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coast & beaches 1 CLACHAN SANDS, N UIST Tràigh Lingeigh and Tràigh Hòrnais are two beautiful beaches backed by large machair plains that come to life with an abundance of wildflowers during summer. Keep an eye out for the purple flowers and dark leaves of the Hebridean marsh orchid, found nowhere else in the world! There is a picnic area and informal camping at the south end of Tràigh Lingeigh beach (honesty box £10 per night). Head N from Lochmaddy on A865 nearly 5 ,, miles then turn R onto B893. After 1½ miles turn L onto minor road after HS6 5AY, signed Cladh a Clachainn/Clachan Sands Cemetery and beach access. Continue on road to park at cemetery and follow the rough track to the picnic area and beaches. 5 mins, 57.6719, -7.2464 1z5dW 2 TRÀIGH EAR BEACH, N UIST This large, curved sandy bay is a haven for a variety of birdlife. Continue on from the beach for impressive views at Àird a’ Mhòrain, the ‘headland of the bent-grass’. Take A865 NW from Lochmaddy for 8½ ,, miles, turn R at a red phone box (HS6 5BP) into the small village of Grenitote. Continue to a
small picnic area and car park, then head along the track and onto the sandy bay at R. To reach Àird a’ Mhòrain, follow the grassy headland at the far end of the beach. 10–60 mins, 57.6686, -7.3297 Ch 3 TRÀIGH IAR, N UIST Stunning large crescent of pristine white sand and high dunes, which can be combined with a walk round Àird a’ Mhòrain headland and Tràigh Ear bay (see 2) just over the dunes E. Can be rip currents here. From Tràigh Ear parking (see 2) head along ,, the track towards the beach but take a L when you can towards to the machair and dunes lying W; alternatively walk around the headland. 20–60 mins, 57.6673, -7.3454 qw25 4 COILLEAG A’ PHRIONNSA, ERISKAY Small, idyllic Eriskay has many claims to fame, including being the real Whisky Galore! island. The beautiful Coilleag a’ Phrionnsa (Prince’s Strand) is a lovely beach, great for both wild swimming and camping. Look out for the sea bindweed, known here as the ‘Prince’s flower’ – local legend holds it has grown since Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived on the beach and dropped the seeds.
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