Welcome toBerneray
With a near-continuous beach on its western side, Berneray looks more like a tropical paradise than a Hebridean isle.
More about Berneray
Ideal for:
History & heritage
Outdoor adventure
Cycling
Wildlife Watching
Picts, giants and a three-mile beach
You can't miss Berneray's biggest beach: just head west until you hit the white sand and clear seas. Keep an eye out for the island's large population of seals, too - you can normally find some basking on the rocks in front of the Nurse's Cottage museum. Inside the museum you'll find a collection of artifacts that tell the island's history, from its Pictish past to the present day. And at the island's southern end you'll find the Giant Macaskill Monument, in memory of Berneray's most famous son, Aonghas Mor MacAsgaill, who was the world's tallest man at 7ft 9in.
For more information on Berneray visit the Outer Hebrides website.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater
For more information on what to expect in the Outer Hebrides now it is gradually opening its doors once again, watch the video below.
How to get here
Berneray is linked by causeway to North Uist.
You can also get the CalMac ferry from Harris to Berneray. The ferry runs from Leverburgh on Harris, and the journey takes 80 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board.
Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport companies.
Useful information for your journey
Travelling without a car
By bus
Bus services operates regularly (Monday to Saturday) throughout the Outer Hebrides. Local services connect Berneray, Eriskay, and Lochmaddy (North Uist).
By foot
The Isle of Berneray is connected to the tip of North Uist by causeway. Berneray was made for walkers. The short walk to the top of Ben Leva or Borve Hill will give you views of up to 30 other islands, or you can follow the shoreline and look for otters. Just remember to pack waterproof footwear as the ground can get muddy. For more information about walks on Berneray go to Visit Outer Hebrides.
By bike
Enjoy cycling? Berneray links into section 4 of the 185 mile Hebridean Way Cycling Route that crosses 10 islands, 6 causeways, and 2 ferries. Details of bike hire on and near Berneray can be found at Visit Outer Hebrides.
Note: If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.
Plan your journey at CycleStreets
Download the free
Ultimate Outer Hebrides App
your ideal journey companion.
Keep up to date with all our CalMac services and Service status & info.
Helpful tips for driving on Berneray
Video transcript - How to drive on single track roads
Have you thought about alternate routes to get to your chosen destination?
With 5 routes to and from the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.
Whether you are looking to explore on a 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.
Here are the 5 route options to the Outer Hebrides
Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (Uists) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (Uists) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool
Travelling with Campervans/Motorhomes/Caravans
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) request that visitors in caravans, motorhomes and campervans stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots. Plan your trip carefully by booking sites where you can and do not stay out with these campsites/overnight spots. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on our fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on our communities. Please follow our P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special. Find out more about changes that have been made to taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides
In addition motorhomes, campervans and those vehicles towing a caravan will not be able to join standby queues at ports on the following routes. Find out more about changes that have been made to the motorhomes, campervans and caravans standby process.
