Luskentyre Sands (Losgaintir)

Summary

Luskentyre Sands have been voted the finest beach in the UK. There are many other contenders but the setting is undeniably magnificent. This walk heads across the sands and then above the shoreline before returning through the village. Note that the route is impassable at high tide.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Sandy beach, then grassy coastal path and minor road.

Getting there

Start

Small car park at end of the minor road, Losgaintir.

Public Transport

None to start, bus from Tarbert or Leverburgh to start of Losgaintir road.

Start Grid Ref

NG066998

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.25km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 44m (Profile)

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Explorer 455 - South Harris

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There is a car park and public toilet at the end of the minor road through Losgaintir (Luskentyre). Head through the gate to the right of the toilet building to follow a path and small burn through the dunes to reach the sands of Tràigh Rosamol.

Stage 2

Tràigh Rosamol is the northernmost part of the Luskentyre Sands and perhaps the finest. Turn left to begin the walk along the beach. The island of Taransay - made famous as the setting for BBC TV's Castaway series - is well seen off-shore, with its own fine beaches prominent, but it is the view northwards towards the mountains of North Harris that perhaps make this beach most special.

Stage 3

The walk continues past some massive sand dunes - this section of the route is not passable at high tide. The beach curves round to the south and then southeast, becoming quite vast when the tide is out - don't be tempted too far out across the sands. Eventually a small burn is reached, flowing out where the dunes relent and low cliffs begin. Head inland through the dunes on the near side of this burn.

Stage 4

When you reach the cemetery turn left alongside the fence (with the graves on your right). At the far corner turn right through a farm gate, and follow a grassy track that leads back to the road. Turn left along the road to return to the car park at the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Harris cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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