Bucketlist Beaches to Visit in Scotland
Camas Daraich Beach
Camas Daraich is a small white sandy beach on the Sleat Peninsula on the isle of Skye. The beach is surrounded by rocky outcrops and towering cliffs to one side. This beach requires a bit of a walk to get to as it is located at the end of the Sleat Peninsula. This makes it the perfect place to visit if you want to escape the busy areas on the Isle of Skye as it is likely it will be much quieter.
Clachtoll Beach
Clachtoll Beach is accessed by driving through the campsite to the small parking area. There are toilet facilities here and a boardwalk to access the beach from the car park. Clachtoll Beach is small but continues to have that beautiful white sand that has been a common theme around the NC500 beaches. Look out for basking sharks and other marine animals in this area. You may just see them out in the distance.
Sandwood Bay
Sandwood Bay is one of the most remote beaches in Scotland and is situated 11 miles from Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point in mainland Britain.
Sandwood Bay is not an easily accessible beach as it requires walking 4 miles from the car park across moorland. The best place to park is at Blairmore where you will cross through a gate and follow the path to the coast.
There are no amenities at this beach and it will never be overly busy due to the effort required to get there.
Handa Island
Imagine a remote and unspoiled paradise off the rugged west coast of Scotland, where nature thrives in all its untouched glory – that’s Handa Island. This captivating gem, nestled in the dramatic Highland landscape, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and vibrant wildflowers, Handa Island offers a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. It’s a place where puffins soar through the skies, seals bask lazily on the rocks, and the sound of crashing waves lulls you into a state of tranquility.
We love the white sand beaches on Handa Island and enjoy a refreshing cold water dip in the sea there whilst waiting on the ferry back to the mainland.
Kearvaig Bay
Kearvaig Bay, located beside the Kearvaig Bothy, is situated in the far northwest corner of Scotland, near the Cape Wrath Lighthouse, which stands proudly on the most northwesterly point of the British mainland. The bothy is located in Sutherland county, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and unspoiled landscapes. If you are travelling the North Coast 500 road trip, you may be able to squeeze a visit in here on your NC500 itinerary.
Oldshoremore Beach
Oldshoremore Beach is located near Kinlochbervie at the end of a very narrow steep road. There is a small car park at the bottom with toilet facilities. The beautiful white stretch of sand is only a 5 minute walk away from the car park. There is a basic parking area across from the car park where you can camp overnight for a small donation.
