Activities
There are many things to do on Barra and Vatersay for free; walking along the sandy beaches, trecking over the hills, watching the wildlife, painting the landscape, taking photos....... Below is a list or activities that can add to your stay, some of which will need prior booking.
Local Events
All year round there are various local and community events to attend. From regular ceilidh dances, local craft markets and concerts and festivals - there are many events put on for locals and visitors of all ages.
Keep an eye out on the Isles of Barra and Vatersay Information Facebook Page for advertisements of local events which will be on during your visit.
Garadh a' Bhagh a' Tuath
Gàradh a’ Bhàgh a’ Tuath is a horticultural-based project offering a range of facilities to the community of the beautiful Island of Barra and its neighbouring Islands. They grow and sell local produce whilst helping people with special needs and reducing the carbon footprint of the local area.
Throughout the year there is seasonal vegetable produce available to buy. They also sell veg seedlings in the spring for those of you who are keen to grow your own. All year round you will find hardy Barra shrubs great for planting hedges and a diverse range of perennials for building up your boarders.
There is a Cafe, an electric vehicle charging point available for use by the public as well as a changing places toilet.
Heritage Centre
Barra Heritage and Cultural Centre, (local name Dualchas) is situated in Castlebay, houses an excellent collection of local photographs and artefacts pertaining to the local history of the Isle of Barra.
The Heritage Centre is community led and during the summer there are temporary exhibitions of local history and art.
Barra Golf Course
The Isle of Barra Golf Course is the most westerly golf course in the United Kingdom. Barra Golf Club was established in 1992 and it is situated at Cleat, 6 miles from Castlebay. This small yet perfectly formed 9-hole course has with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean. The 9 hole course is 2396 yards and has elevated links with natural contours. On machair land, the natural turf provides an excellent playing surface.
Golf club hire available from Bùth Bharraigh and green fees are paid into a box at the golf course.
Clearwater Paddling
Clearwater Paddling offers the unique adventure of guided sea kayaking tours in the most beautiful places, combined with first-class service. Paddle adventures allow us to explore the finest sea kayaking destination in the UK - stunning white beaches, quiet lagoons and a watery maze of islands. These archipelagos are home to a wide range of natural history, including golden eagle, sea eagle, otters, seals, porpoise, dolphins, basking shark, and the occasional orca.
Croft 2 Kayak and Paddle Board
An Ideal place to access many of the Islands diverse habitats. Our beach can be accessed directly from the site and extends for several miles southwards to the beach airport runways. The short turbine walk take you to the NW point of the Island which is a popular spot to view amazing sunsets, The cliff side walks to the west of the site and the rocky shore line to the North offer a full suit of scenic features. We offer paddle-board and kayaks hire on site.
Barra Historical Walks
"What's that? Michael is back doing his walks this year so just give him a shout and he will see what he can do"
Aye, I'm back doing my walks so if anyone is looking for a walking tour of Castlebay just send me a message and we can try and arrange a mutually convenient time.
Walks last approximately 90 mins. £15 for adults - children go free but must be accompanied by an adult. Also available as a hop on bus tour guide.
Mingulay Boat Trips
Mingulay Boat Trips offers you a unique experience to the beautiful uninhabited islands to the South of Barra and Vatersay. They provide a great day out as part of your holiday to the islands or as a treat to celebrate a special occasion. You may see Puffins, Basking Sharks, Seals, Whales, Dolphins, Eagles, Terns, Guillemots, Gannets, Razor Bills, Cormorants, Kittiwakes and so much more. On a calm day it is possible to sail through the Natural Arch on the west side of Mingulay. They also provide climbing trips to Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Barra Head.
Hebridean Sea Tours
Hebridean Sea Tours provide access to some of the most awe inspiring locations and sights along the West of Scotland. Experience our natural wonders from the safety of our boats or hop ashore to get closer still.
Between 50 and 100 miles off the coast, nestled along the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda Archipelago offer unique opportunities to witness wildlife, giant sea cliffs, remote beaches and to step into our cultural history.
Castlebay Boat Trips
Locally operated boat doing short tours and fishing trips from Castlebay Marina with skipper Donald. Short tours and fishing trips or private charters from Castlebay Marina.
Fishing rods available to hire if you don't have your own. Phone 079661 39667. (No website attached)
Scenic Barra Boat Tours
Scenic Barra boat tours offers scheduled boat tours around the north of the Isle of Barra as well as private charters for fishing, photography or other tours on the Lady Harper. We are licensed to carry 8 people in good weather, daylight hours. We cruise at speeds of up to 6 knots allowing you to take in the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Barra Bike Hire
Barra Bike Hire offers both conventional and electric bikes - a great was of getting out and exploring the islands.
The coastal ring road around Barra is a relatively quiet single carriageway - with passing places - and is generally ideal for cycling. There are also a number of spur roads that give you access to many more wonderfully secluded spots to discover and explore.
Castlebay Marina Bike Hire
Castlebay Marina has four adult Ebikes available to hire. The Ebikes allow you to cycle with some ease up some of the steep hills on the island to allow for stunning views of the islands as well as views of the beaches. The Ebikes come with helmets.
Contact Castlebay Marina to book your e-bikes.
Kisimul Castle
Kisimul Castle, seat of the chief of the Macneils of Barra, tells us of the nature of Gaelic lordship in the Middle Ages. Caisteal Chiosmuil, the island stronghold’s Gaelic name, means ‘castle of the rock of the small bay’.
Kisimul Castle is closed until further notice to allow for conservation works although boat trips are available from Castlebay Marina around the Castle Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday 1030, 1115, 1200, 1345, 1430, 1515 & 1600.