Traigh Iar
Outer Hebrides
Traigh Iar is a wide, remote beach on the west coast of North Uist, part of the extraordinary machair and beach system that lines the Atlantic-facing side of the Outer Hebrides. The beach is backed by rich machair grassland and dunes, and the typical wildflower displays of the Hebridean summer make this a particularly beautiful destination between May and July. The west coast of North Uist is sparsely populated and the beach sees very few visitors, making it one of the most genuinely remote and peaceful beaches in this guide.
There are no dog restrictions at Traigh Iar. Under Scotland's Land Reform Act, responsible access is a right across virtually all land. Dogs are welcome year-round. The machair behind the beach is an internationally important habitat hosting breeding waders and corncrakes, and dogs should be under close control when moving through it, particularly from April to August during the nesting season.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- No beach restrictions. Machair is an internationally protected habitat: dogs must be kept under close control from April to August to avoid disturbing nesting waders and corncrakes.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Dunes
- Tide Notes
- Atlantic-facing beach with exposed swell. Very large tidal range typical of the Outer Hebrides. Check conditions before sea swimming.
- Facilities
- None on site. Lochmaddy (North Uist main town) has basic amenities
- Parking
- Informal parking off the minor road. Access via machair and dunes to beach
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