Some of the best beaches
in Britain are here in
the Highlands
on the West Coast of Scotland
.
We have plenty of them near to us at Kilcamb Lodge
In fact, we are a central base for many of them you may have heard of
We have some amazing beaches near us so if you love the feel of sand between your toes, a paddle without the crowds and beautiful azure seas, then these beaches will not disappoint. Of course, the views across the water from many of these are stunnning, too, so they are well worth visiting from every perspective!
Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan
Our stunning Ardnamurchan beaches
For perfect days out from Kilcamb Lodge
Of all the walks on Ardnamurchan the beach walk is by far the most popular. Of course, we are set on the banks of Loch Sunart so you can easily take a short walk in the grounds and enjoy the shoreline here if you feel like it. However, if you are after golden sands and azure blue water then you will find plenty of the top spots in the Highlands within easy reach of the hotel by car.
It is very hard to pick a favourite, as there are so many stunningly beautiful white sandy beaches but here are just a few - all dog friendly (but please watch out for sheep & ground nesting birds) - and all stunningly beautiful beyond your wildest dreams - the only footprints in the sand will be yours. Envelop yourself in the unsurpassed peace and beauty of this wild and wonderful area, dip your toes in the cold, crystal clear waters and don't forget to drag yourself away in time for dinner!
Here are some of our top recommendations:
Singing Sands (Camas an Lighe)
An hour's walk from the car park, you'll find the car park marked on Google maps at Arivegaig. Singing Sands gets its name from the sound the sand makes when visitors shuffle their feet across the soft, white sand. As it's a little remote, it's less suitable for water based activities, however, our next pick is perfect for those!
Ardtoe Beach
Great for rockpooling, swimming, birdwatching, and water based activities. There's a little car park here at Ardtoe Beach, and the beach is just a few steps away, so if you can't walk far, this one will be perfect for you.
Sanna Bay
No visit to Ardnamurchan is complete without a visit to Sanna Bay. To get there you drive across an extinct volcano basin, where visitors often spot deer and Highland cattle, and the beaches are easily accessible after a 5 minute walk from a large car park. The beach here is often described as like being on the Caribbean - we think it's better as you may well find that you have the beach to yourself at times.
Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram (pronounced Cheerum) is on the rocky tidal island of Eilean Tioram. You can visit a castle and walk across a beach in the same visit here, although the walk across to the castle is only accessible at low tide. While the beach doesn't have views out to sea in quite the same way as the others listed here, you have a castle instead, and it's very beautiful. To access the beach you only need to take a few steps forward from the car park, although space can be limited there in peak season.
Cul na Croise Beach
Not the easiest beach to find but once you've found it you'll probably want to return! It's between Ardtoe and Singing Sands.
Camas nan Geall
The literal translation for Camas nan Geall is Bay of the Strangers, and there are remains of a Neolithic chambered cairn at the head of the bay. An Iron Age promontory fort lie here and there's a great view from the B8007 view point out to Ben Hiant.
Portuairk Beach
Portuairk is the westernmost settlement on the British mainland. It has wonderful sandy white beaches amongst a wild, rocky shoreline.
Bay MacNeil Beach
A wonderful sandy beach with amazing views of The Small Isles and Ardnamurchan Point.
Traigh Beach
A must-visit beach while you're in the area!
Image taken by one of our guests
at Kilcamb Lodge
More to explore - Highland and Island beaches
Don't miss a trip to these beaches!
Heading towards Arisaig and Mallaig, you'll find more amazing beaches which have stunning views out to the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna- there are several on the drive towards Mallaig, such as the Silver Sands of Morar, Traigh Beach (both of these are amongst our top suggested targets to head for), and Arisaig Beach.
Many of the sandy beaches on nearby islands are absolutely stunning, so well worth heading to on your days out. Take, for instance, Mull beaches - at Calgary you'll find haunting ruined settlements, iron-age forts and the white shell beach of Calgary Bay, which is undoubtedly one of the most photographed places on the Isle of Mull. As it comes into view on the road in, you'll realise why - it's absolutely breathtaking! Calgary Bay looks out onto the Inner Hebrides of Tiree and Coll.
In case you need a pitstop, in summer there's a kiosk selling drinks and ice cream and there are public toilets at the south end of the beach. Other beaches to look out for on Mull are Kilvickeon Beach, remote but worth it, Ardalanish Beach with views of Jura, Knockvologan Beach, Traigh na Cille (Black Beach), a local swimming spot, and many more. At Laggan Sands you might spot seals, birds of prey and Highland Cattle.
Don't forget the Island beaches!
.
Picture perfect viewpoints
Closer to the ferry on Mull you'll find another of the most photographed spots on the island - the boats at Salen (shown above)!
Other great viewpoints we've covered above, such as Castle Tioram, Bay McNeil beach, Sanna Bay and Calgary. On the way to Sanna Bay and Ardtoe Beaches you may spot a few more of the most photographed spots in the Highlands. Look out for a famous abandoned phone box, a stag standing proud on the skyline of a little hill alongside the road and an unusual Highland creature painted onto a rock - your journey will be full of the history and character of the Highlands. If you do head to Sanna Bay, don't forget to look back at the majesty of the volcanic bowl you are driving through, if you can take your eyes off the Highland Cattle!
Indulge in Unforgettable Moments
Create Memories That Last a Lifetime
Book your stay at Kilcamb Lodge Hotel today and immerse yourself in the unrivaled beauty and hospitality of the Scottish Highlands.