Berneray from the old Norse for ‘Bjorn’s island’ or ‘Bear island’, lies in the Sound of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. It has a population of just 130 but is popular with tourists who come to visit its sandy beaches.
Consistently named as one of the best beaches in Scotland, the 3-mile stretch of white sand on Berneray West beach is made up of broken shells. Coupled with its clear, turquoise water, and views of mountains in the distance, it could easily pass as a tropical paradise. in 2009, an image of the beach was mistakenly used to promote Kai Bae Beach by the Thai Tourist Board.
It’s the perfect spot for walkers and wildlife watchers. Wading birds found near the beach include oystercatchers, redshanks, and herons, while in the summer snipes and secretive corncrakes can be heard calling on warm evenings. Further out to sea, shags, cormorants, gannets can be spotted fishing the water, as well as the rarer black-throated and great-northern divers.
There is a resident grey seal population colony in the east harbour of the island that sometimes makes its way onto the beach. Keep an eye out for otters too, although these can be hard to spot.
The machair that runs along the beach puts on a fantastic wildflower display in the summer. Ox-eye daisies, red clover, and harebells, as well as rare orchids can all be found amongst the fertile grassland.
Due to its sheer size and remoteness, Berneray West is rarely crowded. Visit early in the morning and the only other person you’re likely to see is a local resident walking their dog.
When the sea is calm, it’s possible to go swimming but watch out for large waves and strong currents due to its location in the Atlantic Ocean.
Berneray is connected to North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist in the south by a short causeway. There is also a ferry service that runs from Harris and Lewis to the north.
To access the beach, park in the car park by the village hall. It is then a steep climb over the dunes to get the beach itself. There are no facilities on the beach, but the community run Berneray Shop and Bistro located near the ferry terminal serves food all day including breakfasts, fresh fish, wraps, jacket potatoes, and evening meals.
