Macleod's Stone and Tràigh Iar

This short walk crosses the stunningly beautiful sands of Tràigh Iar before climbing up to visit a massive standing stone. The route then passes over a low hill to reach the equally fine beach of Tràigh Niosaboit before returning beside the road; great views throughout.

Terrain

Sandy beach and dunes, then open grassland; some ascent and descent.

Public Transport

Bus service between Tarbert and Leverburgh.

Start

Car park on the A859 at south end of Tràigh an Iar. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park above the southern end of Tràigh Iar beach - just one of the string of superb beaches along the west side of South Harris. Access to the beach at this point is barred by rocks, so begin by walking alongside the road crash barrier to the north, continuing until easy grassy slopes lead down onto the beach.

Stage 2

The massive prehistoric standing stone - Clach Mhic Leoid or Macleod's stone - can be seen high on the grassland ahead. Cross to the far end of the beach and head up the dunes, then bear half right up to reach the stone. Standing to a height of 2.5 metres, this impressive sentinel enjoys a superb position. Offshore is the island of Taransay with its own fine beaches - it acheived fame (or notoriety) as the setting of BBC TV's Castaway series.

Stage 3

Continue across the grassland until a fence is reached. Turn right to head uphill beside the fence, passing close by a cairn. Eventually views open up northwards towards the distant mountains of North Harris. Continue beside the fence as it now leads downhill, with a grassy track underfoot. Eventually the track forks; take the left branch to head through a gap in a fence, then reaching a much bigger track at a t-junction behind Tràigh Niosaboist, another fine beach.

Stage 4

Turn right along the track, enjoying the views over the beach towards Beinn Dhubh and the Luskentyre Sands (Losgaintir in Gaelic). The track curves right and climbs up to reach the main road.

Stage 5

Turn right alongside the road to head back to the start - there is plenty of space to walk along the grassy verge and continue to take in the views.

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