cereals, hay and other veg being grown - go round any ploughed or cultivated strips to avoid causing any damage. Continue ahead (there is a faint path) to reach Loch Bhuigh at the wreck of a large boat.

Stage 2

From here head right along the springy turf at the edge of the shoreline to reach the small rocky headland of Cracanais. From here you can look directly across at the causeway which has joined Berneray to North Uist since 1998 and was opened by Prince Charles, who a few years previously had spent a week living as a crofter on the island. The Sound of Harris ferry terminal which links the island to Leverburgh in Harris can also be seen. Continue following the shoreline, eventually pass the ruins of a settlement with lovely views across the water to North Uist.

Stage 3

Walk up to the cemetery which is still in use and pass it on the seaward side above a fine sandy beach. Head slightly inland to visit the memorial to Angus MacAskill. Known as the Nova Scotia Giant, Angus was born here in 1825 and grew to be 7 foot 9 inches high and emigrated to Canada in 1831. The memorial states that he achieved many feats of strength and is remembered as a kindly and just man and humble Christian. There is a museum devoted to Angus MacAskill at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye.

Stage 4

From the memorial head towards the sea to cross the fence on a stile. Head along the back of the next beach and follow the shoreline to the rocky headland of Rubha Bhoisnis.

Stage 5

From here it is a short walk to reach the massive beach occupying most of the west coast of Berneray. The mountains of Harris can be seen in the distance to the north.

Stage 6

Walk along the beach for a short distance keeping an eye out for deep cleft in the dunes on your right. Head up through this gap to pick up the return path, passing a picnic table before crossing the machair and going through a gate to reach the parking area.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

North Uist cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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