Bay MacNeil Beach
The beach is fabulous with white sands and clear turquoise seas, with an abundance of shells on the strand line. Look out for raptors, including golden eagle, in the coastal hills and crags.
starting grid ref:
OS Map:
- Explorer 390 - Ardnamurchan
grade:
- easy
Type:
- there and back
time:
length:
terrain:
Route Details
1. Park at the layby just past Grigadale before the caravan site on road to Ardnamurchan Point. Parking is limited as the layby can only accommodate about three cars. The route is signposted to Portuairk and Bay MacNeil. Head through the metal gate along a grassy track through rough pasture and heath following the way marker posts.
There are fabulous views of Skye and the Small Isles, as well as Ardnamurchan Point. Cross the stile and head down to the beach. The path passes through machair vegetation with low-growing creeping willow (Salix repens), yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and bog myrtle (Myrica gale) in the wetter areas. In spring and summer, the dunes are a riot of colour with harebells, orchids and vetches.
2. Turn right at the gravelled track following the way marker post and continue on the track to the far side of the caravan park respecting the privacy of the caravaners. At the way marker post just infront of the large metal gate (where the path continues on to Portuairk), turn left towards the beach as directed. This section can be very boggy. You can either join the beach at the near end or continue following the path skirting round the back of the bay to the far side before descending to the beach. In the latter route, the path is initially distinct but soon becomes rather indistinct during the descent to the beach. As such the descent can be a little difficult and is very much self-guided.