138. Scarista

Dominating the west coast of south Harris is the mile long expanse of Traigh Scarista. The wide exposed beach is fully open to the wild Atlantic, and boasting views to Taransay (and St Kilda on a clear day) and the imposing hill of Ceapabhal on its south end. Access isn’t easy and options are limited. I took one of the few spaces near a gate on the road to Northton, from where it’s a medium walk across fields to the deep dunes (I took a detour due to the dozens of cows and calves blocking the track). Once on the beach, it’s left, right (or straight on if the tide is out) – either way the views are superb.