The Isle of Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides. Just 3 miles long from north to south, and with just 90 residents living on the island, it’s only a little island to explore! However, that being said, it’s an island home to many beautiful beaches and coastal views. It’s an island you do not want to miss on your Outer Hebrides adventure!
The best way to explore the Isle of Vatersay is by foot! So I’ve put together a little hiking guide for you to follow. It’s a lovely route, which showcases some of the best beaches the island has to offer! The best time to go for the walk is at low tide. In my opinion, this is when beaches look the prettiest! You get to see the beautiful white sandy beaches, with the crystal, blue water.
This route is a family-friendly, 4-mile long hike, along grassy footpaths. At times, the footpath can be quite hard to follow. However, there are yellow trail markers to follow, making it a little easier. Also, please be aware, that after a lot of rain, some of the paths can become quite boggy and muddy!
Please note: cows roam freely on the Isle of Vatersay! You even spot them chilling on the beaches, eating seaweed!
Parking
The route starts opposite the Vatersay Community Hall. There are multiple tarmac parking areas along the road, where you park your car for the walk. If you are in a campervan, you can pay a small donation to stay the night here too!
SatNav: Community Hall, Vatersay, Isle of Barra, HS9 5YW
The Route
Follow this map, as you walk the route, and you shouldn’t get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
Walk the route clockwise and look out for the yellow trail markers along the way, marking the route!
Please note: the GPX file shows my route starting just south of the Vatersay Community Hall. This was the tarmac, car parking area we parked in. However, the step-by-step instructions below, are from the Vatersay Community Hall.
1.
Starting at the Vatersay Community Hall, cross the road and take the footpath that leads you along the cliff edges of Traigh a Bhaigh (East Beach).
2.
Eventually, you will the village, Baile Bhatarsaigh, and the south end of Traigh a Bhaigh (East Beach). Head across the track, and pick up another grassy path, travelling southwards, until you reach Bagh A’Deas, one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen!
Please keep an eye on the map, as the path isn’t very clear!
3.
Head down onto Bagh A’Deas and along the sand, until you reach a footpath leading you west off the beach, and up onto the banks.
4.
Follow the footpath as it leads you west along Vatersay, keeping a close eye out for the post with the yellow markers on. After a short while, you will come to a path junction. Here, we took a little detour off the route to a viewpoint.
If you want to take the same detour, take the path going off to your left-hand side and follow it, up the top of a little hill. Here you get some lovely views over the south of Vatersay. Once you’ve enjoyed the views, retrace your steps back to the path junction.
5.
At the path junction, take the path going off to your right-hand side (opposite direction to the little detour). Follow the path as it leads north, over the rolling hills, and down to Traigh Shiar (West Beach).
Please keep an eye on the map, and look out for the yellow marker posts, so you don’t get lost!
6.
Walk north along Traigh Shiar (West Beach), until you see a path leading you up the banks, to the Annie Jane Memorial. From here, follow the path east, leading you inland, to the road.
7.
As you reach the road, turn to your left-hand side and follow the road down to Vatersay Community Hall, where you started the walk.
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Further Reading
Enjoyed this walk? Why not check out some of my other walks in the Outer Hebrides: Outer Hebrides
