The Maze (Tiree)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
The Maze (Tiree) is an exposed, sandy bay on the west of Tiree that reliably receives Atlantic swell and can produce powerful, clean surf across much of the year. The break is generally described as a beach/point-style setup with peeling wave faces, strong wave power, and excellent overall quality when conditions line up. Surf performance is especially noted for autumn, when long-period groundswell tends to hold up well and riders can get longer peeling runs depending on how the sandbars configure. East winds are highlighted as the best option for surfing because they provide cleaner, offshore conditions for the waves. Access is a key part of the experience: reaching The Maze involves driving to the western edge near Kilkenneth and then going beyond a narrow road/track, followed by a trek over fields/coastal grassland (machair). Parking is limited, and visitors are strongly advised not to drive or park on the machair and to stay on established tracks. For wind sports, the area is described as very exposed to Atlantic weather systems with steady, high-reliability wind. However, safety risks are also emphasized—include rocks and the possibility of rip currents, plus cold water and isolation. Forecast-checking is strongly recommended because conditions can change quickly, especially on larger swells.
- Exposed Atlantic swell and high-quality peeling waves
- Best-performing season for surfing: September to October (long-period groundswell)
- Offshore/surf-friendly option: easterly winds
- Steady, reliable winds support kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling
- Exposed, high-quality surf and consistent Atlantic swell
- Works year-round, with particularly strong conditions in autumn (September to October)
- Clean sandy venue with powerful peeling waves when swell lines up
- Steady, reliable winds support wave riding across multiple disciplines
- Challenging access with a trek over fields/fragile coastal grassland and limited parking
- No lifeguards on-site
- Very exposed Atlantic conditions can overwhelm less experienced riders
- Cold water and strong rip-current potential during larger swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SW, NW, S
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Predominantly frontal/Atlantic weather-system winds; very exposed to the North Atlantic.
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady blowing conditions reported.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bay with medium beach size.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Big — Often capable of larger surf on incoming Atlantic swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Access described as crossing machair grassland/fields; not a direct self-launch beach.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Requires a trek over fields after reaching the area; not a direct self-launch.
Through the year
Generally quiet, but can become busier during October events.
Winter can be very stormy and wet; strongest storms often October to February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
World-class wave spot that picks up significant swell, producing powerful down-the-line riding in cross-shore winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Premier wave-sailing conditions when Atlantic swells roll in, with strong jumping and wave-riding potential.
- Sail Sizes
- 3.7–5.3 m²
Suitable for experienced wingfoilers looking for wave riding; swell can be significant, requiring high board control.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly; generally deep enough once past the initial shore zone depending on tide.
- Min Depth
- Variable due to tide; generally deep enough once past the initial shore zone.
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Exposed sandy bay/point with reasonably consistent, powerful Atlantic waves that can work much of the year, with particularly strong long-period performance in autumn.
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Best with east winds providing clean offshore conditions for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds long-period groundswell well in autumn, but on larger swell it can become heavy and more challenging to paddle out.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Clean, high-quality surf when conditions line up.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer long peeling rides depending on sandbar configuration.
- Ride Length Details
- Long-period groundswell can produce longer peeling rides in autumn.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Maze (Tiree) in the full forecast view.
The Maze (Tiree) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–43 ktsGusts 63 kts
- Direction
- SW220°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2543 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.6–7.5 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Maze (Tiree) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–43 kts, peaking around 43 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 63 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.6–7.5 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- rip currents
- cold water
- isolation
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated rescue availability at the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Scarinish. Emergency number: 999 or 112 (UK standard).
Rules of the spot
Avoid driving or parking on the machair (sensitive coastal grassland). Keep to established tracks. Farmer's/land permission rules are mentioned for some Tiree beach tracks, but it is unclear if they apply specifically to The Maze.
- Machair protection rules: avoid damaging the grassland; stick to tracks.
- Limited parking—do not park on the machair/grass.
- The trek/access is challenging—plan for a hike over fields/tracks rather than a direct self-launch beach.
- Parking is limited; do not park on the grass/machair—use established areas/tracks.
- The spot is very exposed: check swell/wind forecasts carefully as conditions can become overwhelming.
- An easterly wind can be very good for surfing (offshore), but wind-based sports still require caution given exposure and cold water.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Scarinish (main town on Tiree)
- Nearest Town
- Kilkenneth
- Nearest Airport
- Tiree Airport (TRE)
- Parking
- Limited parking at/near the end of the track; do not park on the grass/machair.
- Public Transport
- Demand-responsive island service; most visitors bring a car or rent bicycles.
- Access
- Drive to the very west of Tiree near Kilkenneth. The Maze bay is further west beyond a narrow coastal road/track; access then involves a trek over fields/fragile coastal grassland (machair). A car or 4x4 is recommended; parking is limited.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and self-catering cottages in Kilkenneth and nearby areas, plus limited on-island rooms; booking early is recommended.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on the beach; bring your own supplies from Scarinish or nearby cafes.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available from local schools on Tiree, often delivered or mobile.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is described as available seasonally via local schools (fee-based).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs may be possible through local schools; specialist facilities not indicated.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A museum detailing the history and construction of Scotland's tallest lighthouse located off the coast.
Tiree is exceptionally flat, making it ideal for exploring beaches by bicycle.
Coastal and heritage walks, including birdwatching opportunities.
Popular restaurant and bar serving locally sourced food.
Small-batch distillery tasting room and shop.
Small local pub and occasional seasonal eateries.
Tiree is exceptionally flat, making it ideal for exploring by bicycle.
Coastal and heritage walks, including birdwatching opportunities.
Guided rides along the beaches for all ages.
Walking trails and wildlife spotting across sandy coasts.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Maze (Tiree)?
The best overall months at The Maze (Tiree) are April, May, June, September, October.
Which wind directions work at The Maze (Tiree)?
The Maze (Tiree) works with E, SW, NW, S winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at The Maze (Tiree)?
Recommended equipment sizes at The Maze (Tiree): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 3.7–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–35 kts.
What skill level is The Maze (Tiree) suitable for?
The Maze (Tiree) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced to Expert · Wingfoiling: Advanced to Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.