Traigh Mhòr – A Pony Ride on Lewis's Big Beach
A few hours.
The route
Traigh Mhòr means big beach, and the two miles of golden sand below North Tolsta, on the east coast of Lewis, live up to the name.
Traigh Mhòr Pony Trekking, a British Horse Society approved centre in the village, takes riders of every level down onto it, from a gentle family ride at a walk to a canter through the waves for experienced riders. Children usually start riding at about four.
Before you go
Book accommodation nearby
If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.
None of ours is close by: the nearest is Harris Hideaway, 39 miles away. Sleeps 2.
Book Traigh Mhòr Pony Trekking
Book a beach ride with Traigh Mhòr Pony Trekking by the Enquiry button on its booking page or on 01851 890481, Monday to Saturday (it's shut on Sundays and takes fewer rides on short winter days): the Family Mini Beach Ride is £65 a rider at the time of writing, and the centre advises the best time of day for low tide.
The day
North Tolsta
A short ride through the village with views out to sea, then forty minutes on the sand of Lewis's big beach.
About an hour and a half
Traigh Mhòr Pony Trekking
The trekking centre is in North Tolsta, by the village shop and post office, Bùth Tholastaidh. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to fill in the forms and have a riding hat fitted. The Family Mini Beach Ride takes an hour, £65 a rider at the time of writing. It goes half a mile along the road, with views out to sea and across to the mainland, then about 40 minutes on the sand at a walk, led for beginners. Younger children can take the Beach Paddle instead, an hour for £55 with a splash in the stream. Experienced riders who can canter in the open can ride the whole length of the beach for £110. The beach is best at low tide, and the centre will advise the best time for your date. Wear warm, waterproof clothes that zip or button shut, long trousers and flat shoes (never sandals). The horses carry up to 13 stone, the larger ponies 11 and one horse 16. A dog can come along on a lead with someone walking.
If it rains
Cold and rain don't stop the horses: bring waterproofs. In strong wind the leader may choose a different route, and in extreme weather the centre moves the ride or refunds it.
Where to stay
Photographs by Simon Hawkes and Mary Oz via Google