Katie and I have been going up there most years and love it even more each time we visit. This time around it wasn't all about kitesurfing and surfing (I did have to keep Katie happy after all!) but I did still sneak in the odd session.
We visited all of the outer hebrides (except Barra, that is on the list next time). My favourite by far was North Uist / Benbecula. I've visited Lewis and Harris before and thought they were simply awesome but North Uist is something else. For surfers and kitesurfers who fancy something a little different to Tiree I would definitely recommend it. There are flat water lagoons everywhere you look and the surf is not to be overlooked either.
Here are some pics from the trip. If anyone is planning a trip around the isles and the far North of Scotland just PM me for some more info on kiting / surfing spots.
The very happy couple on day 1 - we were very lucky with the weather.
The wheels. I'd spent a lot of time (and money) early on this year getting it ready for the big road trip. We spent half our nights in the camper and the rest in posh hotels / b&b's (to keep Katie happy
)
One spot next to the campsite on North Uist. Atlantic on the edge (flat this day though) and big lagoons on the inside. This is just 1 of many exactly like this all within 10-30 minutes drive.
An amazing beach on Berneray. The potential is obvious....
Another flat water lagoon just behind Scarasta beach (Harris)
Scarasta beach itself. This is a corker of a surfing / kitesurfing beach.
Another beach on Harris...
Relaxing on the machair (name given to the massive expanse of dunes you often have to drive across to get to the beaches)
Cheeky little surf....Hosta, North Uist.
Another surf in the crystal clear waters at Dal Beag (Lewis)
Although this picture is nothing special this session will never be forgotten. This was a surf at Sandwood Bay. This is the most remote UK beach involving a 1hr 45min walk across moorland to get to it. Everywhere I had checked this day was flat but it is so remote and exposed I brought the board and it paid off. Small (3ft) but lovely formed powerful little waves
Big day at Valtos - Lewis. It was too big for me this day (approx 15ft although the pictures don't do it justice...it was huge!). I got out at Reef beach just around the corner that was sheltered and only about 2ft.
The view from the camper at Durness (Sandy Bay Camp site).
I was gutted to leave the area. Still, I'll be back next summer.....
