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Uig landscapes with its combination of endless islets, wild cliffs and stretches of pristine golden sand make the area very attractive for nature lovers. If you like solitude and tranquility this place is ideal for you. Vast sand beaches empty even in August is the usual thing on Lewis in general and Uig Sands is not an exception. In fact this is hidden gem on Lewis where nothing is going to disturb you.

With pristine white sands and clear water and wildlife and dunes and surrounding mountains and hills it is easy to forget that you are not on a remote desert island. On the other hand, you will have all modern facilities - they may be not luxurious, but all fruits of the civilization including great food are readily available.

By the way, if you have a curious mind and are willing to explore more of Isle of Lewis than just sand beaches, will have an opportunity to do this as well. The area is reach in history with evidences of human presence on Lewis that go back as far as 8,000 years ago. About 500 BC, island moved into the Iron Age with Vikings settling on Lewis since the 9th century. Lewis together with all Western Isles became part of Scotland in 1266.

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Your best bet is to arrive first to Stornoway, the largest settlement in the Western Isles (located on the eastern side of Lewis). It has an airport serving flights from several destinations including from and to Glasgow and London. Alternatively, you can arrive to Stornoway by ferry from Ullapool (takes 2 hours 40 minutes). The service is available all year two - three times a day (the service is slightly reduced during winter). It is recommended to book ferry in advance.
The best way to reach the Uig area from Stornoway is by car (take the A859 to Liurbost, turn right onto the A858 - it's about 45 minutes drive from Stornoway). There are several places where you can rent a car, for example, Stornoway Car Hire located at Stornoway Airport, Tel: 01851 702658. Several taxi services and different bus routes on Lewis and Harris are available as well - explore these options as well depending on your final destination.

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From May to September when most events take place and most guided tours are offered.

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- Suainaval - a family owned house (3 Cradhlastadh, Uig, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9JF, Scotland) offering two guest rooms at £35 per person bed and breakfast (price 2010)
- Carnish Lodge - a family owned lodge (3 Carnish, Uig, HS2 9EX, Scotland) offering two double and one twin room. Kitchen is available. Wonderful views over the Uig Sands.
- Baile na Cille - located in Timsgarry, Uig, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9JD - with many white sand beaches. Can accept up to 16 guests. Wi-Fi access available in common areas. £55 for one night, £45 two or more nights (price 2010). Research and book hotels in or near Ullapool, United Kingdom

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Walks, hiking and biking along the coast and up in the hills, surfing, boat trips to explore the local coastline and spot wildlife. And most important: sweet doing nothing in an attempt to understand better yourself and your place in the Universe.

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You can combine your visit to Uig Bay with explorations of other areas. For example, visit the island of Bernera (use road B8011 and B8059). Explore other sand beaches, especially Traigh na Berie. You may explore Callanish stones - see Travel Idea: Calanais, Scotland.

Stornoway (population of 8000) is the capital of the Western Isles. It is an interesting place to visit and stay for a day or two. You can also make a starting (or ending) point of a larger trip that may include island hopping with staying in B&Bs in Scottish homes, castles, churches and lighthouses. There are private (and driver-guided) tours available as well as island cruises from 4 to 14 days.

Locals are well known for their hospitality and strong religious beliefs. Most public places are closed on Sundays (including public transportation and restaurants). Road signs are in Gaelic, the language spoken by the islanders.

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Tags: beach; biking (4); Callanish Stones (2); Hiking (17); island cruises; Isle of Lewis (2); Lewis; Lewis and Harris; Long Island; Outer Hebrides; private tours; Scotland (2); Stornoway (2); Uig; Uig Sands; UK (2); Ullapool; United Kingdom (7); Walks; Western Isles; white sand

Web Sites:   Scotland accommodation & travel for Scottish holidays

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