Reef Beach (Traigh na Berie) is a mile-long sweep of white shell sand near the village of Kneep on the Valtos peninsula, in the Uig district on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. It is known for its turquoise water, the rocky cliffs at either end, and the machair behind it, which flowers heavily through June and July.
Getting there and camping
Take the B8011 into Uig and follow the Valtos road round the peninsula. There is a community campsite on the machair at Kneep, directly behind the beach, with parking. It is one of the more popular camping spots on Lewis and fills in high summer.
What to expect
Reef is more sheltered than nearby Cliff Beach, which makes it the better of the two for a walk or a paddle, though it is still open Atlantic water with no lifeguard. Check the tide times below, and take care on the machair between April and July when birds are nesting.
Reef Beach is a beautiful, mile long stretch of sand located near the village of Kneep on the Isle of Lewis. It is known for its stunning views, turquoise waters and rocky cliffs.
In short
Reef Beach, or Traigh na Berie, is a mile of white shell sand near Kneep on the Valtos peninsula in Uig, west Lewis, with turquoise water and flowering machair behind it in June and July. A community campsite sits on the machair with parking. It is more sheltered than neighbouring Cliff Beach, though still open Atlantic water with no lifeguard.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Reef Beach on Lewis?
Near the village of Kneep on the Valtos peninsula in the Uig district, on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Take the B8011 into Uig and follow the Valtos road round.
Can you camp at Reef Beach?
Yes. There is a community campsite on the machair at Kneep directly behind the beach, with parking. It is popular and fills up in July and August.
Is Reef Beach the same as Cliff Beach?
No. Reef Beach is Traigh na Berie and Cliff Beach is Camas na Clibhe. They sit on the same peninsula a short distance apart and are easily confused, but they are separate beaches. Reef is the more sheltered of the two.
When is the machair at Reef at its best?
June and July, when the coastal grassland behind the beach flowers. Keep to the paths where you can, because ground-nesting birds use the same ground through the spring and early summer.