Welcome to

Berneray

Ancient ruins, delightfully warm hospitality and an award-winning beach are all on the agenda on this gem of an island.

History and heritage

Cycling

Wildlife watching

Isle of Berneray - A village with a ship in the foreground

Small island, big character

Berneray may be small in stature beside its Hebridean brothers and sisters, but packed into its slight landmass is a magical island full of beauty and warmth. A haven for cyclists, ramblers or just those in search of tranquillity.

Berneray radiates peace and calm. Add its award-winning beach and you have a dream destination for those looking to escape the norm and experience the extraordinary.

Award-winning beach

Berneray’s West beach is a natural wonder, a long uninterrupted swathe of unspoiled white sands that is a must visit for any guest to the island. The beach is so well regarded that it was voted no. 3 in Lonely Planet's Top 20 Best beaches in Europe and declared by BBC’s Ben Fogle to be ‘the most beautiful place on earth.’ Hard to argue with once you’ve set eyes on the sheer majesty of this stretch of coastline.

Isle of Berneray sandy beach under a blue sky

Ancient reminders

Berneray has been populated in some form or other for the last 5000 years, so there’s no shortage of history on the island. Historical sites include: the imposing Cladh Maolrithe standing stone, a pagan stone eight feet in height; Cnoc Na Greine, a stone circle used for pagan sun worship; and Cidhe mor Mhicleoid a submerged Viking pier. Fascinating history is dotted all over this ancient island.

Isle of Berneray - Thatched cottage and a village in the background

A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry sailing on the Berneray crossing.

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Indoor activities

Tourist information

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Be a great visitor

Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy

VisitScotland | Responsible tourism promise

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Safety tips

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.

RLNI | Safety tips

Getting to Berneray

Berneray is linked by causeway to North Uist. The ferry to North Uist runs from Uig on Skye, arriving at Lochmaddy in 1 hour and 45 minutes – from here, the onward road journey to Berneray is just 11 miles. You can also take the ferry direct from Harris to Berneray. The ferry runs from Leverburgh in Harris, and the journey takes around an hour. Vehicle reservations are recommended.

Buy tickets

A picture montage of a train, bus and ferry

Getting here by public transport

Looking for the best way to get to Berneray by public transport? The Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport options.

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Travel information

Campervans and motorhomes

If you’re travelling by campervan or motorhome – or with a caravan, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) ask that visitors stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots only. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on the fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on the communities.

Please follow the P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special.

Find out more in this guide on taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides.

Car

From Glasgow and Edinburgh, you can be in Uig in around 5 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re travelling from the north, Inverness to Uig takes around 3 hours by car.

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland.
We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.
For full details about the location of our ports and the facilities there, visit our port section.

Alternative routes

There are some alternative routes to choose from when travelling to/from Berneray via the Outer Hebrides which are supported by good connectivity throughout the islands.

Whether you’re looking to explore on an Island-Hopping holiday or find a different route home, we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

In addition to reaching Barra from Oban, you can also travel to the Outer Hebrides via alternative route options to the Outer Hebrides

Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (South Uist) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (North Uist) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

Bus

Buses to Uig run daily from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station, via the A82 and Fort William taking 7 hours.

From Inverness, there’s a direct bus service to Portree, where you can then travel onward to Uig.

Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner

Campervans and motorhomes

Please follow the P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special.

Find out more in this guide on taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides.

Car

From Glasgow and Edinburgh, you can be in Uig in around 5 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re travelling from the north, Inverness to Uig takes around 3 hours by car.

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland.
We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.
For full details about the location of our ports and the facilities there, visit our port section.

Alternative routes

There are some alternative routes to choose from when travelling to/from Berneray via the Outer Hebrides which are supported by good connectivity throughout the islands.

Whether you’re looking to explore on an Island-Hopping holiday or find a different route home, we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

In addition to reaching Barra from Oban, you can also travel to the Outer Hebrides via alternative route options to the Outer Hebrides

Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (South Uist) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (North Uist) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

Getting around Berneray

Bike

Keen to get on your bike in Berneray? The Island links into the 185-mile Hebridean Way Cycling Route that crosses 10 islands, 6 causeways, and 2 ferries.

If you’re looking to hire bikes in Benbecula, you’ll find details can be found at Visit Outer Hebrides.
If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited
Plan your cycling route at CycleStreets.

Bus

If you’re travelling by bus in the Outer Hebrides, bus services operate regularly (Monday to Saturday) throughout the Outer Hebrides.

Buses are operated on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar

Local services from Benbecula link directly to both Lochmaddy Pier (North Uist) and Lochboisdale (South Uist).

Take time to review the timetables for outward and return journeys

Plan your journey with Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner

If you’re travelling as a group, there may be limited seating capacity and groups of 6 or more are advised to contact the operator in advance.

Car

Many visitors to the Outer Hebrides like to take a vehicle because you can travel around as you wish. A car is a must if you want to explore the more isolated areas.

Find out more on the driving etiquette on islands
Travelling in an Electric Vehicle? Use ChargePlace Scotland to find and use over 2,000 EV charging points all over the country.
You can find information and location of the ferry terminal on our port page

On foot

Berneray is ready-made for walkers. The short walk to the top of Ben Bhuirgh will give you views of up to 30 other islands, or you can follow the shoreline and look for the wildlife that frequents the island.

Just remember to pack waterproof footwear as the ground can get muddy.

For more information about walking trails on Berneray visit Walk Highlands or Outer Hebrides