Isle of Barra Hotel in Castlebay, the Craigard Hotel.
Accommodation and tourist information in the Outer Hebrides
With
over 1,000 species of wild flowers, Barra is known as the garden of the
Hebrides. Named after Barra's patron saint, Saint Finnbarr or Saint
Barr, this is an island paradise, measuring only five miles across and
eight miles long, where nothing is very far away.....
Take a
leisurely drive
around the circular road of this peaceful little island and
you’ll experience stunning land and seascapes awaiting you
round
each bend. Rather than view the surroundings through the
windscreen, perhaps this island may tempt you to walk or cycle - and
get closer to the experience.
For the best
way to see
and feel the landscape of Barra is to become part of it, perhaps just
by climbing one of the hills that afford wonderful views. Or, maybe, by
harnessing the power of the wind, in a kiting session, or paddling a
kayak - for a small island, there are a surprisingly large number of
activities available.
The nine-hole
golf course
is exceptionally attractive with stunning views out over the Atlantic
– and such is the tranquillity, that don’t be
surprised if
you see a family of otters crossing the fairway in front of you!
For hotels in Castlebay, you won't go far wrong when you choose the award winning Craigard Hotel, which offers excelent acommodation and friendly hospitality for your Isle of Barra holidays.
Capture another island by crossing over a causeway to Vatersay, where
there’s a good chance you’ll have one of its soft
sandy
beaches all to yourself.
In the south
of Barra lies
its main town, Castlebay, with its hotels, guest houses, shops and the
ferry link to Lochboisdale (South Uist) or Oban.
Kisimul’s
Castle
sits proudly in the bay – a symbol of the historical power of
the
Clan MacNeil - and you can explore the rich history and colourful
culture of Barra at Dualchas, the island’s heritage centre.
Barra’s
airport is
thought to be unique in the world, as the last remaining beach airport
operating scheduled services. On a Flydrive holiday arriving
or
departing here, you’ll have a memorable experience landing
on, or
taking off from, the beach (often watched by a small crowd).
The
schedule of your flight is actually governed by the tide times, as the
runways are covered by the sea twice a day!
Walking :
On beaches, moors and hills. There are plenty of walks for
casual
strolls and challenging hikes for the more experienced
walker.
Kite buggies and landboards:
Barra Power Kiting offer a complete range of kite lessons from basic
beginner through to intermediate level in all aspects of land based
kite sports. The activity is wind-dependent and the
instructors
will not allow you to take on more than they’re sure you can
cope
with. Both Nick and Kay are fully qualified PKSF instructors in Power
Kiting, Kite Buggying and Kite Landboarding, and carry full public
liability insurance. Prices, per person, from £15 for an
hour.
Sea kayaking :
When not running longer tours, Clearwater Paddling operates day trips
all around the island exploring uninhabited islands, and undisturbed
wildlife. As you slip quietly by in the sea kayak, you may
catch
a glimpse of dolphins, porpoises or basking sharks, plus eagles and a
host of sea birds. The sea kayaks are comfortable, roomy and
designed to remain upright, so you should stay dry. You will quickly
discover that it is easy to paddle your own sea kayak and in no time
you will be confident and in control. Prices from £15 per
person
for an evening trip.
Boat trips:
Barra Fishing Charters is run by Donald B MacLeod, who spent most of
his working career in charge of his own fishing trawler. The
vessel complies with MCA safety and licensing regulations and is
licensed to carry up to 12 people. His most popular,
full-day,
trip is to Mingulay, viewing puffins on the cliffs and other wildlife.
Price £35 per adult. A two hour outing including equipment
and
bait for fishing is from £15 per person.
Bicycle hire and boat trips:
John Macdougall offers bikes for £12 for the first day and
£6 each day thereafter. Such a small island is ideal for
exploration by bike, even for those who may be out of practice,
provided the weather is kind. John also offers afternoon boat trips on
board his new 12 passenger MCA certificated fast rib. The
£20 trip is aimed at giving visitors opportunities to see
basking
sharks, dolphins, seals and other wildlife. Weather
permitting,
views of Mingulay and the cliffs.
Golf: Barra Golf
Club has a links course with nine holes and charges are £10
per day.
Heritage: Dualchas
is located a short distance from the centre of Castlebay and holds the
collections of the Barra and Vatersay
Historical
Society.
Exhibitions are open from March to September - see
www.barraheritage.com for opening days, times and charges.
Toffee:
If you’ve a sweet tooth, don’t miss Hebridean
Toffee, at
Castlebay, where you can buy ‘tablet’
that’s judged
by many to be the best they’ve ever tasted.
