125. Carnish Beach

The parish of Uig is the largest and most sparsely populated region of Lewis and is dominated by the magnificent sprawling Ardroil Sands, but not far from the main beach lies one of Lewis’s greatest secrets at Carnish. I think this beach would justify itself as a hidden treasure or undiscovered gem because it doesn’t appear on many maps or ‘best Lewis beaches’ websites. It’s certainly easy to miss and you’d hardly stumble across it by accident, lying off a quiet track from the main road at the Abhainn Dearg Distillery. Fortunately, a neat wooden ‘beach’ sign points to a small path alongside a cottage but even still, there is no sense of the wonder that lies beyond. I follow the path for only maybe 250 yards and suddenly the remarkable white sand beach is revealed in all its glory, with turquoise water, dunes and framing cliffs. Needless to say I am the only person on the beach and by now, with the sun shining, all is good in the world.