Discover Braes Beach & An Aird's Natural Wonders

I do love a beach with a wee broch to walk round. We saw a sea eagle while we were there as well!

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

We found this lovely walk onto the An Aird peninsula (or tombolo) after scouring the WalkHighlands site. It's certainly out of the way, but well worth the trip along the narrow lane. There's very little parking near the track, but look out for the red postbox in the middle of a passing place (where the path entrance is) then park sensibly nearby on the grass verge. Once you've walked down the track and steep grass bank onto the beach, head towards the peninsula (if the tide is high, there's a passable pathway alongside the shoreline - low tide would be ideal). Keep an eye out for fossil shell remains on the boulders as you walk over the sand. At the far side of the beach, head up and choose a direction left or right along the edge of the tombolo (boggy in places). There are no definite paths out here, but keep towards the edge wherever is driest. There are beautiful views to take in with Raasay just over the water. Look out for the sea stack, arch and blow hole on the way. Although this is certainly not a wheelchair friendly route, it's a reasonably easy trek for anyone else. Lovely day out.

i read about An Aird peninsula in a well-known book, "50 Walks in Skye" but to get there, check the online directions because you will need them. The car park is more of a worn bit in some grass on the side of the road big enough for 2 smaller cars, marked by a red post box. The trail is a line in the grass, not easy to spot but clear enough to follow once you get going. It's a fair walk down to the tombolo, that thin strip of land separating the water. Most people would have no difficulty but anyone with mobility issues may find it challenging. Definitely not for wheelchairs. In addition to the sheep, wildlife sightings have included eagles (we saw a white-tail), seals, and dolphins. The beach is stony, good ankles help. Watch out for sheep droppings. There are the remains of an Iron Age fort. We found miniature sundew plants, tucked into the mossy grass.