Smirisary Walk

Route Details

1. Park at the car park just before the end of the road and walk down towards the houses.  Turn right through a metal gate onto a tarmac path through rough pasture and then on through a wooden gate.  The path ascends with good views afforded of  the Small Isles. 

2. Take the left hand path descending to the village of Smirisary; the village was a formerly deserted crofting community, but many of the houses have since been restored. Head towards the white house in the distance by the coast. 

3. Cross the boardwalk and follow the sign to the White Sands.  The walk climbs through wet heath, with an abundance of ling, and bell heather, with cross leaved heath and Bog murtle, and an abundance bryophytes in the wetter areas.  The path skirts along the hillside with great coastal views. 

4. Cross a small ravine stream and keep left and continue uphill for a short way, before descending to onto a silvery sandy beach.  At low tide, extensive kelp and fucoid beds, interspersed with eel grass are evident; a rich feeding ground for otters at high tide. The coastal rocks also abound with molluscs (barnacles, limpets and whelks).  Look out for a range of coastal birds, raptors and otters. 

5. After exploring the beach and coast, and enjoying the wonderful views of the Small Isles, return by the same route.  Take time to explore the village on your return journey. 

Alternative return route

Alternatively, you can take a slightly different route back by taking a right turn on the board walk, followed by a left when you reach the open grassy area.  Walk along the lower edge of the grassy area and then take a left when you reach the small stream at the end. 

Follow the path, passing by an old derelict croft and behind a white house with a blue shed and walled garden.  At this point, take the right track up the hill, heading towards the fence line and view point.  This route takes you back to the original path from whence you can head right back to the car park.