Silver Sands of Morar

ARDNAMURCHAN AND THE ROAD TO THE ISLES


Summary :	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.
Terrain :	Easy path but boggy in places
Grade :		Distance :	3.5km/2 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1 – 1.5 hours
Start :	Morar village centre (train station)	Grid ref :	NM678929
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 398 – Mallaig	Ascent :	110m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	Bus or train to Morar[Click for timetables - choose Area 3]

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.

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 all the worst bits of mud.

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.

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

Accommodation links for this area:
Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles Hotels and Inns
Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles B&B (Bed and Breakfasts)
Self catering cottages in Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles
Fort William, Lochaber and Glencoe hostels