North Coast 500 Beaches: Coastal Stops to Inspire Your Journey
The North Coast 500 is home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, from white sandy bays and clear waters to wild beaches backed by mountains. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to stop, a scenic coastal walk, or simply somewhere to take in the views, there are plenty of North Coast 500 beaches worth adding to your itinerary. We’ve gathered some of our favourite coastal stops to help inspire your next journey.
Achmelvich Beach, near Lochinver
Near Lochinver, Achmelvich Beach is one of the most recognisable coastal stops in Assynt. Its white sands, sheltered bay and striking coastal setting make it a memorable place to experience the beauty of Assynt.
Situated around three miles north-west of Lochinver, the beach is reached via a single-track road that follows the rugged coastline. With its sheltered bay, rocky shoreline and views across the surrounding landscape, Achmelvich is a beautiful place to enjoy a coastal walk, explore the shoreline or take in the scenery.
Balnakeil Beach, near Durness
Just a short drive from the village of Durness, Balnakeil Beach is one of the most striking beaches on the North Coast 500. Its wide stretch of golden sand, rolling dunes and open coastal setting make it a popular stop for visitors exploring Scotland’s far north.
The beach is overlooked by the historic Balnakeil Church and offers far-reaching views across Balnakeil Bay towards Faraid Head. It is an easy place to pause and appreciate the dramatic beauty of the north coast.
Sandwood Bay, near Kinlochbervie
Located on the far north-west coast of Sutherland, Sandwood Bay is one of the most remote and dramatic beaches near the North Coast 500 route. Reaching the beach involves an approximately four-mile walk from the car park at Blairmore, but the journey through the Highland landscape is part of the experience.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a vast stretch of sandy coastline backed by dunes, with views towards the distinctive sea stack of Am Buachaille rising from the water. With its wild surroundings and sense of tranquillity, Sandwood Bay is a memorable stop for those looking to experience the more untouched side of the Highlands.
Photo: John Muir Trust
Sango Sands, Durness
Located beside the village of Durness on the North Coast 500 route, Sango Sands is a dramatic coastal stop known for its rugged scenery and views across the Atlantic Ocean. The beach sits below cliffs, with rocky outcrops adding to the striking landscape.
Its convenient location makes it an easy place to visit while exploring the far north coast, with viewpoints overlooking the beach and nearby attractions including Smoo Cave. Whether you stop for a short walk or simply enjoy the coastal views, Sango Sands offers a memorable taste of the wild Highland coastline.
Clachtoll Beach, near Lochinver
Situated on the west coast of the North Coast 500 near Lochinver, Clachtoll Beach is a beautiful coastal stop surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Assynt. The beach is known for its clear waters, rocky shoreline and views towards the distinctive mountains that make this part of the Highlands so memorable.
The nearby Clachtoll Broch, an Iron Age stone structure, adds an extra point of interest when visiting the area. With its peaceful setting and rugged surroundings, Clachtoll Beach is a great place to explore the shoreline and experience the natural beauty of the North West Highlands.
Mellon Udrigle Beach, Wester Ross
On the west coast of the North Coast 500, Mellon Udrigle Beach offers a peaceful stop surrounded by the landscapes that make Wester Ross so special. Looking across Gruinard Bay towards the Summer Isles, the beach has wide open views of the coastline, with mountains rising behind the shore.
Its peaceful setting makes it a rewarding place to slow down, walk along the shore and enjoy the views across Gruinard Bay.
Gruinard Bay, Wester Ross
Located on the west coast of the North Coast 500 between Ullapool and Gairloch, Gruinard Bay is a beautiful coastal stop surrounded by the rugged scenery of Wester Ross. The sweeping bay offers views across the water towards the Summer Isles, with mountains and open Highland landscapes creating a memorable backdrop.
The area is a great place to pause during your journey, with beaches, coastal views and opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape. Its peaceful setting makes Gruinard Bay a worthwhile stop for visitors travelling through this scenic part of the NC500.
Dunnet Bay, near Dunnet
Located on the northern coast of Caithness, Dunnet Bay is one of the largest beaches along the North Coast 500. Its long stretch of sand, backed by dunes and open coastal views, makes it a striking stop while exploring the far north of Scotland.
The beach is also a popular spot for watersports, with North Coast Watersports offering surfing and paddleboarding experiences from Dunnet Bay. Nearby Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, is another highlight of the area and offers visitors the chance to explore more of the surrounding coastline.
Photo: North Coast Watersports
Red Point Beach, Wester Ross
Situated on the west coast of Wester Ross, Red Point Beach is a peaceful coastal stop surrounded by the rugged landscapes of the North Coast 500. Away from some of the busier spots along the route, it offers a quieter place to experience the coastline and enjoy the scenery at a slower pace.
The beach sits within a remote Highland setting, with views across the surrounding coastline and waters. Its secluded location and natural surroundings make Red Point a rewarding stop for visitors looking to discover some of the lesser-known coastal areas of Wester Ross.
Ceannabeinne Beach, near Durness
Located on the north coast of Sutherland, just a short drive from Durness, Ceannabeinne Beach is a beautiful coastal stop on the North Coast 500. Set beneath the slopes of Beinn Ceannabeinne, the beach offers impressive views across the surrounding landscape, with a peaceful stretch of coastline to explore.
Its location makes it an easy addition to a Durness itinerary, with the beach sitting close to the main route through this part of the Highlands. Whether you stop for a walk along the shore, enjoy the views from above or simply take a break from driving, Ceannabeinne is a memorable place to experience the scenery of the far north.
Dornoch Beach, Dornoch
Located beside the historic town of Dornoch on the east coast of the North Coast 500, Dornoch Beach is a long sandy beach overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Its wide shoreline and easy access make it a popular stop for visitors looking to enjoy a coastal walk, spend time by the sea or explore the surrounding area.
Being close to the town of Dornoch, the beach can easily be combined with local cafés, shops and attractions, making it a convenient place to stop during your NC500 journey. It is also a convenient stop for visitors travelling between Inverness and the northern sections of the NC500.
Rosemarkie Beach, Black Isle
Located on the Black Isle, just a short drive from Inverness, Rosemarkie Beach is a great coastal stop at the beginning or end of a North Coast 500 adventure. The sandy shoreline looks out across the Moray Firth and offers a peaceful place to enjoy a seaside walk and take in the views.
The nearby village of Rosemarkie is home to cafés and local attractions, while nearby Chanonry Point is one of the best-known places on the Moray Firth for spotting bottlenose dolphins. With its easy access and coastal setting, Rosemarkie is a lovely introduction to the scenery of the NC500.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Coast 500 Beaches
Can you swim at North Coast 500 beaches?
Many beaches along the North Coast 500 are popular for swimming, particularly during the warmer months. However, the sea around the Scottish Highlands remains cold throughout the year, and conditions can change quickly. Always check local conditions before entering the water and be aware of tides, currents and changing weather. For more information on staying safe at the coast, take a look at HM Coastguard’s beach safety advice.
Are North Coast 500 beaches dog friendly?
Many beaches along the North Coast 500 welcome dogs, making them great places to explore with your four-legged companion. However, local restrictions may apply at some locations, so it is always worth checking before you arrive. Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, dogs should be kept under proper control, particularly around livestock and ground-nesting birds, and owners should always clean up after their pets.
By following responsible access guidance, you can help protect the landscapes, wildlife and communities that make the North Coast 500 so special.
Is there parking at North Coast 500 beaches?
Many of the beaches featured in this guide have parking areas nearby, although facilities vary from place to place. During the busiest months, popular locations can experience increased demand, so it is worth planning ahead and arriving early where possible. Always park responsibly, use designated parking areas where available, and never use passing places, verges or access routes as parking spaces.
How can I visit North Coast 500 beaches responsibly?
The beaches along the North Coast 500 are home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, so it is important to help protect them for future visitors. Take all litter home, respect wildlife and local communities, and leave places as you find them.
For further guidance on enjoying Scotland’s outdoors responsibly, read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
