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The white sand and turquoise water of Iona's north end beaches from above, green machair behind.
Isle of Iona

North End Beaches

The white-sand beaches at the north end of Iona, with the White Strand of the Monks, looking to Mull and the Treshnish Isles.

Welcome

The north end of Iona is a string of beaches of pure white sand, with clear aquamarine water and wide views to Mull, Staffa, Ulva and the Treshnish Isles, and they inspired the Scottish Colourists, who painted here.

The beaches lie beyond the end of the road north of the abbey, across grazed croftland; keep to the path, and dogs on a tight lead.

On the north-east shore is the White Strand of the Monks, Tràigh Bhàn nam Manach, where tradition says raiders killed the abbot and fifteen of the elders of the monastery on Christmas Eve in 986. Its stones are black and white, and sea pinks grow in the rocks in April and May; the tides are fast here, so it is not a place to swim. Across the headland to the west, the Strand of the Seat has sheltered bays for swimming, twisted coloured rocks to clamber over, and polished sea glass in a little cove.

A short drive awayNinth Wave RestaurantA croft restaurant near Fionnphort on Mull, where Carla Lamont cooks long lunches from John's catch and their garden.9 min by roadSee itA table laid with glasses and white napkins at Ninth Wave, a painting of pebbles on the wall behind.
Before you go

The beaches lie at the end of the road north of the abbey, about 7.5km there and back from the ferry, two hours on foot, the last stretch on a path across the croftland.

The croftland is grazed: keep to the path and keep dogs on a tight lead. Do not swim at the White Strand; the tides are fast.

Getting there
CalMac ferry from Fionnphort on Mull, about five minutes, foot passengers and bikes only.
Walk
7.5km there and back, about 2 hours.
Dogs
On a tight lead on the croftland.
Swimming
Not at the White Strand; try the Strand of the Seat.
Where it is

The north end of Iona.

Close byAt Iona's north end.
  1. Coastal garden with flower beds overlooking a sailing boat on the waterTraigh Bhan nam MonachThe White Strand of the Monks, a beach near the far north point of Iona, reached across a field.Under a mile1 min by road
  2. Staffa's columned cliffs from a boat.Fingal’s Cave on StaffaThe great basalt sea cave on Staffa, off Mull, whose echoes inspired Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture.Under a mile4 min by road
  3. Basalt columns and sea caves on a grassy headland surrounded by breaking wavesIsle of StaffaThe little island of hexagonal basalt columns off Mull, home to Fingal's Cave and, in summer, to puffins.Under a mile4 min by road
  4. Iona AbbeyIona AbbeyThe restored Benedictine abbey on the site of St Columba's monastery of 563, with its cloister, high crosses and museum of carved stones.3 miles8 min by road
  5. The Iona Community's Welcome Centre and Shop, a low white building with its sign on the grass in front.Iona Community ShopThe Iona Community's shop and welcome centre opposite the abbey, with books, local crafts and Iona Abbey bread.3 miles8 min by road
Directions
A table laid with glasses and white napkins at Ninth Wave, a painting of pebbles on the wall behind.RestaurantsNinth Wave Restaurant2.5 miles
The Keel Row in Fionnphort, low granite buildings with picnic benches behind a stone wall.BarsThe Keel Row2.5 miles
AttractionsSt Oran’s Chapel & Reilig Odhráin2.7 miles
Scattered cottages and a stone church overlook a coastal bay from grassy hillsideAttractionsIsle of Iona2.7 miles
Iona's shore and the Sound under a pale sky.AttractionsIsle of Iona2.7 miles
Shelves of snacks, jars and treats inside the St Columba Larder.RestaurantsSt Columba Larder2.7 miles
Inside Oran Creative Crafts: shelves of candles, glass and gifts on a wooden counter.ShoppingOran Creative Crafts2.7 miles
Iona Nunnery Ruins, Isle of IonaAttractionsIona Nunnery Ruins2.7 miles
The whitewashed front of the Iona Craft Shop with blue window frames, bicycles and chairs outside.ShoppingIona Craft Shop2.7 miles
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For further reading, before you go.