The Studio Lochmaddy

The Studio is in Lochmaddy on North Uist. It's a port, so the CalMac ferry from Uig on Skye comes in here. The crossing over the Minch is great, you often see dolphins.

It's a small place, really just for two people. One bedroom, one bathroom. It's got a 3 Star rating. It's clean and it works, but it's not luxurious.

You come in through a little conservatory area. It's got a table and you get a good view of the sunset from there. Then you're into the main room, which is kitchen and living space. It's open plan with wooden floors. It's a good spot to sit after you've been out all day.

The bed is up on a mezzanine platform. The stairs up to it are the alternate tread type. They save space but they're steep and a bit narrow. Not great if you're unsteady on your feet.

The shower room is small but it's fine. Everything you need is in there.

Outside, there's a patio area and garden. You can store bikes. There's parking right there.

Lochmaddy itself has the basics. There's a shop about a minute's walk away. A pub and restaurant are about five minutes walk.

North Uist is all lochs and peat bogs, they call it a drowned landscape. The west coast has these huge white sand beaches. They're as good as any in Harris. It's about seven miles to get to one.

There's a lot of ancient history around. Barpa Langais is a big burial cairn you can go and see. For getting about, the Hebridean Way walking and cycling trail runs the length of the islands. It's well signposted. The local bus service links up with it, so you can walk one way and get the bus back.

You'll see wildlife. Otters, loads of birds. There's a big colony of grey seals. You might see whales from the ferry.

For facilities, it's got WiFi, a TV, washing machine, dishwasher. Bedding and towels are included. The electricity is all in the price. No pets, sorry. The entrance is level so it's okay for wheelchairs, but inside the stairs mean it's not fully accessible.

If you're planning things to do, the National Trust for Scotland Outer Hebrides page is useful, and Visit Outer Hebrides has good information.