The western side of the Long Island provides any number of fine, extensive and fairly unoccupied beaches and this is only a selection. Generally the beaches are backed by an area of machair - wild flowers.

1. Barra - north.  There is a bus all round this delightful island, which is the smallest of those in the Long Island directly linked to the mainland by ferry. If you work it out with the driver, you can get off at the airport, itself a beach on the east of the island [unusually]  You can then walk across the short distance to the west coast and right round the north end to pick up the bus when it returns to the airport.

2. Seal Bay, Barra.  This is a lovely beach about half way up the west side of Barra - the bus will put you down very close. it is well named and also has a fine expanse of sand.

3. Valtos, Lewis.  Remote and needing private transport, this area on the west coast is almost unbelievably beautiful with a large beach, dunes, an island and a large expanse of land good for wild camping. You might be lucky enough to make another discovery like the famous Uig chessmen, which were found near here - but don't hold your breath.