Red Point Beaches

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There are two spectacular sandy beaches at Red Point; this walk combines both to make a short but rough circuit with great views out to the islands on a fine day.

Terrain

The walk between the beaches has only a faint path and is very boggy to begin with.

Public Transport

No public transport. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Car park at the end of the public road to Red Point. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 85m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NG732688

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park at the very end of the Red Point public road - though before reaching the parking it is worth making a brief stop at the viewpoint overlooking the western beach. Begin the walk by heading through the farm gate and continue along the track to the farm.

Stage 2

Follow the track as it swings right and then left to pass through the farm, leaving at a gate. Follow the next section of fenced green track through to more gates to reach the open machair (shell-based grassland, rich in flowers where not grazed). To reach Red Point south beach, bear right once through the gate, crossing the grassy ground and then finding a way down through the gorse to reach the sands. The wide beach here has great views across to the Applecross peninsula and to the mountains of Torridon. The little island of Eilean Tioram can be reached across the sands unless the tide is right in.

Stage 3

To continue the walk, go to the west end of the sands and then pick up the muddy path that ascends onto the edge of the moor just above the beach. From here there are great views back across the beach to Beinn Alligin and its neighbours. Follow the faint traces of a path round the coast, keeping just above where the land slopes down towards the sea. The going is very boggy in places, particularly when crossing numerous swampy ditches, but it does improve as you go further.

Stage 4

As you round the ill-defined point itself, there are grand views of Skye's Trotternish Ridge and out to Harris and Lewis if the weather is kind. Continue round the coast for a couple of kilometres; as the coast bends back east there is a fence with a stile to cross.

Stage 5

The coast now bends back to Red Point North Beach, which is backed by a gigantic sand dune. Descend to the beach and cross the stream that flows out across it (this may be easiest towards the top of the beach).

Stage 6

Head out into the centre of the sands, which are busier but possibly even finer than those at the south beach. From the centre of the beach there is a gap in the dunes; head up a sandy path which leads straight back to the car park.

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