There is a beach with beautiful white sand and sparkling turquoise waters just 5 minutes’ walk away at Griminish, as well as another at Hosta (3.5 miles).

The Balranald RSPB Nature Reserve (5 miles) is known for its birdlife including corncrakes, corn buntings, oyster catchers, hen harriers and even whooper swans. There is a lovely nature trail that leads around the rich machair landscape of the reserve, from which you can bird watch, admire the wildflowers and perhaps even spot otters along the way.

To the east of the cottage are further sandy beachs at Malaclate (4 miles) and the crofting township of Sollas (5 miles), which also has a supermarket. The ferry from Uig on Skye arrives into the ‘capital’ of the island Lochmaddy (14.5 miles), which is the shortest route from the mainland. You can follow a trail from the village to see the ‘Hut of the Shadows’, a camera obscura that is part of Uist Sculpture Trail.

The Outer Hebrides offer some of the best walking in Europe, in particular the Hebridean Way that comprises of 156 miles of dedicated pathways visiting 10 islands and 6 causeways and including 2 spectacular ferry journeys. This unique route covers a variety of landscapes from beautiful deserted beaches and turquoise seascapes to wild mountains and lochs with abundant wildlife and the opportunity to sample the islands’ unique Gaelic culture.

The island is known for its fishing, with brown trout, salmon and some of the best sea trout fishing in the country. History enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Barpa Langass (14 miles) a 5,000 year old burial chamber from which a rough walking route leads up to the summit of Beinn Langass, with magnificent views of the island. On the descent, the route passes Pobull Fhinn (Finn’s People) which is the only standing stone circle on the island. The remains of the Trinity Temple, regarded as the first University in existence in the UK, can also be seen near Carinish (14 miles).

Grimsay is a small island linked to the southern end of North Uist by a causeway (not tidal). Boat trips run out from its harbour to the Monach islands that are home to many grey seals, and wildlife spotting trips circle the Isle of Ronay from which sea eagles, black-throated divers, gannets and otters can be seen.

A further causeway leads down to Benbecula and then to South Uist. Benbecula has a golf course, a riding centre and even a small airport. South Uist also has a golf course and cycle hire, as well as more historical delights including the ‘Our Lady of the Isles’ monument and the cairn that marks the birthplace of Flora McDonald.