Located at the end of Glen Brittle, the beach is one of the most beautiful on Skye especially when the tide is out. Glen Brittle beach lies in the shadow of the Black Cuillins which never fail to impress. With compact, endless sand it is a good walking surface to enjoy. Not a spot to bring a wheelchair but definitely accessible for everyone else.
Getting to Glen Brittle Beach
Take the A863 from Sligachan towards Dunvegan. The first turn off on the left is the B8009 to Carbost and Talisker Distillery. Take this road and follow it for a few miles until you reach a junction at the top of the hill on the left. This road is signposted for Glen Brittle and the Fairy Pools. It is a 7 mile winding single track road with passing places so drive with care and consideration for others.
The views all around you as you are driving are phenomenal. Ahead of you rise the Black Cuillins, a range of 3000ft+ Munroes. As the road drops down the hairpin bends you are now nearing the Fairy Pools. More about those another time. Keep following the road down, over the River Brittle and past the Youth Hostel. Keep your eyes open for sheep on the road round here! The road passes through the small settlement of Glen Brittle itself. Drive slowly and carefully there are sheep, walkers,and crofters to be mindful of on the road now. The road turns sharply right and past a huge meadow. Follow the road around until you come to some parking on the right, just before the entrance to Glen Brittle campsite. The parking is not marked out but out of season there is always plenty of space.
Access to the beach.
At the far left of the parking spaces there is a big metal gate and a kissing gate. Access to Glen Brittle beach is through the kissing gate. Endless storms have blown sand under the gate so it is wedged partly open and no longer swings. Pass through the gate and onto the beach. On this occasion we left Sarah’s rollator in the car and she walked using two sticks. To be honest we thought the rollator might sink in the sand. However we are pleased to report it would have managed just fine.
Initially the beach has more pebbles than sand so is bumpy for walking on. Sarah took her time and put her feet down carefully. Once we were over the pebbled area the sand was compact and flat. Her sticks barely left a mark on the sand. If I had carried the rollator to this point she would have had few problems using it. However she soldiered on with her sticks and had a bracing walk along the beach.
When the tide is fully out the beach seems endless. We walked, talked and collected a few purple mussel shells. Soaking in the amazing views all around us. We pottered about for ages but only walked about 0.5km as we were just relaxing. The beach is so vast you can bring dogs, play games, have a picnic and still not bump into many folks at all. To return to the car simply follow your steps from where you came. If you have a bit more mobility or energy carry on past the gate and walk on the cobbles by the river. There is another gate round here which also leads back to the car park.
In season the campsite is open so there is a bit more traffic and a few more people around. The campsite does have a shop and cafe that are open to the public so you can always stop and grab a cuppa and a bite to eat.
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