Sandwood Bay
Sandwood Bay
5
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Top ways to experience Sandwood Bay and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
3 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- MrsRTeacherMelbourne, Australia41 contributionsBeach worthy of a visitWhat a great beach! It’s a good 6km walk (one way), beautiful views. I’m 60, average fitness and it was OK. Waterproof shoes highly recommended as there were a few puddles. My shoes were not waterproof but I was fine. There are no toilets but there are in Kinlochbervie. A big bonus for us was seeing highland coos grazing in the side if the road when we drove home. Kinlochbervie is a huge modern fishing port.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 8, 2023
- Zia Savel3 contributionsBeautiful BeachBeautiful walk, excellent easy to follow track. Good parking, with well kept toilets. The optional parking payment honesty box has now been replaced with a QR code on the toilet block.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 3, 2024
- Lucy Hague20 contributionsSandwood Bay Beach ⛱️Me and my daughter wild camped for 1 night at Sandwood and it was an amazing experience! We parked at Blairmore carpark for free and hiked the 4 mile - ISH walk to the beach. I couldn't believe how quiet and secluded it was 😌❣️❤️ it's an absolutely beautiful beach! ....BUT, this beach is no secret. There are plenty of people who visit during the day with dogs and young families etc. Well worth a visit though!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 25, 2024
- Big_D_The_Goat85 contributionsAlways Worth A VisitBeen to Sandwood countless times now, and it never disappoints. Of course, summer sun brings out all the gorgeous colours but strong winds and raging seas shows you nature in all her mighty power too. Guarded to the south by the impressive sea stack, Am Buachaille. The route is waymarked from Blairmore Car Park. Should be easy enough for walkers of all abilities. The 4.5 mile walk to the beach passes moorland and lochans. Take in the sights, they're wonderful. It's a must for anyone visiting this part of Scotland.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
212 reviews
Excellent
187
Very good
16
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Andy
31 contributions
Aug 2020
Was recommended this place by a B&B host. Very disappointed when we arrived. Place was supposed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. We visited Achmelvich beach the previous day and felt it was much better. We appreciated it was a long walk from the car park (13km+ round trip) but felt we should do it after a recommendation. We walked around 90 mins each way. The weather started to cloud over on the way which meant midges come out and we (my girlfriend in particular) were bit to death before we even got to the beach. When we arrived it was a bang average beach, no better than most places in the UK in our opinion. We appreciate it's location is unique (so far away from nearest road) but other than this it is no better than the majority of easily accessible beaches. Would recommend Achmelvich bay over this. We felt we had wasted around 4 hours of our day doing this.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
funkylady
Carnoustie, UK119 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Not sure what all the hype is about, to be honest. Big beach in a wilderness area- yes. Reputedly best beach in Britain- no.
Fortunately we cycled half the way there and back but if I had walked a 9 mile round trip to see it, I would have been fuming.
Achmelvich beach or Clachtoll beach much better and picturesque
Fortunately we cycled half the way there and back but if I had walked a 9 mile round trip to see it, I would have been fuming.
Achmelvich beach or Clachtoll beach much better and picturesque
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina S
9 contributions
Jun 2021
We have been trying to visit here for a few years now! So glad we finally made it! The path is well maintained but a bit difficult due to loose stones near the start and a lot of walking on the sand to get the beach at the end. Due to an ankle injury I had walking poles and I was so glad I did - I think getting off the beach would have been pretty tricky without them. Took us about 2 hours in each direction but we took a break every half hour to enjoy the scenery and have a drink - we did it on a very hot day! Worth the walk.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan F
Tarporley, UK412 contributions
Oct 2022
As beaches go, this is pretty epic. Arguably the most remote beach I've ever been to, surpassing those on the Outer Hebrides.
Despite a 90 minute car journey to the car park, there is still a 4 mile path to contend with before the bay reveals itself to you. This journey can be completed in about 1hr/1hr15m give or take. There are multiple ways down to the beach however do not take the left hand path into the dunes, there is a middle option that leads into the middle of the bay that is far kinder on the feet.
Worth the pilgrimage!
Despite a 90 minute car journey to the car park, there is still a 4 mile path to contend with before the bay reveals itself to you. This journey can be completed in about 1hr/1hr15m give or take. There are multiple ways down to the beach however do not take the left hand path into the dunes, there is a middle option that leads into the middle of the bay that is far kinder on the feet.
Worth the pilgrimage!
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zia Savel
3 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Beautiful walk, excellent easy to follow track. Good parking, with well kept toilets.
The optional parking payment honesty box has now been replaced with a QR code on the toilet block.
The optional parking payment honesty box has now been replaced with a QR code on the toilet block.
Written May 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy Hague
20 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Me and my daughter wild camped for 1 night at Sandwood and it was an amazing experience!
We parked at Blairmore carpark for free and hiked the 4 mile - ISH walk to the beach.
I couldn't believe how quiet and secluded it was 😌❣️❤️ it's an absolutely beautiful beach!
....BUT, this beach is no secret. There are plenty of people who visit during the day with dogs and young families etc. Well worth a visit though!
We parked at Blairmore carpark for free and hiked the 4 mile - ISH walk to the beach.
I couldn't believe how quiet and secluded it was 😌❣️❤️ it's an absolutely beautiful beach!
....BUT, this beach is no secret. There are plenty of people who visit during the day with dogs and young families etc. Well worth a visit though!
Written August 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big_D_The_Goat
Fife, Scotland85 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Been to Sandwood countless times now, and it never disappoints.
Of course, summer sun brings out all the gorgeous colours but strong winds and raging seas shows you nature in all her mighty power too.
Guarded to the south by the impressive sea stack, Am Buachaille.
The route is waymarked from Blairmore Car Park. Should be easy enough for walkers of all abilities.
The 4.5 mile walk to the beach passes moorland and lochans. Take in the sights, they're wonderful.
It's a must for anyone visiting this part of Scotland.
Of course, summer sun brings out all the gorgeous colours but strong winds and raging seas shows you nature in all her mighty power too.
Guarded to the south by the impressive sea stack, Am Buachaille.
The route is waymarked from Blairmore Car Park. Should be easy enough for walkers of all abilities.
The 4.5 mile walk to the beach passes moorland and lochans. Take in the sights, they're wonderful.
It's a must for anyone visiting this part of Scotland.
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhu
Perth, UK106 contributions
Jun 2021
Quite a long walk for us taking 2 hours to get there but well worth it. The views are simply stunning as the beach comes into view.
The sand is beautiful, white and soft. I had a paddle in the surf before making the return trip on well marked paths.
The sand is beautiful, white and soft. I had a paddle in the surf before making the return trip on well marked paths.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnMason1957
Glasgow, UK228 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
I have visited Sandwood Bay a couple of times before but was keen to go again after lockdown. What a fabulous beach. It is certainly remote but the path in is pretty good thanks to John Muir Trust. Good to see a steady flow of walkers.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoExplore
111 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
One of my favourite beaches on the NC500 and I have been a few times now. There is a 4 mile hike from the car parking area to get to the bay but it is well worth it. The trail is straightforward to navigate and has stunning scenery, making the whole experience excellent. Make a day of it and pack a picnic for the beach!
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, My partner uses a large wheeled nearly all terrain Mobility scooter do you recon the path would be wide enough to accommodate it, the only thing that really stops her is steep climbs/decents, narrow paths or crossing ditches,
Thanks John
Written January 1, 2018
no its too rough in places.. the other beach closer to town, oldshoremore is a shorter walk and probably a safer bet. still a pretty beach!
sandwood is a long hike and at the end the dunes arent easy to descend. we stayed on top of the dunes to eat and see the ocean
Written January 1, 2018
What can i do if i need to go to the bathroom?
Written December 25, 2016
Hi everyone!
We live in Glasgow and would really like to visit this Sandwood Bay, however, we cannot drive. What is the easiest way to get there? How could we travel up there and do the 4 mile walk? Thanks in advance!!!!
Written June 5, 2016
You can get a bus (not a big one, about 20 seats, suggest you try bookin a seat.from Inverness to Kinlochbervie (D&E coaches Inverness - 01463 222444) and its a straightforward walk from the carpark (complete with tea hut) to Sandwood Bay....its beyond the back of beyond, so you will need to be self relient. Mobile phone signal is unreliable. The track is much better than it used to be, but sensible footwear and clothing to deal with all weathers should be carried, as there is NO shelter and you are exposed to all that the North Atlantic can throw at you.
There is a great wee bus company in Durness (07782 110007 or 01971 511223) that goes to Rhiconnich....but that's leaves you a few miles to walk on the road to get to Kinlochbervie, they are great and were a great help to us on our travels.
enjoy your trip
Stuart
Written June 6, 2016
IsabelleP83
Toulon, France
Hello How long it is to reach the beach? Thank you
Written January 30, 2016
About 1.5 to 2 hrs good path dress for the weather which could be anything and can change quickly
Remember you are on the west coast and it's the North Atlantic out there
Sensible footwear a good idea👍🏻
Cheers
Stuarr
Written June 7, 2016
Yes, but best to camp in or beyond the dunes to the south of Sandwood Loch or in the area of the ruin that sits just below the path end
Cheers
Stuart
Written June 7, 2016
Does anyone know if the path to Sandwood Bay Is possible by bicycle? thanks
Written June 24, 2015
Yes it is for most of the way.We saw people leave bikes at the high point of the track where it descends and gets a bit rougher and presumably to save them a short climb on the way back!
Written June 25, 2015
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