The majority of Scotland’s top beaches are located on the west coast, as anyone familiar with the country will attest. I’ve combed through all the beaches and sands to bring you this list of the top 21 beaches on Scotland’s west coast in this guide. Anticipate crowded beaches near towns, peaceful locations in the middle of nowhere, and countless explanations of essentially twenty-one different places to see the same thing. Most of these beaches are located in the nation’s north, as one might anticipate. However, I’ve also added some beaches that stretch south. Here are the top 21 beaches on Scotland’s west coast, so grab a picnic, throw on your Speedos, and prepare to be wet, wet, wet (pardon the pun intended for Marti Pellow).
1. Achmelvich Bay
Now, let’s start in a remote and rural area. This may seem like an odd place to start… However, a lot of people believe that this is Scotland’s best beach. This appears to belong on the Mediterranean Coast, not in a country where it rains most of the time, as it sits along the northern portion of Scotland’s west coast (as well as the North Coast 500).
This semi-circular bay with turquoise waters is encircled by white dunes, little hilly hills, and the well-known Shore Caravan Site. Families, swimmers, fishermen, and kayakers frequent this popular spot, which is located at the end of a single-track road. It’s roughly 40 miles (65km) north of Ullapool… and this ought to be your selection if you could only visit one Scottish beach on the west coast.
2. Big Sand Beach, Gairloch
Located to the west of Gairloch, this large kid is another favourite of the North Coast 500. Situated on the other side of Ullapool, it is approximately 100 miles south of Achmelvich Bay. The place’s name essentially tells you all you need to know. It’s large. and a lot of sand is there. It’s not as tropical or gorgeous as some of the other Scottish beaches on the west coast, but it’s still a dog-walker and family favourite with lots of sand dunes, and a good place to swim. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a well-liked beach in a less populated area of Scotland. It’s a favourite of mine. Check out the neighbouring Hillbillies Coffee while you’re here. One of Bob Marley’s sons owns the company that harvests and roasts the beans used in this cafe and bookstore. Specialisation!
3. Oldshoremore Beach
Another north-of-the-west-coast option, Oldshoremore Beach sits at the very northern part of Scotland, relatively close to Durness. It looks pretty similar to Achmelvich Bay, but it’s not so well-known. The water is bluey-green, the sands are golden-white, and both sides of the bay have green rocky mounds. Aside from swimming, walking and picnicking, there’s not a massive amount to do here… but if you want a quiet, unspoilt spot (or if you’re looking for a romantic sunset), it’s one of the best beaches on the west coast of Scotland.
4. Sandwood Bay Beach
This location, just north of Oldshoremore Beach, enjoys greater recognition than its neighbour. This one seems to meet all the requirements, and because I’m a fickle and indecisive person, I’m sure I’ll say this about a lot of other entries on the list as well. However, I believe this to be the best beach on Scotland’s west coast. To start, it’s enormous. You can usually locate a quiet spot with 1.5 miles (more than 2 km) of (pink!) sands. It’s ideal for romantic picnics or swimming during sunsets. In addition, Sandwood Loch, a freshwater loch that empties into the sea, is located there. It offers stunning vistas and a large population of brown trout. and best of all, there are never many people here because access is limited to a 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) walk. There are a few little lochs and a tonne of different vistas along this lovely and simple hike. It’s one of my go-to short trips in Scotland.
5. Scourie Bay
It’s Scourie Bay, or Scourie Beach as some prefer to refer to it, not far south of Sandwood Bay and Oldshoremore Beach. It’s in a peaceful area of the country, but it’s not as far away as some of the beaches we’ve already shown you. You don’t have to work hard to get it because it’s conveniently located off the main A894 route.
Families and dog walkers love it…
Still, it’s even better for avian enthusiasts. If you settle into one of the hides designated for birdwatching, you will likely spot gulls, gannets, guillemots, and other birds whose names may or may not start with the letter G. Take a boat ride to the neighbouring Handa Island, which is home to one of the largest seabird breeding colonies in Europe, for even more feathered companions.
6. Clachtoll Beach
In this same northwest corner of Scotland, Clachtoll Beach is another alternative, right next to Achmelvich Bay. (I’ll be heading to other regions of the nation soon, I swear).
To be honest, it resembles its neighbour quite a bit. It’s not as well-known, a little bit quieter, and smaller. It is a favourite spot for dog walkers and is suitable for picnics and swimming. There are some interesting facts about the surrounding fauna, geology, and ecology in the small ranger’s hut. You can see beautiful mountains from the small headlands on either side of the beach. If you’re lucky, you could even be able to see seals, whales, and dolphins from these sands.
The fact that these beaches are adjacent to one of Scotland’s greatest campgrounds, Clachtoll Beach Campsite, is by far their greatest feature. I heartily suggest it if you enjoy comfortable but well-equipped campgrounds.
7. Achnahaird Beach
Achnahaird Beach, which is situated near the Achmelvich/Clachtoll area, is among our list’s top bay-based choices. Sitting in a densely populated inlet, this beach is well-known among peaceful beachgoers as one of the best in all of Scotland—not just the west coast. It feels secluded and mysterious. There are many of stunning lochs close by, but you won’t find many other people here. You can drive or ride a bike there, whichever suits you best. Don’t ignore them, though. When the tide is out, Achnahaird Beach is a great choice for families because it has a lot of rock pools.
Great views of the infinitely explorable mountains to the east are available from the beach. Stac Pollaidh is a walk I highly suggest if you have the time to do it. It’s a well-liked journey that I consider to be among my best in Scotland.
FAQ’S:
Q1.What facilities are available at these beaches?
Facilities vary by beach, but most have parking areas, and some may have public restrooms nearby. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks as amenities can be limited in remote areas.
Q2.What is the best time to visit these beaches?
The West Coast of Scotland can be visited year-round, but weather conditions can vary. Summer (June to August) generally offers milder weather, but be prepared for rain at any time. Spring and autumn can be quieter, and winter visits may offer a unique, peaceful experience, but with cooler temperatures.
