132. Tràigh Mheilein

You know, it’s funny. Every now and again on this project I find a beach that totally takes my breath away. Sometimes in life you come across a place of such awe and beauty, of such visceral energy, you know you are imprinting a lifelong memory into your consciousness. Tràigh Mheilein is one of those places. As I head out from the rather too-busy Hùisinis, I follow and ancient track along the coast opposite the now-deserted island of Scarp. From a distance, this magical beach came into view, already drawing me near. Bizarrely, this beach is often missed off walking routes to Crabhadail, which is where the path leads, and I wager that very few of the campers back at Hùisinis will ventured this far. Working my way down to the pristine white beach I have the same feeling I last felt when approaching West Beach on Berneray a few miles south. I know this will be a highlight of my project, no matter how many beaches I eventually visit. I walk the full length of the pristine sands, looking over to Scarp just a few hundred yards across the water, and needless to say, I am the only person on the beach. At the far end, I climb a small grassy hill, look back in wonder, and follow the coast around the headland to Crabhadail. Special indeed.