Gleann Oraid and Talisker Bay.

Start. Gleann Oraid just east of Talisker Farm.

Route. Gleann Oraid - Talisker Farm - Talisker House - Talisker Bay - Talisker House - Talisker Farm - Gleann Oraid.

Notes. Take the narrow ribbon of tarmac from Carbost over wild unspoiled moor land as it winds and descends into Gleann Oraid, the road terminates at the entrance to Talisker House, and farm. You used to be able to park here but alas problems with access now force you to park a short way up the road.

When you leave the car what you find is a truly enchanting sandy bay possibly the finest on Skye, bands of black and white sand guarded to the north by the headland Rubha Cruinn and to the south by spectacular sea stacks and great cliffs, on a clear day the Outer Hebrides grace the horizon.

Leaving the car we headed west, a good track ushered us along the edge of woodland past Talisker House a fine white washed Georgian mansion, with the massive cliffs of Leathad Beithe to our left and the pastures of Gleann Oraid our right we wandered down to the bay.

The tide was rising wavelets kissing the beach, we spent ages exploring this enchanting place, made more so by a slender waterfall opposite moody sea stacks, time up all that remained to re-trace our steps, drive back over wild moorland then find somewhere for lunch.

view route map.

home.

Talisker House a white washed Georgian mansion in a delightful setting.

Approaching Talisker Bay.

Watching over the valley the formidable hump of Preshal More composed almost entirely of perfect dolerite columns.

Rising tide at Talisker Bay.

Black sand and white surf.

Talisker Bay guarded to the south by impressive sea stacks and shear cliffs and....

....to the north by the headland of Rubha Cruinn.

Walking along the tide line of the whispering sea.

It's a bit hazy today but if you squint you can just make out the Outer Hebrides on a distant horizon.

Gleann Oraid and the combined waters of the River Talisker and Sleadale Burn.

A' Chailleach above Talisker Farm.

A final look back to Talisker Bay.

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