Silver Sands of Morar

The Silver Sands of Morar are a celebrated series of beautiful sandy beaches which pepper the coastline from Arisaig to Morar. Most are easily accessible from the roadside but this walk visits one of the least frequented beaches, crossing some wet ground on the way.

Terrain

Easy path but very boggy in places

Public Transport

Bus or train to Morar

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Start

Morar village centre (train station). Map and directions.

grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.5km/2 miles
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Ascent: 110m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NM678929

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

The Silver Sands of Morar, made famous through countless calendars, were the setting for the beach scenes in the classic film 'Local Hero'. They are a whole series of beaches lying to the west of the old road between Arisaig and Morar. Most of the beaches are just a stones throw from the roadside; this walk visits Bourbach and Sgeir Mhor beaches which are more hidden and secluded. The walk begins from Morar itself. Head north along the old road through the village (now happily bypassed by the new A830 bypass). The road curves round to the left at the north end of the village to meet up with the new A830. Just before this, take a path off to the left which passes through an underpass beneath this road.

Photo of Lon Liath beach, south of Morar: ©Norrie Adamson, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

Stage 2

As you emerge from the underpass there is a gate and a sign indicating this is the pedestrian access to the beach. Follow the track straight ahead along the coast, reaching a pair of bungalows. Turn off this track to the left between these two bungalows, crossing a small footbridge. Pass to the left of a caravan and an old black house, keeping close to the shore. The path is a little unclear at first and soon becomes boggy, but there are wooden planks over the worst bits of mud.

Stage 3

Continue along the path by the shore. As it rounds the corner it reaches Bourblach beach. This fine, quiet stretch of sand looks southeast across to the other Morar beaches, and is sheltered from the westerlies by a little headland.

Stage 4

Beyond Bourblach beach there is an obvious steep path which climbs up the sand dunes. Rather than struggling up this, take the better path round to the left that avoids the dunes and won't cause erosion. Just around the corner is the larger Sgeir Dubh (Black Rock) beach. This is open to the west and so less sheltered, but on a fine day has a wonderful outlook to the Small Isles of Eigg and Rum. The return to Morar is made the same way.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.