Ferry To From North Uist | Visit North Uist

More about North Uist

Ideal for:

Nature & wildlife History & heritage

The highest peaks, excellent wildlife, and a smokehouse

Keep an eye out for seals from the ferry to North Uist - the island has Europe's largest breeding colony, with 9,000 pups born each year. North Uist is also perfect for birdwatchers: the nature reserve at Balranald is the best place to go looking for the secretive corncrake, as well as lapwings, redshanks and oystercatchers.

North Uist has some of the highest peaks on the Outer Hebrides - climb up the steep cone of Eaval on a clear day for glittering views across to St Kilda. You can go sea kayaking and scuba diving, or head to one of the secluded beaches for a chance to watch otters on the shore. For a peak into the Neolithic history of the island, go to Barpa Langass, a 5,000-year-old burial chamber thought to be the burial place of a chieftain. Don't miss a trip to the Hebridean Smokehouse, either, for a real taste of the exceptional seafood smoked in the traditional way.

For more information on North Uist visit the Visit Outer Hebrides website.

How to get here

The North Uist ferry runs from Uig on Skye, landing at Lochmaddy. The journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes. You can also get a ferry from Leverburgh on Harris to Berneray, and drive south. Vehicle reservations are recommended.

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Want to take a look at South Uist? You can drive from North Uist, via a number of causeways.

Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Traveline can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.

We have listed some travel information below that you may find useful:

Getting to Skye from the mainland

By bus

You can get a bus to Portree from Fort William, which takes 2 hours 30 minutes. The views on the drive north are some of the most beautiful in Scotland. Check Citylink for bus times.

By car

You have two options - drive to Mallaig and go over the sea to Skye, or drive further north to Kyle of Lochalsh and cross to Skye via the bridge. The ferry from Mallaig to Skye takes 30 minutes and docks at Armadale.

Helpful tips for driving on North Uist

Postcode for sat nav:

Mallaig Port: PH41 4QD

Uig Port: IV51 9XX

Have you thought about alternate routes to get to your chosen destination?

With 5 routes to and from the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.

Whether you are looking to explore on an Hopscotch® holiday or find a different route home we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

Here are the 5 route options to the Outer Hebrides

Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (Uists) from Oban and from Mallaig (available during 27 October - 2 April)
Lochmaddy (Uists) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool