Land on the Sand on Barra

Your flight in a Twin Otter plane departs from Glasgow with timings varying with the tides! You will be in the air for around an hour, and on a clear day, the views of the lochs, mountains and meandering coastline are stunning. As you approach Barra, watch for the sandy beaches revealing themselves below, before the once-in-a-lifetime experience of landing on the Cockle Strand.

The Island

This is largely a Gaelic-speaking community with the hub being the port of Castlebay site of historic Kisimul Castle. Barra boasts myriad species of wildflowers and some stunning coastal scenery including the twin beaches of neighbouring Vatersay, with spectacular views back to Castlebay. Across the Sound is the Isle of Eriskay – renowned setting of the novel ‘Whisky Galore’. Much of the film of the same name was set on Barra, though – you may recognise the street in Castlebay.

A Private Guided Tour of Barra

During your stay we will arrange a private day tour of the island with our specially chosen local driver-guide. You’ll experience the eye-popping sight of the flight from Glasgow landing on the beach at Cockle Strand. Savour the views from Eoligarry across the sound to Fuday, Eriskay and South Uist. Gaze across to the battlements of Kisimul Castle on its own islet in Castlebay. Stretch your legs on Tangasdale, or any one of the island’s fine beaches. Cross the causeway to Vatersay, whose twin beaches are the perfect spot for a picnic and a romantic stroll.

Your Hotel

Originally built as a church and mission house in the mid-nineteenth century, your whitewashed hotel enjoys a fine location overlooking the bay with easy access to both the ferry port and Barra’s unique beachfront airstrip at Cockle Strand. In its previous incarnation as a guest house, it played host to several cast members of the classic 1948 film Whisky Galore before upgrading to hotel status in 1974, whereupon Northbay could boast its first licensed premises since the closure of the old inn decades earlier.

The hotel was extensively renovated recently and now has five comfortable en-suite bedrooms furnished in a contemporary style, some with a DVD player. The cheerful public bar – whose walls are over 3 feet thick – is a pleasant place to sit and observe the fishing activity across the bay at Ardveenish pier, or to while away an evening listening to the friendly locals share their colourful tales of island life. Meals are served in the bar, or you can opt for the quieter dining room, whose menu features tempting island produce with an emphasis on locally landed fresh fish and shellfish.

Return Home

Take off once more from Cockle Strand and return to Glasgow.

Location

The Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides.

Pricing

£695 per person for April & October, £795 per person for May to September.

Prices based on two people sharing a double or twin room ensuite, for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis. Price includes return flights from Glasgow to Barra and a day tour with a local guide to help you learn more about this fascinating island. Airport transfers to and from your hotel are also included.

We can also pre-book car hire, from £65 per day. Please ask us for more details.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and our local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

We work hard to make sure the unexpected doesn’t affect your trip. On rare occasions, changes or cancellations may occur, affecting accommodation, transport or excursions. We are committed to informing you of any such circumstances and will use our knowledge and resources to offer suitable alternatives wherever possible.