Season: spring
Known by the Gaelic name Traigh Stir Hosta, this is the premier surfing beach in the Western Isles, pointing due west to face the Atlantic breakers. As well as the water sports that are available here, the sand dunes and machair behind the beach are a haven for birds like the corncrake, as well as numerous wild flowers and orchids in the summer. Access is good from the adjacent road and there is plenty of space to park.
On the beach at Hosta in North Uist.
Looking back towards Hosta beach from the headland.
I call it my ‘ Little piece of heaven on earth’, my sanctuary on the edge of the world where you can totally de-stress and put all around you into perspective. After time spent on the beach (regardless of the weather) you leave with a calmer piece of mind, a smile on your face and a wee spring in your step.