The Best Beaches For a Scottish Summer Holiday

Scotland, summertime beach holiday… Do those two even go in the same sentence? Yes, yes, they do.

We can admit that a Scottish beach, even in summer, isn’t like a trip to the Bahamas, but they are still absolutely stunning. And, yes, if you go on a hot week, you can sunbathe. Scotland isn’t all rain and snowstorms in the Highlands.

Still, as with any place, some beaches are better than others. Read on for our top 4 beaches for a Scottish summertime beach holiday.

Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull

Tucked away in the Inner Hebrides is the marvellous Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull. The name means ‘Beach of the Meadow’ for a good reason. The Calgary Bay boasts a long and delicately soft white sandy beach complemented by its crystal clear turquoise waters. There is nothing quite like the clear contrast of blue skies and vibrant green landscapes complemented by a warm, bright sun on a beautiful day.

Getting There

If you’re renting a motorhome, it’s easy to get to the beach from the scenic Loch (if that’s where you’re staying). You can make your way to Tobermory, which is on the west side of Mull. Once you get to Tobermory, take a left turn onto B8073 and follow the signs for Dervaig. You can follow this coast for about five miles, and you’ll get to the beach parking area.

Nearby Food and Activities

Although the surrounding areas of the bay are remote, don’t be disheartened. There’s a small teashop nearby, and on some days, an ice cream boat docks up on the shore. There is also a blend of nature and some sculptures that you can visit called the Art in Nature Coast.

Sandwood Bay, Sutherland

Sandwood Bay Beach is definitely one of the best. It has a lot of pink-hued sand bordered by steep cliffs and wind-shaped dunes. Its remoteness nicely complements the posture of Am Buachaille, a fascinating sea stack standing nearby.

Getting There

Sandwood Bay is an off-the-beaten-track destination that is only reachable by hiking. It is recommended to leave your car at the Blairmore parking lot and go on a four-mile trek across the moor’s terrain. It sounds far, but it is worth it. Sandwood Bay offers some of the most breathtaking views, which make the challenging hike worthwhile.

Food and Amenities

Pack your own lunch to enjoy because you won’t find any amenities available at Sandwood Bay. You can find some local restaurants, a grocery shop, and other retailers in Kinlochbervie, the nearest town.

Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris

Sitting on the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre Sands, which, coincidentally, is dubbed as one of the best beaches in the world thanks to its mesmerising white sand and Caribbean-like waters. The hills and the estuary create an ideal location for the beach.

Getting There

Get to Tarbert and use the A859 South and Losgaintir Road signs. At the road’s south end, there is a small parking lot from where it is best to walk to the beach across a few dunes.

Nearby Food and Drink

Although there are no services on the beach itself, Tarbert, which is only a couple of miles away, has a few friendly cafes and restaurants. Croft 36, a local food trailer, has a reputation for serving high-quality and locally sourced homemade food. Or you can always take some food to the beach with you. Most of the remote beaches in Scotland won’t have shops or cafes on the beach.

Achmelvich Beach, Sutherland

Beach Achmelvich boasts of its sea in paradise in the shape of a crescent and turquoise water and sand. Its warm, shallow water makes it a perfect location for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply splashing about on a warm afternoon. What adds a twist to the scenery is The Hermit’s Castle, believed to be the smallest castle in Europe.

Getting There

Head west on B869 at Lochinver, then turn onto a single-track road when you see the sign that leads to the beach. There is a parking area not far from the beach.

Nearby Food and Activities

There is a camping site near the beach that makes it the perfect location if you are thinking of holidaying. A combination of various beautiful coves and seafood from Lochinver is a delightful experience.

Beach fun in Scotland is a different kind of fun. The scenery always seems so much more dramatic with most of the beaches either surrounded by green or dramatic cliffs. So gather up your picnic set and sometimes hiking boots and find your favourite beach in Scotland.