Barra Beach Landing

Most people have some kind of “Bucket List” and it’s a fair bet that flying to Barra and landing on the beach is right up there for many people – Barra is the only airport in the world with scheduled flights landing on the sand.

Loganair flies daily from Glasgow to Barra (times are subject to the tides) – the flight only takes about an hour and is operated by an 18 seater Da Havilland Twin Otter plane.

I had been to Barra twice before travelling by ferry and had always wanted to do this iconic flight – and I was luck enough to tick this off my list a couple of years back.

An early start from London and an uneventful Ryanair flight to Glasgow saw us waiting in the departure lounge for Loganair Flight LC455 – GLA to BRR – and I’ve got seat 2A (getting excited now).

When the time comes we all squeeze in to the plane – luckily there were only 12 passengers – don’t expect much leg room or aisle service (or an aisle for that matter) – but you will be treated to the most stunning views flying over the West coast of Scotland and the Western Isles.

After about an hour you can make out Barra in the distance – the large curve of Traigh Mhor beach, where we are about to land.

From my seat I could see in to the cockpit and over the pilot’s shoulders as we came in to land – I’ve got a video somewhere if I can find it – gently does it, little bump, a bit of spray and we have safely landed on the beach.

A short taxi across the sand and we all excitedly pile out on to the sand – lots of photos of the plane and a few selfies (it’s not very day you land on the beach is it) and then we walk across the sand to the terminal building – Barra Airport at Eoligary.

The baggage reclaim is a bit special too.

The terminal building is small but has a great little café – highly recommended.

We had arranged a hire car which we collected at the airport – keys were left with the lady serving at the café – and we spent a fabulous couple of days on Barra plus a quick trip on the ferry to Eriskay (Whisky Galore country).

Eriskay

West Coast of Barra

That Gate on Vatersay

Calmac ferry, Isle of Lewis, passing Kisimul Castle

Traigh Mhor beach

Sound of Barra - from Eriskay