Baleshare
Island Low-lying Outer Hebrides island linked by causeway
Baleshare, linked by causeway to North Uist, offers long sandy beaches, machair wildflower meadows and shorebird habitats popular with walkers and birdwatchers.
Baleshare is a low-lying island off the west coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, linked to North Uist by a short causeway. The island is known for extensive sandy shores and machair grassland that support coastal birdlife and traditional agriculture.
The island’s landscape is dominated by dunes, beaches and machair rather than high ground, and it is used seasonally for grazing and crofting. Access is by road across the causeway from North Uist, and the island is frequently visited for its coastal scenery and wildlife.
Historically Baleshare has been subject to coastal change and storm-driven erosion; population levels have remained small and land use has focused on mixed crofting and grazing. In recent decades conservation interest has concentrated on protecting the machair and nesting bird populations.
Baleshare sits immediately off the west coast of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides; the nearest larger settlements are on North Uist and the island is exposed to Atlantic weather systems.
- Causeway and habitat: Connected to North Uist by a short causeway, the island contains long sandy beaches and machair habitat important for coastal birds.
How to Get to Baleshare #
Baleshare is reached from North Uist. Drive or take local transport to the village of North Uist (A865). A short causeway connects Baleshare to North Uist; local signage marks the route. Ferries and flights to nearby islands operate from Lochmaddy (North Uist) or Stornoway depending on connections.
Tips for Visiting Baleshare #
- Use the causeway at low tide only if local signage permits - tidal conditions change quickly and locals know the safe times.
- Bring binoculars for seals and waders on the tidal flats; the island is quiet but wildlife congregates near the shore at dawn and dusk.
- If driving from North Uist, follow the single-track road signs and be prepared to yield on passing places.
Best Time to Visit Baleshare #
Best visited between late spring and summer for wildlife and long daylight; off-season is quieter but windier and colder.
Weather & Climate near Baleshare #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1392 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (163 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (152 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
