Benbecula

Island in Inverness-shire

Scotland

Benbecula

Benbecula is a small island located in the Outer Hebrides, in the region of Inverness-shire, Scotland. With a total land area of approximately 10 square miles, it is situated between the islands of North Uist and South Uist. The island is connected to these neighboring islands by causeways and is accessible via the A865 road.

Benbecula is known for its unique landscape, characterized by flat, fertile plains and stunning sandy beaches. The island is surrounded by vast stretches of machair, a type of coastal grassland, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

The island has a population of around 1,300 residents, with the majority of the population concentrated in the main settlements of Balivanich and Lionacleit. These settlements offer essential amenities such as shops, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Benbecula has a rich cultural heritage, with traces of human occupation dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the ruins of Cille Bharra Church, which dates back to the 12th century. The island is also home to several traditional thatched cottages, providing a glimpse into the island's past.

In terms of transportation, Benbecula has its own airport, Benbecula Airport, which offers regular flights to mainland Scotland. Additionally, there are ferry services available to and from the island, providing connections to other parts of the Outer Hebrides.

Overall, Benbecula offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, making it an ideal destination for those seeking natural beauty and a taste of traditional Scottish island life.

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Benbecula Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.450824/-7.3060335 or Grid Reference NF8152. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Unnamed loch on Benbecula

Hugh Venables

The road to the Benbecula dump

This is the approach to the island's recycling centre and municipal waste. Ruabhal, 124 metres high and Benbecula's highest peak, lies ahead.

Gordon Brown

Flag irises and Loch Ba Una

By the track to Sgaraileod.

Gordon Brown

The track to Sgaraileod

Loch Ba Una to the right.

Gordon Brown

The track to Sgaraileod

The island-dotted Loch Heirmeadail ahead to the right.

Gordon Brown

The track to Sgaraileod

On the left, the slopes of Ruabhal, the highest point on Benbecula (124m).

Gordon Brown

Small causeway between two lochs

This is on the track to Sgaraileod and the loch in the photo is Loch na Deighe fo Thuath; to the right, off image, lies Loch na Deighe fo Dheas.

Gordon Brown

The track back from Sgaraileod

The track here crosses a small causeway between, on the right, Loch na Deighe fo Thuath and on the left, Loch na Deighe fo Dheas.

Gordon Brown

Summit trig on Ruabhal

Looking towards Grimsay and North Uist.

Gordon Brown

Summit of Ruabhal, Benbecula

Colin Park

Loch Ba Una

David Purchase

Loch Theirmeadail

This photo was taken on my visit to Ruaval (Ruabhal), the highest point on Benbecula. The hills in the far distance comprise the Hecla / Beinn Mhor group, about 20km away on South Uist.

David Purchase

Ruaval (Ruabhal) summit

Near the summit of Ruaval are a trig point and two fairly large cairns. This photo suggests, though it does not prove, that the trig point is at the true highest point. Taken in conjunction with NF8253 : Ruaval (Ruabhal) from the lower cairn, I think that the supremacy of the trig point is beyond doubt. Ruaval is the highest point of Benbecula. As this island is mostly low-lying, it gives excellent views in all directions.

David Purchase

Ruaval (Ruabhal) from the lower cairn

I think that this image, in conjunction with NF8253 : Ruaval (Ruabhal) summit, is conclusive evidence that the trig point is at the summit of the hill. Cairns, especially on hills which are not major attractions for hillwalkers, are often in locations prominent from below rather than at true summits. This may explain the position of these two cairns.

David Purchase

The eastern slopes of Ruaval (Ruabhal)

I have submitted this because, though there are many photos in this square, none appears to show the less often visited east side of Ruaval.

David Purchase

The end of the walk from Ruaval (Ruabhal) !

Even in the Outer Hebrides, rubbish has to go somewhere. This site is, from most perspectives, quite unobtrusive: and, importantly, it does not obstruct access to Ruaval, the highest point of Benbecula.

David Purchase