Tag Archives: Hebrides

Bosta Beach, Bernera Isle of Lewis

We were exploring the Northern coast of the Isle of Lewis. Having visited the beaches in Harris we were intrigued by Lewis’ offering. We had already visited Dalmore Bay. On this trip, we headed to Bosta Beach.

Bosta beach is located on a small island that is linked to Lewis via a bridge. So it is really another small island called Great Bernera.

Below is a brief description of our destination:

Bosta (Bostadh) Beach is situated on Great Bernera – a small island connected by a short bridge to the north of the Isle of Lewis.Set in a valley, the beach is made up of fine, pale golden sand. Numerous islands in the bay and beyond break up much of the Atlantic swell making this much more sheltered than other north coast beaches. Bosta is also home to an Iron Age village which was only recently discovered after it emerged from the sands following a storm. Along with the well-preserved village is a replica house, complete with thatched roof, overlooking the beach.
The Beach Guide

As is the norm on these islands, upon arrival we had to pass the village burial ground to access the beach.

But just walking through the grounds we knew we were in for a treat. The view!

Wow! It was amazing. The sand was so white and the water was a beautiful blue-green. It was up there with the beaches of Harris.

Truly spectacular.

Dalmore Bay, Isle of Lewis

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Isle of Lewis has beautiful beaches too! we were off to explore one or two. On this journey, Dalmore Bay (Traigh Dhail Mhor) was our destination.

Dalmore bay is located on the north coast of Lewis across Stornoway. Below is a more formal description taken from The Beach Guide:

Set on the exposed north coast of the Isle of Lewis the next stop is Iceland. This secluded section of the coast takes the full brunt of the Atlantic swells. The beach is made of a good stretch of golden sand flanked by rugged cliffs. At the north eastern end of the beach are a couple of sea stacks.
The Beach Guide

As we approached the bay we could hear the water. We noticed that there was often a burial ground near the coast. I have since learned that is because the land near a beach is easier to dig compared to the rocky inland locations.

It was windy and the water was “ choppy”. The waves were strong. The beach was lovely. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. A little cold but lovely nonetheless.

The surrounding view was rejuvenating.

It was a good stop.

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis

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Another grey day on the Isle of Lewis but that was to be expected. It was October after all. We were making our way to the infamous Blackhouse village.

The Gearranan Blackhouse Village is a coastal crofting village located in a secluded bay within the district of Carloway, on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis.

Isle of Lewis with the location of Blackhouse Village

Today the village is designated for a variety of self-catering vacation cottages.

The local community trust Urras nan Gearrannan Hu (the Garenin Trust) has carefully restored these once derelict properties to recreate an authentic blackhouse village. It feels like stepping back in time but with the local resident sheep on guard 😆

Traditional methods have been used to recreate the drystone masonry and thatched roofing of the original croft cottages.

What an experience to walk through the village.

What a great thing to have done, to have preserved these homes and given them another life.

So authentic including the sheep!

The Wonder of The Golden Road in the Isle of Harris

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Did you know that the beautiful Isle of Harris and Lewis is the largest Island in Scotland and the third largest in the British Isles? Well, it is. There are many photos of the beautiful beaches in West Harris. But what about East Harris?

On this trip we decided to travel to the east; to explore the Golden Road.

The Golden Road starts at Meabhag nam Bhaigh, Plocreapool, Scadabay, Grosebay and Kyles Stockinish, before rejoining the main East Coast road at Leacali in Harris.

I have been told that the road got its name because of the extremely high cost of building it.

The road was built in 1897. Farmers were moved with their families from the west to the east.

With the prospect of farming in such a harsh environment, the families were promised a road. A road to provide access and to ease their trepidation. Hence, the Golden road was built.

Despite the desolate nature of the area, I found it uncannily beautiful. Yes, beautiful. I had not seen anything like it before. It was both barren and mesmerising.

The view from the coast was spectacular 🙌🏾

What an amazing place.

Luskentyre and Seilebost Beaches, South West Harris

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Can I say the ride to Luskentyre and Seilebost was glorious? Would that be a bit much? The ride was glorious!! 😄

We were on our way to see the island’s precious gems, the infamous beaches along the coast of Seilebost and Luskentyre.

Maps of the Isles of Lewis and Harris with the location of Luskentyre and Seilebost

Luskentyre sands is on the west coast of South Harris. We were heading there first.

As we got closer we could just make out the beautiful turquoise water and white beach. Needless to say, our anticipation grew. We were very excited. After all, Luskentyre is one of the largest beaches in Harris and it has been recognised as one of the UK’s best beaches. We had good reason to be “energised”.

Upon arrival, we were met with mounds of white sand dunes.

As we climbed over the dunes, we were rewarded with spectacular views.

It was marvellous. It lived up to its promise. And with the temperamental nature of the weather, the entire scene seemed to change every two minutes!

Grey and moody one minute, then sparkling green-blue waters the next. It was fascinating.

It was truly beautiful. I could see how the beach may be mistaken as a Caribbean beach in photos. However, there is one “tiny little exception” called temperature which cannot be detected in a photo.

Temperature aside, we were well-wrapped and were happy to stay for a while.

The coast was a feast for the eyes.

Once we had our fill of Luskentyre beach we continued our journey to Seilebost.

We first had to negotiate our route with the residents. The Sheep. What a giggle!

It was easier to surrender and let them go first.

After all, it was their home. We were just visitors very much content with the beautiful surroundings of West Harris.

We made it to Seilebost! The beach was just as spectacular at this end. It was beautiful.

Maraig in North Harris, Western Isles

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I was so happy to finally visit the Outer Hebrides. I had seen photos of its coastline; therefore to have the opportunity to see it for myself was an amazing feeling.

We were up early with our first goal and stop: North Harris.

The journey was surreal. We were constantly under threat of heavy rain but that didn’t seem to matter. Our spirits were high and the scenery beautiful.

We stopped just outside the towns of Maraig and Eilean Anabaich, Norh Harris. What a view! I don’t know how to describe what I saw. Instead, I tried to capture the scene with the following video and photos.