Explore
—Explore the Island—
The Barn at Reef is an idyllic retreat for those seeking an escape from busy mainland life. A thriving crofting community surrounded by spectacular mountains, rugged coastline and stunning, unpolluted beaches makes Reef and the Valtos peninsular the perfect holiday destination.
Life moves at a different pace here, allowing you to fully appreciate an extraordinarily beautiful region of magnificent scenery, historic sites, wildlife and some of the best beaches in the world. No matter what your interest, the area has something for everyone: from walking, fishing, kayaking and photography to simply relaxing.
“‘Sàorsnail’ – at ease, relaxed, happy”
Explore the Landscape
With high hills that sweep down to white sandy beaches beside the Atlantic, Harris and Lewis provide one of the last remaining refuges for walkers looking for spectacular scenery and wilderness off the main tourist trail, where summits are shared by eagles.
Lower level routes take you past world famous heritage sites, old sheilings and the ruins of former villages.
Locally, there are numerous secluded beaches, including Reef and Peedie within walking distance from the Barn.
Explore the Sea
Every beach in Lewis and Harris has its own special beauty. World-class kayaking is on your doorstep and is the perfect way to explore the small islands, skerries and beautiful coastline.
The west coast of Lewis is a haven for surfers, offering some of the best water activity locations in Britain, with miles of white sandy beaches. Book your lessons with Surf Lewis.
Explore the Nature
The Western Isles is home to a wide range of rare flowers and fauna and there are over 50 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) scattered over the islands. Otters, seals and sea eagles are just some of the inhabitants to be spotted locally and the machair flowers in June and July not to be missed.
Whether your interest is in wildlife or fishing, local company Seatrek will provide you with unforgettable boat trips, to destinations as far as St Kilda and the mysterious Flannan Isles.
Explore the History
The Lewis Chessmen (known locally as the Uig Chessmen, after the beach where they were unearthed in 1831) are iconic Viking treasures dated to the 12th century, intricately carved from walrus tusk. Several pieces are now in the Lews Castle museum.
Perhaps second only in archaeological importance to Stonehenge, Callanish is an extraordinary pre-historic monument composed of radiating avenues of stones. There is a visitor centre just below the hill on which the stones stand.
At Bosta, discover the most completely preserved late-Iron Age village ever found in this country. The replica of the Iron Age house, which is open to visitors, gives a real insight into how Bosta residents lived from 400-800 AD.
Explore the Food & Drink
Abhainn Dearg Distillery is the first legal distillery in the Outer Hebrides! Having released their first single malt at three years, they are now waiting for their ten year malt to mature, ready in 2018. The distillery welcomes visitors. Hand-dived scallops from the clean, pure Atlantic waters are a premium seafood, highly prized by top class restaurants. Guests, however, can buy them fresh from the boat by taking a short 5min drive to Miavaig Pier. Uig Lodge has been hand-producing some of the finest smoked salmon that can be found in Scotland since 1984 and prides itself on its unique curing process. It also provides trout and salmon fishing.
Guests wanting a break from cooking will get a taste of the islands and a warm welcome at the new Uig Sands Restaurant which boasts the most magnificent views of Uig and beyond. The Edge Cafe at Gallan Head, Aird offers quirky surroundings and freshly prepared food made to order. This wee gem of a cafe features in travel book, The Slow Road to Scotland, and can be combined with a walk to the rugged headland and shopping for local crafts in the Apex Craft shop whilst you wait for Fiona to prepare your meal. Our local community cafe at the Uig Community Centre is a good place for cakes, simple meals and a chance to re-fuel, re-warm and relax and is popular with tourists and locals alike. For those of you working up an appetite on Reef beach, a new food stall is planned for summer 2021 and will be run by local super cook, Shona.
Explore Uig
Even within the Hebrides, Uig is considered remote and, since the Clearances, there has been a steady erosion of the population.
However, with strong roots and rich heritage, there is a determination to ensure that these scattered crofting villages survive as a community in which traditional values are respected and the Gaelic language remains strong. Incomers and visitors are welcomed warmly and there are many local events to be enjoyed during your vist. Your starting point could be at the local Uig Museum or Community Shop.
Additional Photography by Alistair Pratt
