Great Days Out

Below your will find some of our suggestions for grat days out from your base at the Old Mission House

BRILLIANT DAY TRIPS

To help you make the most of your stay at The Old Mission House we have put together a selection of some great days out. These give you a flavour of this beautiful area. All images Tony Wade unless otherwise credited.

(10–15 mins)

Uig Sands & Ardroil Beach

A perfect, easy outing.

Wander the vast sands at low tide
Visit the Lewis Chessmen discovery site
Stop at Uig Sands Café

Great for: relaxed beach time and scenery close to home.

(10–20 mins)

Reef Beach & the Valtos Peninsula

A cluster of spectacular beaches.

Reef, Cliff, Kneep, and Valtos within minutes of each other
Picnic spots overlooking the sea
Short coastal walks

Great for: beach-hopping and photography.

The Lewis Chessmen were discovered in 1831 by a farmer, Malcolm 'Sprot' MacLeod. He was looking for a lost cow when he stumbled across a small stone chamber on the beach at Uig Bay. Inside, he found an ancient hoard that included the famous 78 chess pieces.

(35–40 mins)

Callanish Standing Stones

Unmissable, atmospheric, and close enough for a short trip.

Explore the main stone circle
Visit the quieter satellite sites
Magical at sunrise or sunset

Great for: history, landscape lovers, and moody skies.

(35–45 mins)

Bosta Beach & the Iron Age House, Great Bernera

A beautiful mix of scenery and heritage.

Reconstructed Iron Age House (seasonal opening)
Golden sands and turquoise water
Tidal bell (if you catch it right)

Great for: gentle exploring and island history.
Image courtesy of Bernera Musuem

Museum website

(10–20 mins)

Uig Hills – Mealaisbhal or Suainaval

Lewis wilderness right on your doorstep.

Climb Mealaisbhal, the island’s highest hill
Or opt for the Suainaval ridge for easier walking

Great for: proper hillwalking without long drives.

On a clear day, the views from Mealasbhal summit are stunning. In clear conditions, it is possible to see the remote Flannan Isles and even the distant archipelago of St Kilda, which is over 90km (50 miles) away.

If you fancy venturing further afield these are great places to visit.

FURTHER AFIELD

(1 hr 20–30 mins)

West Harris – Luskentyre / Seilebost / Scarista

West Harris has multiple world-class beaches, viewpoints, walks, and foodie spots spread across a wide area.

Choose to explore from these:

Luskentyre Beach (pictured)
Morning walk across Scarista
Lookouts around Seilebost
Talla na Mara for art, food and exhibitions
Optional hike: Toe Head or the Harris hills
Stop at local cafes along the west coast

Perfect for: beach lovers, photographers, and guests wanting that “South Harris turquoise water” experience.

(10–20 mins)

North Harris & Scalpay

North Harris offers mountains, beaches, wildlife spotting, and the rugged Bays and Scalpay areas. There’s too much to comfortably do in a quick return trip.

What you can explore:

The North Harris Eagle Observatory
Huisinis Beach and its wild coastline
Glen Miabhaig walks
Scalpay’s stunning Eilean Glas lighthouse walk
Bays of Harris loop road (the “Golden Road”)

Perfect for: hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and guests wanting dramatic, remote landscapes.