Seilebost lies on the opposite side of the same tidal sound as Luskentyre, on the west coast of the Isle of Harris. At low water the two beaches almost meet across a vast plain of pale sand, and the view from the A859 as it climbs above Seilebost is one of the most photographed on the island.
Getting there and the viewpoint
Seilebost is directly on the A859 south of Tarbert, so there is no long single track drive involved. There are laybys and a viewpoint on the hill above the beach where most photographs of Luskentyre are actually taken, looking north across the sound with the hills of North Harris behind.
Tides and safety
This is a strongly tidal stretch of coast. The channel between Seilebost and Luskentyre fills quickly and the incoming tide moves faster than people expect across flat sand. Do not attempt to walk across the sound, and check the tide times below before walking out.
In short
Seilebost is a beach on the west coast of Harris facing Luskentyre across a wide tidal sound, directly accessible from the A859 south of Tarbert. The viewpoint on the road above it is where most photographs of the Luskentyre sands are taken. The tidal channel between the two beaches fills quickly and should not be crossed on foot.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk from Seilebost to Luskentyre across the sand?
No. It looks possible at low water but a tidal channel runs between the two and it fills quickly and deeply. Drive round by the A859 and the Losgaintir road instead.
Where is the viewpoint for Luskentyre?
On the A859 as it climbs above Seilebost. Most of the well known photographs looking across the white sands towards Luskentyre and Taransay are taken from this stretch of road rather than from Luskentyre itself.
Is there parking at Seilebost?
There are laybys along the A859 and space near the viewpoint above the beach. It is far easier to reach than Luskentyre, which requires a three mile single track drive.