Crabhadail beach, Huisinish

This fairly short out-and-back route explores the coastline from Huisinish, with good views to the island of Scarp, before heading inland under dramatic cliffs to reach the peaceful sandy beach at Crabhadail. The views are spectacular.

Terrain

Path is rough and boggy in places, with some steep drops to the sea.

Public Transport

Bus service between Tarbert and Huisinish.

Start

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

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Walk Description

Stage 1

The single track B887 ends at the stunning sands of Huisinish (Huisinis in Gaelic). There is a parking area and toilets here. Start the walk by heading up behind the toilets soon going through a gap in the wall and turning left to follow a vague path alongside the wall - this can be boggy in places. 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 was the site of the failed attempt to deliver the mail to Scarp by rocket when Scarp was more populated.

Stage 2

Before the cliffs head up to the right to follow the well made path - don't be tempted by the sheep paths nearer to the cliff edge. The path is an ancient route and signs of its solid construction can be seen in places where the path is built up by stones. However in places it is rocky and has steep drops. Where the path splits, with the path ahead continuing to the bright sand of Tràigh Mheilein, fork right to follow the small valley uphill keeping alongside a burn to start with. For a shorter, easier walk the path ahead soon reaches fine sands overlooking Scarp which is also a great destination. It is also possible to walk around the small headland and rejoin this route although the going is rough in places.

Stage 3

After following the burn gently uphill, the path heads under the steep cliffs of Huiseabhal Beag before descending, following an old line of fence posts, to Loch na Cleabhaig. Head along the south shore of the loch, passing a lone cottage and continuing east to the sea.

Stage 4

Bear right to follow the shore to the sandy beach of Crabhadail which has great views and is a wonderful place to while away an afternoon in good weather. Behind the beach you will find the remains of lazy beds, high ridges in the turf, where people once grew crops such as barley. Following the shore around the back of the bay reveals the ruins of houses or summer sheilings.

Stage 5

The return route is by the same outward route although it is possible to extend the walk by following the west side of Loch Crabhadail to reach the headland Rubh an Tighe and after crossing the sands, picking up the path on the far side of Tràigh Mheilein, however the route is rough going and takes more time than a quick look at the map might suggest - the headland and beach and views to Scarp are a good reward though.

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