Hosta beach is just one of the many gorgeous stretches of sand that are dotted around the scenic coastline with the warming effects of the gulf stream meaning that temperatures are milder than might be expected so far north.

As well as beautiful views over Loch Hosta, you may find cattle grazing in the open land surrounding The Bothy. This open space is part of a traditional, active farming township where the land is managed through communal grazing, meaning livestock have free range over much of the coastal plain to maintain the natural grasslands. The little crofting township of Sollas (5 miles) has a small supermarket for provisions or stock up in Lochmaddy (14.5 miles), where the ferry over to North Uist from Uig on Skye docks, en route to the bothy.

A circular walking trail meanders around the Balranald RSPB Reserve that is great for birdwatching and appreciating the abundance of pretty wildflowers that can be found there. Various archaeological sights can be discovered on the island including the Pobull Fhinn stone circle (13 miles) which is said to be over 4,000 years old and looks like it is straight out of the Outlander TV series.

Lady Anne Boat Trips leave from Kallin Harbour (19.5 miles) with the chance to see a wealth of seabirds including herons, oystercatchers, razorbills and red throated divers. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to help identify sightings and point out the most impressive highlights such as golden and white-tailed eagles. Otters and red deer can be seen along the shoreline and dolphins and even orcas are often spotted out in the waters. The trips are also a good way of taking in the low-lying landscape from the unique perspective of the water.

Handy road causeways make it possible to cross over to South Uist to the south (via Benbecula) to try the oldest golf course in the Outer Hebrides at Askernish (41 miles) or up to Berneray in the north where the beautiful West Beach runs along its whole length.