Traigh Bhostadh (Bosta Beach)

About

This white shell sand beach at the far end of the Island of Great Bernera faces north West towards the islands around Old Hill . Behind the beach lie the grazings and remains of the township of Bostaidh which was cleared two centuries ago. However, humans were using this fertile land for a long time before that. The Iron Age village excavated here has been complimented by a replica Iron Age house built to explain the findings revealed by the local history society - Urras Eachdraidh Sgire Bhearnaraidh. During the summer the Iron Age house is open to the public.
Mounted on the far skerry is the Time and Tide Bell, one of several placed around the British coastline. The unique design creates a range of tones when the rising tide causes it to ring. The artist responsible, Marcus Vergette (www.marcusvergette.co.uk/bell.htm) intends the installations to bring home to people the threat from global warming and higher tides.
More information on the jelly bean houses, iron age house, township of Bostaidh and Time and Tide Bell is available at the Museum in the Community Centre at Breaclete.

Because the machair behind the beach is used for grazing of cattle and sheep visitors are asked not to allow dogs off the lead in this area.
The beach has ample parking and toilets with a water tap (not drinking water).
The start of the waymarked walk to Tobson and Valasay leaves the track just before the cemetery wall. Leaflets are available at the Museum.


Theer are rocky outcrops and a spectacular view out into the Atlantic with a number of small islands to provide plenty of material for good photographs early or late in the day throughout the year.