Time & Tide
Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Route by Norma, Immerse Hebrides
Location: Little Bernera, Isle of Lewis
Total distance: 6 KM
Above distance (hike, run): 1–3KM
Below distance (swim): 3–5km
A (start): Bosta Beach, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis
B (finish): circular
Duration: half Day or day trip
Difficulty: HARD
OS MAP: OS EXPLORER 458
Before you set off, please read our safety guide and blog post on the risks of biosecurity. And here is our recommended kit list.
need to know
Terrain: Starts from a gentle sloping beach heading out west towards a rocky shore on the island of Little Bernera. Can be boggy walking the first part to the lagoon. Second walk is shorter and on harder machair grass.
Things to look out for: Iron Age house and tidal bell at Bosta beach. On Little Bernera there’s a ruined chapel and cemetery.
Safety - extra things to look out for: This is for advanced sea swimmers who understand tides or it can be completed with our guides. Swimmers can be exposed to swell heading west towards the rocky shore on Swim 1 but the swim route could be shortened/adjusted to avoid this. On the return swim to Bosta the narrow channel must be planned around the tide as there can be up to 3 knots passing through. Check tides! Neaps are better.
Extra kit: Camera and means of communication (phone signal can be patchy). You’ll want to bring a camera for the lagoon and church!
Highlights
Above: Little Bernera lies very close to Great Bernera but if you want to see the best of the island it’s best to land on the rocky shore and walk North to the lagoon. You’ll pass eagles soaring above and get the best view of the lagoon this way on the first walk. Look out for eagles pellets too! On the second part of the walk as you come over the brow of the hill on the east side of the island the ruined chapel will become visible. Take care walking around the cemetery. It’s very uneven ground with a steep hill.
Below: As you leave Bosta beach through emerald water you’ll pass the tidal bell (don’t ring it until you finish the route!). Heading out towards the rocky shore of Little Bernera you’ll notice kelp forests and maybe a porpoise or two. This can be the more exposed sea swim so prepare by checking the conditions. The second swim through the lagoon is along the beach. The shell beach is stunning and the water so clear. The last part from the Temple Sands back to Bosta Beach is the longest swim. Stay right until you get to the narrow channel. Double check the current by looking at the direction of the seaweed. If it’s with you great! If you’ve not planned around an outgoing tide you may struggle to get through the channel. If this happens exit at the small slipway to your left before the narrow channel and walk back along the road to Bosta Beach. If you’ve managed to get through the channel well done! Ring that tidal bell!
your guides
Want to give this route a go, but not ready to go it alone?
Get in touch with local husband and wife team Norma & Neil MacLeod who run immersehebrides.com
Norma MacLeod is an ex-competitive swimmer, average triathlete (in her words) and founder of Immerse Hebrides who she runs with her ex-RNLI coxswain & master mariner husband Neil. Immerse Hebrides runs outdoor sea swimming holidays in Scotland, day adventure swim tours, island bagging and safety training. With a team of local instructors, coaches and a safety RIB you’ll be in safe hands in the Outer Hebrides.