We regularly visited this beach for picnics while on family holidays at Ardtoe, across the bay. Beautiful beaches and cracking views to Rhum and Eigg (if the weather is kind to you)
Route Details
1. Park in the small car park at the end of the road to the small township of Arivegaig. Follow the track through a metal gate and across the bridge. The track skirts along the southern shores of Kentra Bay providing good views of the bay and its small islands.
2. Keep right on the coastal track and cross a wooden bridge, ignoring a path ascending on your left to a hydro-electric station. After crossing the bridge, the track passes by the front of two adjacent stone houses at Gorteneorn.
3. Continue along the track until you reach the forestry plantation. Cross the stile, and head into the forestry plantation. From here, the track ascends gently up hill, skirted by spruce trees on either side. This is a lovely section of the walk, and provides a good opportunity to listen out for the drumming of woodpeckers, and to look out for coal tits, siskins and crossbills feeding in the tree tops. The ground is carpeted with bryophytes. The importance of the site for MOD training during the Second World War is indicated by the danger signs on unexploded munitions on route.
4. Continue on this track for about 2 kilometres until you see a small wooden sign on your right directing you to the beach ot Gortenfern. Turn right at the sign and descend towards the beach through a short stretch of coniferous woodland and then onto to heath before reaching the golden sands.
Spend time exploring this beach, with its rocky outcrops and lovely views of the Small Isles. Listen out for the singing of the sands in a gentle breeze. Look out for diving ducks, cormorants and shags and seals on the water; and otters along the coast. A great place for beachcombing and a picnic.
5. Return by the same route.