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Scotland’s best walks – Sandwood Bay, Assynt

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Sandwood Bay is probably Scotland’s most beautiful and remote beach.

Located in the far northwest of Sutherland, just to the south of Scotland’s most north-westerly point, Cape Wrath, this pristine stretch of pink sand is flanked by towering cliffs and the striking sea stack, Am Buachaille.

The name “Sandwood” probably comes from the Viking term “Sandvatn,” meaning “sand water” – were Viking longboats dragged across the sands into Sandwood Loch?

The bay is also home to a Pictish settlement and is the site of a 1941 Supermarine Spitfire crash, with one of the aircraft’s propellers and its Rolls-Royce Merlin engine occasionally surfacing from the sands.

Before the nearby Cape Wrath Lighhouse was built, the bay was the scene of many shipwrecks, and is home to many Sandwood Bay stories including ghostly apparitions and even sightings of a mermaid.

Here is how to walk to Sandwood Bay, one of the best walks in Scotland.

Sandwood Bay: hiking to Scotland’s most remote beach

The most common starting point for the hike is the car park at Blairmore, situated on the B801 to the west of Oldshoremore near Kinlochbervie in Assynt.

From here, a well-maintained path leads you through peat moorland, past several small lochs, before finally descending the sand dunes down to the beach itself.

The 4-mile (approximately 6.5 km) walks to the beach takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete one way. The terrain is mostly flat, though some sections may be boggy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the trail can be extended to Cape Wrath, adding approximately 8 miles (12 km) along the remote Cape Wrath Trail before taking the summer ferry back to Durness – one for experienced hikers only!

Sandwood Bay stretches for about 1 mile (1.6 km) and is backed by impressive dunes and fthe reshwater Sandwood Loch. The bay faces into the North Atlantic, so be prepared for brisk winds and ever-changing weather conditions.

At the southern end of the beach stands Am Buachaille, a 65-meter-high sea stack composed of Torridonian sandstone. Climbing the stack is reserved for very experienced climbers!

Sandwood Bay Parking

There is a free car park at Blairmore.

Sandwood Bay route maps

How long does it take to get to Sandwood Bay?

The walk to Sandwood Bay takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete (one way)

Sandwood Bay with Dogs

The walk to Sandwood Bay is suitable for dogs, however it does cross croft land so it is recommended that you keep your dogs on a lead or in very clos control in case of sheep or nesting birds.

Best time to walk to to Sandwood Bay?

You can walk to Sandwood Bay all year round, but be aware the beach is very remote and faces the Atlantic, so be prepared for changeable weather and storms.

Hiking in Scotland in summer also gives you longer day lighthours, and you may need this as the walk will take about 4 hours (there and back)

How hard is it to get to Sandwood Bay?

The walk will take 4 hours so you will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to hike to Sandwood Bay. The walk is mostly flat apart from the last section where you descend the sand dunes to the beach. Climbing back up the sand dunes is the toughest part of the return journey!

Wild Camping at Sandwood Bay and Bothy Accommodation

Wild camping is permitted at Sandwood Bat provided you adhere to Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code.

Alternatively, the nearby Strathchailleach Bothy, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) east of the bay, offers basic shelter for hikers.

This bothy is maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association and is free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, mostly by thoses hiking the Cape Wrath Trail, so think carefully about taking this free resource away from those who really need it!

Where to stay for Sandwood Bay

Newton Lodge

A boutique hotel, bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Quinag and Loch Glencoul and Newton Lodge is the prefect spot for exploring the area around Kylesku or as an escape from the North Coast 500.

The hotel offers a true warm and (dog) friendly Highland escape with fabulous fine dining in the hotel restaurant.

Read my review of Newton Lodge. Book Newton Lodge.

The Kylesku Hotel

Beside the famous Kylesku Bridge on the North Coast 500 is the Kylesku Hotel serving up great seafood landed right outside your door.

The rooms are smart and have special views out over Loch Gleann Dubh.

Book: The Kylesku Hotel.

Practical tips for Sandwood Bay walks

  • Weather: The weather can be unpredictable; pack waterproofs and layers.
  • Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential.
  • Supplies: There are no facilities en route; bring sufficient water, food, and a map or GPS device.
  • Timing: Start early to ensure ample daylight for the hike.
  • Safety: Be aware of tides if planning to cross streams or approach the sea stack.

Things to do near Sandwood Bay

  • Visit Oldshoremore – located by Kinlochbervie, Am Meallan, otherwise known as Oldshoremore, is probably my favourite beach in Scotland. A beautifully quiet bay, with white sands and turquoise seas – Oldshoremore is quintessentially west coast of Scotland.
  • Take a RIB to Handa Island – one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands and a nationally important wildlife reserve, Hand Island is home to Puffins, rare Bonxies, stunning views of the Assynt mountains. A visit to the island is by boat (£15 cash only) and takes around 4 hours (10 mins on the ferry, and to walk around the island). There is also a seafood restaurant at Tarbert from where you catch the ferry.
  • Drive over the Kylesku Bridge – a famous photo stop on the NC500, the Kylesku Hotel is nearby serving up great seafood.
  • Drive the Drumbeg Loop to Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beaches – two beautiful beaches well worth an afternoon detour.
  • Ardvreck Castle – Sitting on the banks of Loch Assynt sits the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, once the 15th-century stronghold of Clan MacLeod, longtime owners of the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Love from Scotland x