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Traigh Mhor

Barra, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides

Type:Scenic Locations

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About

Traigh Mhor is a beautiful white shell sand beach, surrounded by machair which is a profusion of wild primroses in spring. But it is also the site of Barra’s airport –and the only one where the runway is washed twice a day by the tide. At low tide you will see the orange windsock flying near to the tiny airport terminal building to alert people of imminent aircraft movement – it’s worth biding here a while to watch the show, which is fascinating. Not many airports use a tractor to retrieve passenger luggage! In between low tides, the beach is open to the public. It is very popular with cockle collectors and is an outstanding place for photography.

Photographers' Tips

Crannog at the south east end has a small bay which is a good place to start. Look for the house with the red roof on the small promontory, to include in your picture. Good lighting early morning in spring and autumn.
If you want to capture a take-off or landing, look at the windsock to see the wind direction and choose a good vantage point. The planes will land and take off into the wind.

Map & Directions

TripAdvisor

What's Nearby

  1. Traigh Mhor is the beach where the plane lands - the only scheduled plane landing that…

    0.38 miles away
  2. Traigh Eais is sandy beach over a mile long, bordered on the east side by a extensive…

    1 miles away
  3. Ophioglossum vulgatum.- Very small fern 3cm tall

    1.12 miles away
  1. The chapel at Cille Bharra was perhaps founded as early as the 7th century AD, being…

    1.22 miles away
  2. Elecampan (Inula Helenium) is a tall yellow cultivated flower, now growing wild.

    1.38 miles away
  3. Bog bean (Menyanthes Triolaiata). This lovely flower, often overlooked, can be found in…

    1.38 miles away
  4. A great beach for all the family or a quiet walk. At low tide there are caves to explore…

    1.85 miles away
  5. Image: https://www.instagram.com/steve_gormley/

    Great white sandy beach. Perfect for…

    1.91 miles away
  6. Primula vulgaris
    Magnificent display of a common species

    2.02 miles away
  7. Great beach for a family outing or a quiet walk.

    2.11 miles away
  8. Built in 2000 for Barra & Vatersay Housing Association (now part of HHP) by Ben Tindall…

    2.2 miles away
  9. Platanthera bifolia
    This delicate coloured orchid, becoming quite rare, can be found at …

    2.22 miles away
  10. Drosera intermedia. - Insectivorous plant found in marshy ground

    2.32 miles away
  11. A well preserved iron age galleried dun situated on hill to the east of Cuier cemetery

    2.58 miles away
  12. A path leads into the interior of Barra with views over Heaval, the islands highest peak.…

    2.77 miles away
  13. Watch the seals laze on the rocks off shore - you may even catch them coming for a cheeky…

    2.91 miles away
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