Traigh Mhor, also known as Tolsta beach, is a two mile stretch of fine golden sand about twelve miles north of Stornoway on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis. Unlike the great west coast beaches it faces north east across the Minch, the channel between Lewis and the Scottish mainland, so the light on it is completely different.
Garry Beach and the Bridge to Nowhere
Immediately north of Traigh Mhor lies Garry Beach, with its striking sea stacks standing offshore, and beyond that the road ends at the Bridge to Nowhere. This is a concrete bridge built in the 1920s at the direction of Lord Leverhulme as part of a road to Ness that was never completed. The bridge is the start of a fine coastal walk north.
Getting there
Follow the B895 north from Stornoway through Tolsta. The road is far easier than the single track routes to the west coast beaches and the drive takes around 25 minutes. There is parking near the beach. Check the tide times below.
Traigh Mhòr (Tolsta) Beach
Traigh Mhòr (aka Tolsta) beach, is about 12 miles north along the coast from Stornoway. Traigh Mhòr beach faces north east across the Minch – the channel between Lewis and the mainland. It’s a 2 mile long beach with fine, golden-white sand and backed by low, grassy dunes. At the south eastern end is a large cliff, and if the tide is out you can walk round into an amazing amphitheatre formed by the cliffs with caves and rock pools.
In short
Traigh Mhor, or Tolsta beach, is a two mile golden sand beach about twelve miles north of Stornoway on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, facing north east across the Minch. Garry Beach with its sea stacks lies immediately north, and beyond that the road ends at the Bridge to Nowhere, built in the 1920s for a road that was never completed. It is reached easily on the B895.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Traigh Mhor beach?
At Tolsta, about twelve miles north of Stornoway on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, reached on the B895. The drive takes around 25 minutes on good road.
What is the Bridge to Nowhere on Lewis?
A concrete bridge at the end of the road past Garry Beach, built in the 1920s for Lord Leverhulme as part of a road intended to run north to Ness. The road was never finished, so the bridge carries nothing. It is the starting point for a coastal walk north.
What is the difference between Traigh Mhor and Garry Beach?
They are neighbouring beaches at Tolsta. Traigh Mhor is the longer, two mile stretch of golden sand; Garry Beach lies immediately north of it and is known for the sea stacks standing just offshore.
Is Traigh Mhor easier to reach than the west coast beaches?
Considerably. It is a straightforward 25 minute drive north from Stornoway on the B895, rather than the long single track routes needed for Uig, Valtos or the Harris beaches.