Visitor Information

Location: North Tolsta, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

North Tolsta Community Hall - ///subway.raven.nothing

Traigh Mhor Beach ///saddens.magically.deadline

Directions from Stornoway:
North Tolsta is approximately 14 miles (about 30 minutes) north of Stornoway. By car, follow the A857 north out of Stornoway, then turn right at Newmarket onto the B895, signposted to Tolsta, continuing through Back and Gress to Tolsta.

A local bus service runs between Stornoway and North Tolsta throughout the day.

We encourage you to use public transport where possible.

You can view the full timetable here

Downloadable timetables can be found below map

We are running a shuttle bus between Traigh Mhor Beach Car Park and North Tolsta Community Hall. This service will run regularly throughout the day and is intended to help alleviate pressure on the limited beach parking.

Parking in North Tolsta is limited. Please be considerate to residents—do not block driveways, park on verges, or in passing places. We strongly encourage car sharing or using public transport where possible.

Available parking:

• Traigh Mhor Beach Car Park - ///saddens.magically.deadline

• North Tolsta Community Hall - ///progress.postings.dishing

• Cemetery Car Park (for south beach access). ///riddle.restored.sprinkler
  Please note: this may not be available during funerals. We will provide notices and advance updates if this is the case.

• Additional overflow parking behind the North Tolsta Development Trust (signposted) ///flag.december.perfumed

There are lots of things happening during the day.

Full Programme can be found here

Toilets are available at North Tolsta Community Hall and Traigh Mhor Beach Car Park.

Light refreshments will be served at the Community Hall.

Much of the event takes place on the beach and involves walking on uneven ground. Please dress for changeable weather. The beach can feel cold on windy days and the sun can be strong.

If you plan to stay for the whole day you might like to think about bringing food and drink where possible. Light refreshments (teas/coffees/snacks) will be available at the hall, but there are no cafés/restaurants in North Tolsta

If you plan to help create sand whales, be prepared to kneel or sit on wet sand—waterproof trousers or a kneeling pad may come in handy.

A qualified first aider will be present throughout the event.

Please take care on the beach, particularly around the stranding site.

We recommend familiarising yourself with the HM Coastguard safety guidelines

Coastal safety | HM Coastguard UK

Pedestrian access to the beach is available from both the north and south ends, each involved walking.

Please note that the beach terrain is uneven and sandy throughout. Accessing the sculptures requires walking on sand, and sculpting involves physical activity such as lifting, kneeling, and sitting on the ground.

For those unable to access the beach, there will be an accessible performance of the music at North Tolsta Community Hall at 4:00pm.

Below is some useful information regarding marine animal strandings and what you can do to help

HM Coastguard UK- Why can’t beached whales just go back in the sea? Your stranding questions answered 

Use the Beach Track App to help SMASS collect data, and contribute to one of the world's largest and most extensive datasets on marine strandings and beach health.

BDMLR - what to do if you come across a stranded animal