Isle of Barra Beaches

Located on the island of Vatersay in the small village of Uidh, this beach is peaceful and secluded where you can sit and watch the gentle waves lapping softly on the beach. With stunning views looking over to Castlebay, this beach is an excellent place to have a barbeque on a warm summer 's day.

Vatersay Bay is a stunning beach with long, sweeping white sands. For those of you who enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic, you will find that the water is often warmer here than on other beaches!

The beach in the small village of Cleat is perfect for short walks with views over to the neighbouring island of Uist. This beach is located on the west if the island, close to the island's only golf course.

This beach is a short walk from the road at the end of Vatersay village. The beach is south facing which makes it a great hide away if the wind is coming from the north on the day you are visiting. While waves are generally small, there can be a small current running between the islands when the tide is changing.

The "Bendy Beach" as it is sometimes called because of the road which bypasses it has changed greatly in recent times, Lashed by winter storms, much of the sand has been blown away, exposing more of the rocky surroundings. A fabulous spot for a picnic where you can hear the sounds of the Atlantic and wildlife in equal measure.

Among the most popular beaches on the island for locals and visitors alike, Tangasdale beach is overlooked by the Isle of Barra Hotel, high on the plateau above. During the summer, you will find this spot busy with families soaking up the warm sunshine, and you may even be fortunate enough to swim with some of the porpoises which frequently visit these waters!

Just one of Eoligarry's gorgeous beaches, this beach adjoins with the airport beach. Again this spot has large sandy area when the tide retreats, Very shallow water and good for finding old shells.

Located at the far end of Eoligarry this beach starts and sweeps around the corner opening up onto another shallow watered area, good for walks and picnics and small paddles but tides can be strong here so don't swim out to far.

Undeniably Barra's most famous beach, the Traigh Mhor is otherwise known as the island's airport. Washed by the tide twice a day, it is the only beach airport in the world to handle scheduled airline services. Aside from this, the beach is also home to a cockle strand where you can put on your wellies and collect a small bucket of this local delicacy. Take home and fry in some garlic butter, absolutely delicious!

Located just off the main road, this beach will really catch your eye! With sprawling white sands, this is a great place to park your car and wander down for a stroll. However, a word of caution - heavy rainfall can create areas of sinking sand in this area.

Located behind the airport, this is the perfect spot for surfing on the crashing waves, taking a long walk over the soft sands or even exploring the caves to the north of the beach.

One of my own favourite beaches, this beach has plenty of parking above on the grass, and is just a wee walk down to the sand. Water is often very warm here and waves are small, Great beach for swimming and snorkelling. Amazing views across the water to Castlebay and Heaval, Great for all the family.