Vatersay beaches circuit

A beautiful circuit of the southern half of Vatersay, taking in lovely beaches, colourful machair, iron-age fort and standing stone, and the remains of a land raiders village. Starts at Vatersay Hall which has a cafe and toilet.

Terrain

Waymarked with some pathless sections. Crosses grazing croftland, dogs must be kept under tight control.

Public Transport

Vatersay is linked to Castlebay by a bus service. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Parking by Vatersay community hall. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 83m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NL633954

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the Hall which is at the north end of the narrow strip of land separating the two beaches at the narrow point on the island of Vatersay which is linked to Barra by a causeway. There is a community-run cafe at the hall as well as a toilet and limited parking. Just to the south of the Hall and parking area on the same side of the road is a stile over the fence. Climb this and follow the path to the sands of Traigh Siar, turning right onto a larger grassy path after a short distance. Once over the machair (which is ablaze with wildflowers in summer) a gate leads to steps down onto the sands; pass through and head left across the beach. Up to the left is a monument to the Annie Jane, a sailing brig bound for Canada full of emigrants seeking work which ran aground in a storm in 1853 with the loss of 348 people. With no trees for wood on the island, coffins could not be provided and the dead were buried in mass graves at this site.

Stage 2

At the far end of the beach a blue marker posts indicates a path leading to a gate. Bear right after the gate to cross a stile and follow a path around the edge of a field before marker posts lead up to the left with good views back across Bagh Siar. After another stile turn left to follow the fence uphill and a short detour right leads to the top of Dun Vatersay. This was a defensive iron age fort which has also been found to contain a bronze age burial cairn. From here head south over the crofting land, bearing slightly left to follow marker posts and cross a small burn.

Stage 3

A small climb then leads to another dip. From here a short detour straight ahead brings you to a standing stone, the origins of which are unknown. Return to the main route and follow the marker posts in a southeast direction gently downhill towards the coast to reach a tiny secluded sandy cove on the edge of Bagh a Deas with the island of Sandray visible ahead.

Stage 4

From here head left (north) around the coast to the larger sandy beach, at one point detouring around a deep inlet and through a gate in the fence to reach the sandy shore. Walk along the back of the beach and pick up the marker posts on the far side. From the post above the far end of the beach the route turns left to head inland and uphill. In summer a large number of flowers can be seen here including Scottish bluebell, clover, gentians, orchids and eyebright.

Stage 5

To the south east the remains of the village of Eorisdale can be seen where the struggle for land had resulted in the Vatersay Raiders taking control of land. As a result of their demands the Government compulsorily purchased Vatersay in 1909 and divided it into crofts. The route heads east, keeping on the higher ground above Eorisdale. If you want to visit the ruins keep on the trail as it follows the left side of the valley to a point near the ruins where the main trail turns left, you can head to the right directly to the village from here, avoiding some very boggy ground.

Stage 6

Otherwise, after a passing a stone structure which may be an old burial ciste, the route turns left to head north towards Vatersay Bay. Near the shore turn west heading towards the sands, eventually crossing a stile to head down to the beach. This is one of the most sheltered and safest for swimming on Barra and Vatersay. Cross the sands almost to the far side before a boardwalk leads to a gate on the left which emerges near the Hall.

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