How long does Talisker Bay take?

Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 3.9 km route, which has 50 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Talisker (grid reference NG 325 303). Limited parking at the road end; don't block the track.

It's graded easy. A level track and a rocky shore.

Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.

Isle of Skye: Talisker Bay and Waterfall.

JoachimKohler-HB · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Talisker Easy

Talisker Bay

Out and back Dog friendly

A black-and-white sand beach between sea cliffs and a waterfall, at the end of a quiet glen.

Distance: 3.9 km
Ascent: 50 m
Time: 1–1.5 h
Grade: Easy
Route: Out and back
High point: 18 m

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Offline navigation is coming in the TRXO app. Hear when it launches.

Route mapped on 26 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 26 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Talisker Bay is an easy 3.9 km out-and-back walk with 50 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Talisker (grid reference NG 325 303).

Talisker Bay is a wide beach of black and white sand, a sea stack at one end and a waterfall dropping off the cliff at the other, reached by an easy track down the glen from Talisker House. Nothing to do with the distillery, which is at Carbost on the other side of the hill. Best at low tide and in an evening light.

Coastal Waterfalls Great views Kid friendly Dog friendly

Route

1
The bay

Follow the track down the glen to the beach and return.

Summit

On the way

Eas Mòr
Waterfall · 700 m from the route

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 1 h 6 min
Back by: 10:06
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at Talisker high point summit (18 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Talisker
Grid ref: NG 325 303
Parking: Limited parking at the road end; don't block the track.
Transport: No practical public transport.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

Glenbrittle Youth Hostel Hostel · 11.5 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

A level track and a rocky shore.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Land and access

In Scotland you have a right of responsible access to most land, including the hills, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Take responsibility for your own actions, and respect people's privacy and peace of mind.
Help land managers do their job: follow reasonable advice about lambing, deer stalking, tree felling and shooting.
Keep dogs under proper control, on a short lead near livestock and in the bird breeding season (April to July).
Leave no trace: take all your litter home.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

What to take

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Talisker Bay take?: Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 3.9 km route, which has 50 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Talisker (grid reference NG 325 303). Limited parking at the road end; don't block the track.
Can I get there by public transport?: No practical public transport.
How hard is it?: It's graded easy. A level track and a rocky shore.
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.

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