Tucked away in the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Barra may be small (just 11 miles long and 6 miles wide to be exact), yet it’s packed with jaw-dropping landscapes and scenic drives that will leave you in awe. With just 1,264 friendly faces between Barra and its neighbouring island, Vatersay, it doesn’t take long to feel like you’ve landed in your own slice of paradise. It’s no surprise the locals have nicknamed it “Barra-dise” or “Barra-bados” with turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
Once you catch a glimpse of its beauty, you’ll see why people want to return. Whether you decide to reach the island by ferry or experience the thrill of Barra’s famous beach landing (I’ve got a story about that coming up!), you’ll find this tiny island bursting with things to see and do.
If you’re looking to explore more of the Outer Hebrides, my Road Trip Outer Hebrides guidebook contains first-hand experience and insider tips when travelling around this remote location. As places to stay and eateries are few and far between, I’d highly recommend planning your trip.
So, without further ado, here are my top 10 must-dos to fully experience the magic of Barra!
Barra is the only place in the world where scheduled flights land on a beach, and Traigh Mhor is the stage for this incredible experience. Watching a plane touch down on pristine sands, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the island, is something you’ll never forget. When the tide is out, the beach stretches wide and golden, offering the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll while you wait for this surreal mix of nature and aviation to unfold.
In fact, just before I finished writing this, I took one last research trip to Barra, flying in on that very beach runway. The journey was an adventure in itself to say the least! After arriving at Glasgow airport, I heard that flights to Barra were being cancelled due to bad weather. Luckily, mine was still a go despite 55mph winds. As we approached the island, the wind battered our tiny 16-seater plane, making the descent even more intense as we zeroed in on the white sands of Traigh Mhor. When we landed safely, everyone onboard let out a huge sigh of relief. We were greeted by a crowd of 30-40 plane spotters, all there to witness the spectacle of a landing on the world’s only tidal runway! It was both exhilarating and surreal!
Stretching from Traigh Mhor at its southern tip and up past Barra Sands Campsite in the north, Eoligarry Beach is a popular spot for wildlife watchers, surfers and walkers. The windblown sandy beach is home to crabs, grey seals, sea otters, migratory birds and even the odd shark! Visitors will also find some rock pools to poke around in and explore, where wildlife shouldn’t be hard to spot! We recommend arriving at low tide to make the most of the large stretch of sand.
When I first set foot on Traigh Eais, I felt like I’d stumbled onto a private paradise. This windswept beach on Barra’s northern coast is wild and untamed. It’s an ideal spot for a contemplative walk, with few footprints other than your own. Be warned—the waters are cold and strong, so swimming here isn’t advisable, but the beauty makes it worth every moment. The extreme weather has also resulted in some of the highest sand dunes in Britain that are well worth exploring, too!
Allasdale Bay offers another side of Barra’s coastline. With turquoise waters and golden sands, it’s a serene spot for a beach day when the weather is kind. For wildlife lovers, this also a fantastic spot to see seals in their natural environment! You might catch a glimpse of seals basking in the sun along the rocks.
Traigh a’ Baigh is also thought to be the most photographed beach in Scotland, thanks to the famous “Vatersay beach gate” view. To capture this iconic shot, walk down from the café at the northern end of the beach toward Vatersay village, and you’ll spot it on the left-hand side. The northern stretch of the beach boasts pristine white sands, making it a popular spot for both sunbathing and swimming. For those feeling adventurous, a dip in the crystal-clear waters is a must—just be ready for a refreshing, chilly swim!
It’s most definitely one of those places that feels like a true island escape!
Vatersay itself, beyond Traigh a’ Baigh, offers plenty to explore. Home to beautiful beaches, fabulous trails and a small but community-strong village, it’s well worth exploring during your time in the Outer Hebrides. For those who fancy a good stroll, check out the demanding but rewarding Heritage Trail that covers many of the region’s best spots in 4 miles. Vatersay is also home to the iconic The Hebridean Way Start Point. Spanning up to nearly 200 miles, this route is popular to cycling and walk!
Although it’s found right next to the famous Traigh a Bhaigh, Traigh Shiar doesn’t get the same number of visitors as its neighbour. Due to the wild winds and waves coming in across the Atlantic, the beach looks a little more rugged and isn’t safe to swim in. It’s therefore a great spot to get away from the crowds and visit the Annie Jane Monument.
The beach is also great for long, peaceful walks, and the sunsets here are breathtaking, painting the sky with shades of pink and gold.
After a day of exploring Barra’s beaches, a visit to Barra Distillers was the perfect way to wind down. Their signature spirit, Barra Atlantic Gin, is distilled using local carrageen seaweed, giving it a distinctive taste. I took a tour of the distillery, learned about the gin-making process, and, of course, enjoyed tasting it too!
One of the most unforgettable hikes I did on Barra was the trek up Heaval, the island’s highest hill, standing at 383 meters. Near the summit sits the iconic Lady of the Sea statue, gazing out over Castlebay and the surrounding islands. The ascent is a bit steep and can get boggy, but on a clear day, the panoramic views are absolutely worth it. It’s a straightforward hike that should take no more than an hour or two, allowing plenty of time to soak in the breathtaking scenery.
My own hike, however, didn’t go quite as smoothly! I set off in what I thought was manageable weather, but as I approached the summit, I was hit with zero visibility and 60mph winds. After a humbling battle with the elements, I eventually made my way back down, drenched and windswept but grateful to be in one piece. It was definitely an experience I won’t forget—and one that taught me to never underestimate Barra’s wild weather!
Known as Caisteal Chiosmuil in Gaelic, which translates to ‘Castle Island’, Kisimul Castle is thought to date back to the 11th century and can be found on a tiny island next to Castlebay. The mediaeval stronghold is believed to have been the home of the MacNeils before eventually being abandoned in 1838. The castle is currently closed for maintenance; however, you can still get up close to this historic spot via a free boat trip around Castlebay.
If you’re considering exploring Barra as part of your Outer Hebrides road trip adventure, take a look at my latest YouTube video. You’ll discover must-see locations, travel tips and cost-saving hacks to make the most of your journey!
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide writer. In 2022, I launched No Fuss Travel Guides with 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. I've since worked with tourism boards including Visit Wales and have been featured in The Guardian 'Best of Travel'.
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Rob, Staffordshire, UK
