A Complete Guide to Coldbackie Beach – Scotland’s Best Beach on the NC500?!
When most people think of Scotland, they think of towering mountains, ancient castles, and a LOT of rain. There is, however, a side to Scotland (especially on the northern and western coast of the country) that would leave most people believing they have travelled the beachside paradise of the Caribbean.
Crystal clear water, crashing waves, golden sands, and complete isolation are all that await those who go in search of Scotland's many beautiful beaches on the North Coast 500 road trip. One of the most spectacular of which is the hidden stretch of sand known locally as Coldbackie Beach, a true hidden gem on the North Coast of Scotland.
For more information on where it is, how to get to it, and why you need to, simply read this complete guide to Coldbackie Beach.
Get planning your epic North Coast 500 road trip with our guide to the Best Planning Tips
Coldbackie Beach - Is this the Best Beach on the North Coast 500
As you tour the northern coast of the highlands of Scotland, keep your eyes peeled for the hidden gem of a beach known locally as Coldbackie Beach. We stumbled across this beach by accident and it was possibly one of our favourite beaches in the world.
Where to Stay on the North Coast 500
What is Coldbackie Beach
Where is Coldbackie Beach
How to get to Coldbackie Beach
Why Should I go to Coldbackie Beach
When Should I go to Coldbackie Beach
Other things to do on the North Coast 500
John O'Groats Signpost
Duncansby Stacks and Lighthouse
Where to Stay on the North Coast 500
There is a wide range of accommodations around the NC500 route, so you will not be short on options. Depending on how long you are spending in each area will depend on how long you spend in that location. It is worth bearing in mind that some accommodations will require you to stay a minimum number of nights so it is worth researching this when you are planning your North Coast 500 itinerary.
Our new book North Coast 500 Where to Eat and Stay shares the best places to eat and stay around the NC500 and includes whether places are dog friendly, accessible, have wifi and EVC and whether they cater to dietary requirements. Paired with our Destination NC500 guidebook you will have the perfect combo to start planning your roadtrip of a lifetime.
The remoteness in the highlands of Scotland will leave you with little choice of accommodation in each location along the NC500, however, there are still enough options to choose from to ensure a comfortable trip. These are mostly in the shape of B&Bs, Airbnbs, converted cottages and other quirky accommodations.
Destination North Coast Map
Make sure you have all the resources you need to make the most of your trip to the North Coast of Scotland. Our Destination North Coast Map is the perfect addition to any traveller's toolkit. With detailed information on all the best spots, along the NC500, this map is your ultimate guide to exploring the rugged beauty of Scotland's north coast.
What is Coldbackie Beach?
On the northern coast of Scotland lie some of the best rated and most picturesque beaches in the world. With golden sands, clear blue water, and miles of stunning beaches with little to no sign of life, meaning you will have them all to yourself. One of the most spectacular of these beaches lies just outside of the town of Coldbackie and is know as the Coldbackie Beach.
Hidden from the roadside, this isolated, remote, and difficult to access stretch of sandy beach is the purest definition of paradise we could ever imagine. Hugely popular with surfers and local swimmers, this beach is usually a quiet and peaceful retreat for this willing to make the climb down the hillside to reach its hidden shores.
Where is Coldbackie Beach?
The beautiful beach of Coldbackie Sands lies just outside of the small town of Coldbackie, as you drive west towards Tongue. Just as you pass by the signpost that would welcome you back into Coldbackie if you were driving East, you will see a small stopping area on the righthand side towards the open water of Tongue Bay.
When we toured this route, there were a couple of picnic benches at this parking space, as well as a bench that you can use to relax and soak up the stunning view below if you wish. Stop off here and direct your attention towards the small path through the bushes that leads down the hill, seemingly towards the sea before disappearing behind a small hill at the bottom.
If you follow this path down, you will find the isolated paradise of Coldbackie Beach behind this small hill.
How to Get to Coldbackie Beach?
Once you have pulled over at the stopping place, make sure your car is parked responsibly so as to not block or cause a blond spot on the road leading past. If you are struggling for a parking space, the Weavers Craft Shop and Cafe lies just 1-mile along the road towards Tongue. If you use the facilities here and buy a coffee for your trip then there should be no issues leaving your car here.
Once you are at the aforementioned parking space, begin the hike down the hill, following the narrow and muddy track through the bushes to the bottom. Take extreme care on this path, especially in wet conditions, as the path can be slippery and treacherous underfoot. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear before attempting this walk.
Unfortunately, the climb down to the Coldbackie Beach is not accessible for those with reduced mobility impairments, as there are no stairs or handrails allowing access.
The climb to the bottom of the hill will most likely take you no more than 10 minutes, as the hill is of a very steep decline to the bottom. Once you are on the beach, relax and enjoy the crash of the waves, the sand between your toes, and the peace and quiet of this isolated paradise. Make sure to make the most of your time on the beach as the climb back up is a little more difficult..
Why Should I Go to Coldbackie Beach?
As I mentioned before, the beaches along the North Coast of Scotland as some of the most spectacular, undisturbed, and isolated beaches in the world, and each one is uniquely beautiful. The white sands of Coldbackie Beach are one of our favourite finds along the North Coast 500 road trip and, on a sunny day, the view of the beach will give you a whole new love for this country.
If you like tranquil beaches with soft sand, crashing waves, which are completely removed from the madness of the NC500 road trip then the Coldbackie Beach is one for you.
When Should I Go to Coldbackie Beach
With regards to the seasons here in Scotland, the driest months (and therefore most popular) are namely June through to August, which coincide with the school holidays of the UK. During these months, people flock to the NC500 in droves, which a lot of the time causes the serious issue of over-tourism and the environmental damage that results from it.
If we were to recommend a time of year that is the best time to visit Scotland, it would not be during this busy period. Instead, we would suggest heading north during the shoulder seasons of April, May and September. During these months, the winter rain has stopped and you will be blessed with the pleasant spring and early autumn weather that so many in Scotland prefer to the peak summer weather.
The other perk of visiting during the late spring months is that the biting insects have yet to wake up from winter, meaning that the intolerable "midges" will not ruin your trip. These tiny creatures are not to be taken lightly and are enough to drive the toughest of adventurers squealing back south to relief.
As for the time of day to visit Coldbackie Beach, we highly recommend visiting the beach during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. The lighting during this time of the day is soft enough to do the beauty of Coldbackie Beach its true justice.However, if you cannot make these small windows in the day, any time throughout the day is a good enough time to visit Coldbackie Beach. We would suggest researching the tide times, however, if you wish to swim in the sea, as at low tide the water might be a bit of a walk from the shore.
Other Things to do on the North Coast 500
In addition to the stunning shores of Coldbackie Beach, there are loads of other beautiful sights that you will need to visit close by, both to the west and further to the south.
Snap a Pic at the John O’Groats Signpost
One of the most popular tourist attractions on the north coast of Scotland, this famous John O’Groats Signpost is a definite photo-stop on the NC500 road trip. Marking the end of the countrywide route from its sister signpost in Lands End, Cornwall, this signpost is a welcome sight to the weary travellers who have made this monumental journey.
If you are touring the North Coast 500 then this signpost should be a definite stop on your road trip, as it is the perfect place to stretch your legs, snap a photo and grab a bite to eat.
Read our full guide to the John O’Groats Signpost to plan your trip to the fullest.
Visit the Duncansby Stacks and Lighthouse
Towering above the ferocious North Sea are the beautiful and majestic outlines of the Duncansby Stacks. Standing as a testament to the power of nature in this remote part of the world, it is believed that these sea stacks have existed for over 6000 years, slowly being eroding by the strength of the sea.
During your trip around the NC500, swing by Duncansby Head and visit the lighthouse that dates back to 1924, and wander along the coast to see these impressive sea columns for yourself.
Read our full guide to Duncansby Stacks and Lighthouse to plan your trip to the fullest.
So there you have it, a guide to visiting one of the best beaches on the North Coast 500, Coldbackie Beach.
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