Benbecula
Benbecula, Beinn na Faoghla in Gaelic, means Mountain of the Ford, which is apt for the island and its single hill, Reuval (Ruabhal). It is a place where legend and lore is woven into an amazing island landscape, with stunning stories and spectacular scenery on offer across the island.
Much like many of the islands in the Outer Hebridean archipelago, the east side of Benbecula is littered with lochs and lochans giving it a distinctly wild feel and providing the perfect spot for some fly fishing for brown trout – which can be found here in abundance, or spotting the many examples of bird life on display in the area – from buzzards to hen harriers, and short eared owls to sea, or even golden eagles.
Climb Rueval Hill on the East Side of the island for views that stretch for miles over land and sea and also offer a glimpse of this island’s historic past, looking out as they do over a location on the Bonnie Prince Charlie trail – where the Young Pretender hid as he made good his escape from the Red Coat Army following the bloody Battle of Culloden. From here you can enjoy stunning seascapes and, if you stay long enough, beautiful sunsets, as well as being able to count more than 90 lochs in the land below, according to local legend. You can continue walking to Roshinish, just beyond Reuval, the route is a popular choice of walk combining historical significance with spectacular island surroundings.
Spot owls and eagles on the East Side’s lochs and lochans or head to the wild machair grasses that carpet the west coast in search of the elusive corncrake.
The west coast of Benbecula is where the beach and machair lie. Here important historical sites stand against the beautiful coastal backdrop of endless sea and spectacular skyscapes – reminding us of the ever present link between the nature and culture of these isles.
Home to the island’s principle settlement at Balivanich, It was here that the monk St Toranan is reputed to have come ashore in the 6th Century – carrying Christianity to the Western Isles in a move that would forever shape the identity of the Outer Hebridean islanders and giving the settlement its name, which translates to “the town of the monk”.
Tour the ruins of Borve Castle on the island’s West Side and stand on the same spot that sheltered the chiefs of the Clan Ranald for centuries or visit St Toranan’s ruined Temple to St Columba for an introduction to how these islands acquired their enduring faith.
Choose to ride across the island’s stretching white sands, or simply sit and enjoy the stunning shifting seascapes as you gaze out across the Atlantic Ocean.
From historic events to superb natural heritage, Benbecula has it all in abundance.
