This far-flung chain of islands will richly reward your effort to reach them, not least with some wonderful food.
There are few better places on the planet to eat fish and chips than on South Uist, sat by still, peaty waters and backlit by a setting sun. But whether it’s a classic fish supper or immaculately presented cuisine, the Outer Hebrides Food Trail will surprise and satisfy all tastes. There’s only room here to serve up an amuse bouche from North Uist southwards – but it’s always good to have an excuse to return.
Our trail starts a 15-minute drive from the ferry port of Lochmaddy. Close to the junction of the A867 and A865 at Clachan stands the Hebridean Smokery. Don’t be deterred by the unpromising exterior – resembling a corrugated air-raid shelter – the tiny shop sells native strains of peat-smoked salmon, along with gravlax, trout and scallops.
Keep going up the A865 to reach the Claddach Kirkibost Community Centre and its fantastic Hebridean Kitchen café. Ask for a doorstep sandwich filled with flaky salmon the size of a ham joint and admire the outstanding local artwork on display.
To read the whole article on the Countryfile Magazine website, click here.