Loganair flights to Benbecula from £111*

Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hideaway...

...and a great escape for nature lovers. 

Just five miles long by eight wide, the tiny Isle of Benbecula is poised between North and South Uist, in the stunning string of islands that is the Outer Hebrides.

It was here, on the island’s only hill, gentle Rueval, that Bonnie Prince Charlie hid while waiting for Flora MacDonald to rescue him. Perhaps he took some comfort from the beauty of his surroundings, the bays and moorland that attract and fascinate modern-day anglers, walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. This is crofting and fishing country, but there’s leisurely diversion too, on the nine-hole, 18-tee golf course (pay by honesty box – just £10 a day, what a stroke of good fortune), swimming at the Sports Centre, browsing in the museum and library, following the sculpture trail … the days are as packed as you want them to be.

To the east ...

... the island is studded with freshwater lochs, while westwards sits Balivanich, the main village, home to army personnel who work on the missile range on neighbouring South Uist. Causeways link Benbecula to its next-door islands, but it’s by aircraft to Benbecula Airport that you can enjoy the most spectacular introduction to this memorable place. Fly to Benbecula, island of tranquillity.

Uist Community Riding School

Uist Community Riding School is a unique community-run project in a unique location, providing lessons, training, beach rides, beach paddles and longer treks.

The British Horse Society -registered riding school is located on the edge of Balivanich and has an indoor school, allowing activities to continue even when the weather is not favourable. Activities are open to all ages from five upwards, and are designed to be suitable to the skill level of the individual.