The Coral Beach at Claigan, a few miles north of Dunvegan Castle, is one of the most surprising sights on Skye. After an easy walk along the shore of Loch Dunvegan, you round a corner to find a beach of almost white fragments that turn the shallow water a bright turquoise on a sunny day. The fragments are not coral at all but maerl, the bleached skeletons of a red coralline seaweed, washed up and broken into pieces. Behind the beach a small hill gives a view over the bay, the islands at the mouth of the loch and, in good weather, the Outer Hebrides on the horizon. It is free and open at all times and makes a lovely contrast with the dark cliffs and mountains elsewhere on the island.
The walk
From the small car park at the end of the road at Claigan, a farm track and then a coastal path lead north along the shore. The route is about a mile and a half each way and mostly level, crossing fields with sheep and cattle, so close gates and keep dogs on leads. Allow an hour and a half to two hours for the return walk with time on the beach. The path can be muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes, and bring a windproof layer, as the beach is exposed.
On the beach
The main bay is backed by low dunes and a grassy hill, Cnoc Mor a Ghrobain, which takes only a few minutes to climb for the best view. At low tide you can walk out towards the small tidal island of Lampay. Seals often haul out on the rocks nearby, otters are sometimes seen along this shore and the sunsets over the Minch can be spectacular.
Swimming is possible on calm days but the water is cold all year. Please take nothing away, as the maerl fragments are part of a protected habitat.
Getting there and combining it
Claigan is about four miles north of Dunvegan, reached by a minor single-track road that passes Dunvegan Castle, and roughly forty-five minutes from Portree. The car park is small and fills on fine summer days, so arrive in the morning or late afternoon.
The beach pairs naturally with the castle and gardens in season, with lunch in Dunvegan and with Neist Point for sunset, making a full day in the north-west of the island. There are no facilities at the car park, so use the toilets in Dunvegan before you set off.
What to expect
The experience
An easy, mostly level coastal walk of around a mile and a half each way from a small car park to a beach of bleached coralline seaweed.
Best time
A sunny day around low tide, when the water turns turquoise and you can walk out towards Lampay.
How long
About an hour and a half to two hours including time on the beach.
Tips
Close farm gates, keep dogs on leads, take nothing from the beach, and use the toilets in Dunvegan as there are none at the car park.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want an easy walk and a beach with a view, rather than a mountain day.
- Families
- Good for children who can manage three miles on the flat, with rock pools and a little hill to climb.
- Couples
- Walk out in the late afternoon, climb the hill for the view and stay for the light over the Minch.
- Pair with
- Dunvegan Castle, lunch in Dunvegan and sunset at Neist Point.
- Time needed
- Two hours, plus the drive from Dunvegan or Portree.
Good questions
Is the Coral Beach really coral?+
No. It is made of maerl, the bleached skeletons of a red coralline seaweed, which look like broken coral.
How long is the walk?+
About a mile and a half each way on a mostly level farm track and coastal path, so around an hour and a half to two hours in total.
Is there parking?+
There is a small free car park at the end of the road at Claigan, which fills on sunny summer days.
Can you swim there?+
On calm days you can, but the water is cold all year and there are no lifeguards or facilities.
Is it worth visiting in bad weather?+
The walk is fine in most weather, but the famous turquoise colour of the water only shows on bright days.
