Season: summer

For this seasonal visit, I returned to Howmore itself, walking past the chapel down to the white, sandy beach, with its river running to the sea and its sheltering dunes.  The beach is stunningly beautiful, with an unspoilt backdrop and a sense of timelessness.  The area has been the site of religious settlements and churches for many centuries, but nature is the star here, in all its glory.  I interviewed people staying at the excellent hostel near to the beach, one of three on the islands provided by the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust.

What the beach means to Ian, Marcus and Davy.

Here’s a photo from Visit Outer Hebrides of Kilpheder beach, a highlight from this long strand of beaches at Howmore.

Season: spring

This beach on the west side of South Uist, with the familiar machair and summer wild flowers behind, is designated as the South Uist Machair Special Area of Conservation.  However, visitors will also be struck by the thatched crofts that are congregated behind the beach.  I visited the bottom section, below the village of Howmore.  This part of the beach is known as Stoneybridge, with the road behind being close to the sea and often awash with storm debris. There’s a collection of ruined churches and chapels, giving a sense of being back in time and exuding a rather foreboding feel.  The beach stretches out to the north, as far as Ardachy Point, a fine choice for a long walk.

The scene from the machair above the beach at Stoneybridge, south of Howmore.

Looking back up the beach at low tide.