Sollas, North Uist
★★★
Similarly-named Tràigh Ear and Tràigh Iar are the pair of half-moon bays bordering the east and west sides of the Àird a’ Mhòrain peninsula respectively. The latter is the most photogenic, but both beaches have miles of sand to explore, far-reaching views and fragile dune systems on the inland side. Linking the beaches by foot gives a great opportunity to enjoy the rich colours of the machair during midsummer, though paths are scarce. Our circuit detailed here is merely a taster for the peninsula; we hope to explore the northern extremity of the headland – which has several ancient buildings – on a future visit.
Chronological photo guide
Location
O.S. Grid Reference: NF 819756
GPS coordinates: 57.657640,-7.335180
Bus stops on A865 at beach turnoff (0.5 mi)
Car park
Key info
6 km / 4 mi | ▲ 20 m |
2 hr
Features:
Tràigh Ear;
⬤ Moderate | Large parts on sandy beaches. Inland stretches either on faint tracks or through long grass without a path – fairy rough going for periods.
Anticlockwise circuit: start – Tràigh Ear (south to north) – Machair Leathann – Tràigh Iar (Sollas) (north to south) – start
On our last visit
Wildlife: Black headed gulls, lapwings, oystercatchers (and a chick), annoying flies at times.
Weather: Foggy at first, slowly lifting to give sunny intervals. Light breeze, 15-18°C.
July 2019
