Scotland's Most Picturesque Beach: Sandwood Bay

Sandwood Bay, located miles away from any roads, hidden high in the northwest of Scotland, is one true hidden gem! If you are driving the NC 500 or visiting Kinlochbervie, this walk is a must! Not only is it one of Scotland’s most remote beaches, but it has also been voted as one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. After my visit, I can completely see why!

The walk isn’t a short walk. You need to be prepared to walk 9-miles, along a well-marked footpath up and down grassy sand dunes. However, the minute you meet eye contact with Sanwood Bay, the long walk to it will all seem worthwhile!

Location

Sandwood Bay is located on the northwest coast of Scotland. The walk starts and finishes in the hamlet of Blairmore, just 3 miles north of Kinlochbervie.

Parking

There is a small car park in Blairmore, located at the start of the trailhead for Sandwood Bay.

The Route

Follow this map, as you walk the route, you shouldn’t get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.

Downloadable GPX Files

1.

Starting at the car park in the hamlet of Blairmore, head east out of the car park and cross over the road. You should see a footpath with a signpost marking Sandwood Bay.

2.

Take the footpath and follow it for about 4.5 miles, until you reach Sandwood Bay, passing a couple of little lochs along the way.

3.

Enjoy your time on Sandwood Beach, strolling along the untouched sand and enjoying the full beauty of the beach.

4.

Once you are ready to head back to the car, walk along the same footpath you came on, retracing your steps. Eventually, you should end up back at the car park, where you started the walk from.