Berneray, from Norse meaning ‘Bjorn’s Island’ or ‘Bear Island’ sits in the Sound of Harris. With a population of 130 people, this gem of an island is linked to North Uist by a causeway opened in 1999, and provides the ferry link to Harris.
Berneray offers a perfect opportunity to relax and take in some of the best of the natural habitats and marine life that the UK has to offer. The beaches are second to none with their white sands and crystal clear waters; the West Beach extends to some 3 miles of unspoilt white sands and dunes, with extensive machair beyond; whilst the East Beach, facing into the Sound of Harris, is crescent shaped and again backed by dunes.
The island also hosts a resident seal colony that can be seen resting up in the east harbour, or occasionally from the west beach. There are also sea otters on Berneray, although time and patience will be required to catch a glimpse!
The continuation of working crofts on the island has also encouraged a variety of bird habitats and throughout the summer you will sometimes hear snipes and corncrakes. Loch Brusda hosts mute swans and greylag geese can be seen on the machair, with the opportunity of a rare view of sea eagles. Wading birds along the beaches include oyster catchers, redshanks, herons and many more.
There are way-marked walks around the island which will take you over the machair, with detours to the beaches, or to the peak of Beinn Shleibhe which offers a panorama over Bernerary itself and beyond to the Atlantic and St Kilda, Pabbay, Harris, North Uist and Skye with the Cuillin Ridge as a backdrop – well worth the effort!
Since our very first visit to this tranquil and idyllic island, we have been captivated by the scenery, beaches, wildlife and warm community that Berneray has to offer.
We hope you enjoy the island as much as we do….
Sealladh Mara, Berneray 