Vallay (Bhalaigh) island, near Sollas

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This exciting tidal walk heads across wet sands and mud flats to reach the now uninhabited island of Vallay. Pass the ruins of impressive Vallay House and the farm to cross the island to a sandy bay and the ruins of an ancient chapel.

Terrain

Tidal sand, wet in places even at low tide, grassy path and track on island. NOTE: This walk can only be undertaken at low tide - check tide times (available Lochmaddy Tourist Info) before setting out and leave enough time to return.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Aird Glas off A865, west of Malacleit and Sollas, North Uist. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Tide times can be checked at Lochmaddy Tourist Information or on the web. Vallay is only accessible at low tide, only set out if you have sufficient time to complete the walk as the water can come in very fast and there are some deeper channels (which may result in wet feet even at low tide). Do not attempt the route in poor visibility. The walk starts from near the bottom of the track leading to the sea at Aird Glas, just west of Malacleit, opposite a forestry plantation and marked Cladach Bhalaigh on the OS map. There is space for a couple of cars to park off to the side of the track. Start by walking down to the sands and starting across. There are two channels with flowing water on the first stretch; bear left slightly to reach their shallowest point, and then aim to pass just to the right of the islet of Torogaigh.

Stage 2

Vallay House is the imposing building on the left while the ruined farm building has prominent gables that can be seen more clearly - keep these in sight straight ahead as you cross. From Torogaigh aim diagonally left to bear north west to reach Vallay where a track heads up between two gatepoints towards the middle ruined house (to the right of the mansion and left of some old farm cottages).

Stage 3

Although the island is now uninhabited, it was once home to over 60 people, it is still farmed and is also an RSPB reserve. Vallay House which can be seen to the right was built in 1902 - 5 by Erskine Beveridge, a wealthy linen industrialist from Fife. The house had central heating (80 cartloads of peat were needed each winter), running water, 365 panes of glass, and a different coloured fireplace in nearly every room. Beveridge was a keen archaeologist and supervised the digs at many local sites including many neolithic remains on Vallay. From the shore follow the track directly ahead through the imposing gateposts and at a fork keep straight ahead (rather than heading for the house) to go through another gate and pass to the right of the older ruined farm house and buildings.

Stage 4

Go through the gate adjacent to the last barn and follow the vague path between the two fences to head across the island. The end of the fence on the right side is passed and after crossing the cultivated part of the island a sandy bay is reached on the north coast.

Stage 5

Cross to the far side of Bagh nan Craobhag and follow the faint path onto Orasaigh, the grassy headland jutting out into the sea. Near the end, a pile of stones is the remains of an ancient chapel known as Teampull Orain which once had walls 4 feet thick. From here retrace your steps back to the ruins of Vallay Farm. When Erskine Beveridge owned the island, he farmed here and ran the sporting estate for fishing and shooting. He died in 1920 and Vallay passed to his son George who tragically drowned in 1945 whilst returning from a visit to neighbours on North Uist when his boat hit rocks.

Stage 6

If you have time, the area along the shore is a good place to watch for wading birds, greylag geese, snipe and the ever-present oystercatchers. Leave plenty of time to retrace your steps across the sands before the tide begins to rise. It is often possible to follow the tyre tracks of the vehicles driven across the sand to tend the cattle and sheep on the island.

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Vallay (Bhalaigh) island, near Sollas

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Terrain

Public Transport

Start

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