Tràigh Ghearadha (Garry Beach), near Tolsta

Summary

A short circular walk taking in a stunning sandy beach and the Garry Bridge - built as the first part of a never completed road to Ness and often called 'the Bridge to Nowhere'.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Grassy path to beach, rougher cliff path and climb through bracken to old track, boggy in places. Livestock grazing, keep dogs under tight control.

Getting there

Start

Tràigh Ghearadha car park, B895 road end, N of New Tolsta.

Public Transport

New Tolsta has buses from Stornoway, 0.75km from start.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.2km / 1.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 60m (Profile)

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Explorer 460 - North Lewis

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

There is a parking area at the B895 road end, 0.75km north of New Tolsta. The car park overlooks the golden sands of Tràigh Ghearadha (Garry Beach). Start the walk by going through the wooden gate and heading down over the grass, keeping right at a fork to reach the sands. There are three stunning sea stacks on the far right of the beach (a fantastic photo spot at sunrise and sunset). The largest stack, 23 metre high Caisteal a’Mhorair (Castle of the Nobleman) once housed a medieval fortress consisting of a tower and a hall which is thought to have been lived in at least on a semi-permanent basis.

Stage 2

Walk north across the sands and before the river outflow head inland onto turf to reach the footbridge. Cross this and continue on the grassy path, keeping near the coast when it forks.

Stage 3

There are great views back to the beach and stacks. The path passes more rocky and sandy shore and soon reaches the ruins of a house. Some cultivation strips (lazy beds) can be seen on the slope ahead and the line of the planned road to Ness above it.

Stage 4

Pass the remains of the building, cross a stream and follow the rough path up to a stile over a fence.

Stage 5

Climb this and continue uphill - with stunning views back - on a path (through bracken in summer) to reach a track. This is the remains of the road planned by Lord Leverhulme to run all the way from Stornoway to Ness in the far north of Lewis. The project was abandoned in 1921 partly due to opposition from crofters who, many having returned from fighting in WWI, wanted land to farm rather than jobs in Leverhulme's industries. Turn left along the track.

Stage 6

Soon Garry Bridge is reached. Often called the "Bridge to Nowhere" the substantial, concrete bridge looks out of place spanning a deep gorge and never carrying the road that was once planned. There is an information board here. Cross the bridge to return to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Lewis cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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