Tràigh Mheilein & Crabhadail beaches, from Hùisinis

This short but rugged circular deserves to be regarded as a Hebridean classic. It visits three spectacular beaches - Hùisinis at the start, the stunning and secluded sweep of Tràigh Mheilein overlooking Scarp, and Crabhadail, surrounded by the Harris mountains.

Terrain

The old path is a delight, but is also rough and boggy in places, particularly on the return. The route between Tràigh Mheilein and Crabhadail is pathless.

Public Transport

Bus service between Tarbert and Hùisinis.

Start

Parking area at Hùisinis. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

Users' reports

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The single track B887 ends at the stunning sands of Hùisinis. There is a parking area and toilets here. Start the walk by heading briefly back along the road, then turning left on a Scottish Water track, passing to the right of the water building. The path forks left off the track at a marker post, and keeps to the right of the wall. When the sea is approached at the far end of the isthmus, turn right - signed for Crabhadail and Tràigh Mheilein.

Stage 2

The island of Scarp can be seen ahead to the left, with a number of houses now mainly used as summer holiday homes. The narrows here were the site of the failed attempt to deliver the mail to Scarp by rocket when Scarp still had permanent residents. The path is clear to follow - part an ancient route - and has had repair work done in recent years; however in places it is rocky and has steep drops. Where the path splits, take the main left path that begins to descend gently (the right hand route is used for the return).

Stage 3

The path eventually reaches the sands of Tràigh Mheilein - the end of which have been in view for some time. It's only when reaching this magnificent beach that you appreciate it's full extent, stretching for over a kilometre. It is perhaps the finest roadless beach in the Outer Hebrides.

Stage 4

Continue to the far end of the beach, and then leaving it to begin making the ascent of the pathless but grassy slopes of Meilein - the rounded hill behind it.

Stage 5

From the summit of Meilein there's a stunning view of the next beach - Crabhadail - with the mountains of Harris behind. Aim to reach the coast where it is nearest to Loch na Cleabhaig - avoiding some boggy ground on the left side.

Stage 6

Cross the stony gap between the two bodies of water and continue to Crabhadail beach. Although much smaller than Tràigh Mheilein, the remote location nestled amongst the mountains makes this a truly special place.

Stage 7

Retrace your steps briefly and then cross grassy ground to reach a faint path along the southern shore of Loch na Cleabhaig. Pass a lone private cottage - with lazybeds still visible from when the land was worked - and then follow the path that climbs up to the pass between the craggy slopes on your left and the low hill of Grescleit. This section is quite boggy.

Stage 8

From the saddle don't descend ahead, instead following a path that contours to the left, climbing slightly. The path rejoins the outward route at the fork; keep straight ahead to return to Hùisinis.

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