TOG Foundation

An Accessible walk around Staffin Bay, Isle of Skye

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Staffin Bay
© Andy North
Staffin Bay
© Andy North
Staffin Bay
© Andy North

Walk Details

The Isle of Skye offers some beautiful walks. This one is on the North East of the island and to a relatively undiscovered and peaceful beach at Staffin Bay. The walk we’re taking is along the coastal road around the bay. Whilst it is usually quiet – a few cars do use the road to get to the beach and slipway so please take care as there are no pavements.

Our walk starts at the Columba 1400 Leadership Centre.

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Here you can grab some refreshments (they are open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and evening meals) and make use of the facilities (including accessible toilets). There’s also a car park here.

There is a walk from the car park that takes you over the cliffs to the bay – if you decide to take that route instead – please be aware that it’s not wheelchair or pushchair friendly!

Our route to the beach is along the main road, which eventually meets up with the coastal road.
The views from the coastal road are stunning. In the summer months keep an eye out to sea as you may catch a glimpse of seals or whales in the bay. There is a slipway down to the beach and if you have a sturdy 4×4 all terrain wheelchair, you can get down to the beach and see the fossilised dinosaur footprints. They were left by a family of dinosaurs that walked across the sand here some 165 million years ago and are visible at low tide.

There are a couple of lovely beaches here at Staffin if you are prepared to seek them out, but there is easier access to a small area of sand just before the end of the road to Staffin Community Slipway.

For people who enjoy fishing, there is a small harbour wall, which is accessible and a popular spot for fishermen. Mackerel is in abundance there. There is space down by the slipway to park a car.

Access TOG’s verdict:
Staffin is a great place to escape the crowds of visitors who tend to centre around Portree. The beach is fairly accessible and the coastal road is ideal for any type of wheelchair. Don’t forget to visit the Columba 1400 as the food is delicious.

trainNearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Kyle of Lochalsh, Inverness

Local Information

Read the Countryside Code before venturing out
Make sure to take a map and compass, and know how to use them before going into our National Parks #BeAdventureSmart

Tips for New Walkers: click here to download (PDF).

Remember to prepare properly before heading out on any type of walk or outdoor activity. Tell people where you are going and what time you are expected back. As Wainwright says "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing".