The Coral Beaches and Lovaig Bay.
Start. Claigan.
Route. Claigan - Coral Beaches - Groban na Sgeire - Lovaig Bay - Groban na Sgeire - Cnoc Mor Ghrobain - Claigan.
Notes. For those who don't wish to climb the Cullin Hills or visit spectacular Trotternish the Coral Beaches near Claigan must be the next most popular attraction, on a dank overcast day the car park was full it was a struggle to park. The beaches are actually made up of white shale sand and desiccated sun-bleached algae millions of years old, it would have been nice to see them sparkle in the sun but that was not to be, a fancy filter on the camera lens added to the atmosphere.
We left the car in the fairly large car park at Claigan, heading east on a good track we soon reached the first of the Coral Beaches, a short stroll over grass soon saw us photographing the second much larger beach opposite the tidal island of Lampay, if you decide to explore Lampay make sure you check the tide times, I found it hard to believe the tide would ebb far enough to allow safe passage, the decision was made to leave the crowds and head for the desolation of Lovaig Bay before returning to the car.
After leaving the car park it wasn't long before we reached the shore of Loch Dunvegan.
The view south to Macleod's Table.
The first of the Coral Beaches.
Many people make the mistake of turning back here, over the rise can be found the second much larger beach.
From the east shore of Loch Dunvegan views to the small island of Iosaigh.
Far more impressive the second and much larger coral beach.
From this exquisite beach views to Iosaigh with the slopes of Cnoc Mor Ghrobain to the right.
Looking to the tidal island of Lampay.
The beach is not made of coral but actually composed of a mixture of white shale sand and desiccated sun-bleached algae millions of years old.
Seen from the summit of Cnoc Mor Ghrobain the small island of Lampay backed by the Duirinish Peninsula.
Also seen from the summit of Cnoc Mor Ghrobain the islands guarding the entrance to Lock Bay, from front to back, Iosaigh, Mingay, Clett with the Waternish Peninsula on the far horizon.
Tumbling into the waters of Loch Bay the cliffs of Sgurr a' Bhagh seen across Lovaig Bay.
Sue goes one step further, scrambling to the point of Groban na Sgeire.
With only the whispering wind and screech of the odd seabird for company this is the solitude of Lovaig Bay.
Rounding the point again with views to Macleod's Table.
Darkening skies over Loch Dunvegan.
Loch Dunvegan and the tidal island of Lampay, I just can't imagine the tide ebbing far enough to allow access, the map and guidebook both insist it dose
The view north to Iosaigh.
I think brooding skies and turquoise seas give this shot an atmosphere of it's own, pity about the people.
A shaft of sunlight across the waters of Loch Dunvegan.