Talisker Bay is a small sandy bay on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It is famed for its incredible sunset views, stunning coastal walks and even some opportunity to do a little surfing. It is situated close to the village of Talisker (you may have heard of the more famous distillery) on the west coast of Skye. With the sandy beach facing westward, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down with an early evening drink, but there is lots more to enjoy here too.
The beach at Talisker Bay sits at the foot of Glen Oraid, nestled between two spectacular high cliffs. An enormous sea stack and breathtaking waterfalls add to the scene, and there is a broad sweep of sand below a bank of shingle.
Getting to Talisker Bay
The beach is a short walk from the road. Parking is available at the end of the public road at NG326306. You will see a sign that reads ‘To The Beach’ – simply follow that sign along a wide track that runs around the side of Talisker House and you’ll be at the beach in around 20 minutes. You should know that, when the tide is high, there is not a lot of beach to experience. It is recommended that you check tide times before you visit so that you can enjoy the sand and shingle when the tide is out.
Walk statistics
The walk to Talisker beach is along a track and the distance is approximately 1.5km. It starts at the car park and passes Talisker House before passing through farmland where you can see some beautiful country views and plenty of grazing livestock. It is not a challenging walk and the distance is not long, so it is suitable for families. Dogs should be kept on a lead if you are passing a field with sheep, but other than that it is a dog-friendly walk.
Things to see nearby Talisker Bay
As you begin the walk, the first thing you’ll see is Talisker House. It is an impressive piece of architecture with a rich history, having been built in 1717. It is the former home of the Macleods of Talisker and was visited by Boswell and Johnson when they toured the Hebrides in 1773.
If you want to see the best of Skye’s natural beauty, a SeaSkye Tour will take you around the coast to take in some exquisite scenery and learn about the island’s history. There are also wildlife and adventure tours to try inland. The Talisker Distillery is worth checking out for whisky connoisseurs. The Isle of Skye is not an enormous place, but there is much to discover on a visit there.
Places to eat and drink nearby Talisker Bay
There are 4 restaurants within 5 miles of Talisker Bay:
Did you know: NatureScot has designated Talisker as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This is due to its unique geological features and the presence of two very rare species of moth: the Talisker burnet moth and the transparent burnet moth.
