Laggan Bay (The Big Strand)

West facing beach. The Big Strand with a total length of 7 miles, or 12km, the Big Strand is the longest mostly uninterrupted sandy beach on Islay. It stretches from Laggan Point in the north to Kintra and the Oa Peninsula in the south. The only interruptions are the River Laggan at the north-end of the beach. The second interruption is the rocky outcrop west from Islay Airport which can easily be avoided, there is a track over the dunes. The last stretch of this stunning beach has two more rivers, the Machrie River and Kintra River. Depending on the amount of rainfall they can sometimes be a bit difficult to cross but are usually fine. Being the longest beach on the island, and being rather unsheltered too, it is perfectly suitable for those endless refreshing walks outside the tourist season, especially on bright windy days after a storm, when the waves come rolling in. Outside the season this beach is usually almost deserted and it is here where you can be entirely on your own for several hours if you like, only accompanied by the seagulls flying just above the dunes enjoying the rising winds. The perfect place to get away from it all! And in late Spring and Summer, weather permitting of course, it is an excellent beach for the entire family. With such a length you'll always find a spot all to yourself.