Cliff Beach (Camas na Clibhe, also written Traigh na Clibhe) sits on the Valtos peninsula in the Uig district on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. It is a striking crescent of pale quartz sand between rocky headlands, and one of the most photographed beaches on Lewis.
Important: not a swimming beach
Cliff is not safe for swimming. Strong currents run off this stretch of coast and there is no lifeguard cover at any time of year. It does, however, produce an excellent surf break at low to mid tide, which brings experienced surfers and bodyboarders out to it when there is swell running.
Getting there
Follow the B8011 into Uig and turn onto the Valtos road. There is a car park near the beach (postcode HS2 9HW), reached by single track road, and no facilities of any kind. Reef Beach lies a little further along the same peninsula and the two are easily combined in one trip.
In short
Cliff Beach, or Camas na Clibhe, is a quartz sand beach on the Valtos peninsula in Uig on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. It is unsafe for swimming because of strong currents and has no lifeguard, but it produces a good surf break at low to mid tide. There is a car park at the end of a single track road (HS2 9HW) and no facilities. It is a separate beach from nearby Reef.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Cliff Beach on Lewis?
No. Cliff Beach is considered unsafe for swimming because of the currents running off this stretch of coast, and there is no lifeguard at any time of year. It is a good surf break for experienced surfers at low to mid tide, but it is not a bathing beach.
Where is Cliff Beach on the Isle of Lewis?
On the Valtos peninsula in the Uig district on the west coast, reached from the B8011 and then a single track road. The car park postcode is HS2 9HW.
Is Cliff Beach the same as Reef Beach?
No, they are two different beaches on the same peninsula. Cliff Beach is Camas na Clibhe and Reef Beach is Traigh na Berie, a little further along the coast. They are often confused, and both are worth seeing.
Are there facilities at Cliff Beach?
None. There is a parking area at the end of the single track road and nothing else, so bring everything you need with you.