Scotland is home to much natural beauty, including some stunningly, scenic beaches. With this in mind, we wanted to cast a spotlight on one particular North Scotland beach worth trekking to this year, or next.
So, whether you’ve booked a staycation to Scotland already, or are considering booking one of the many last minute caravan holidays on offer at the moment, here’s one North Scotland beach you need to put on your ‘to visit’ list – Sandwood Bay!
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Sandwood Bay
This mile-long stretch of beach is the prize you’ll uncover after taking a walk along a four-mile footpath to reach it.
When you arrive at Sandwood Bay, you’ll discover fine, golden sands, backed by high sand dunes – perfect for a picnic with a view.
On the beach, you could build sand castles, play a game of rounders or cricket, fly a kite – there’s so much you could do here!
Beyond the dunes, if you’re up for a little more exploration, is the freshwater lake of Sandwood Loch.
Sandwood Bay History
For those interested in history, the name of the beach is thought to date back to the Viking era, derived from the word ‘Sandvatn’ with translates to ‘sand water’.
If this wasn’t enough history for you, over the many years it wasn’t uncommon to find shipwrecks here. However, this thankfully stopped after the lighthouse at Cape Wrath was built.
A little more recent history, that dates back to 1941, is the wreck of a WWII Spitfire. Over time, the plane has rusted away, although, at low tide, some of the remains of its Rolls Royce engine can still be spotted today!
Sandwood Bay Myths and Legends
For those who love a myth and legend or two, in 1900 there were reports of a mermaid sighting on the beach. Plus, the beach is said to be haunted by a ghost of a shipwrecked sailor who comes knocking on the bothy – which was a cottage – window at night.
A must-see
Whilst the WWII Spitefire engine is something to try and spot, another must-see whilst by this stretch of beach is a massive sea stack, just a mile south of Southwood Bay, called Am Buachaille.
Although you can see this from the beach, it’s a sight worth viewing up close, as the stack reaches an impressive 213ft in height! It is a popular place for climbers, who try their hand at reaching the top – with safety gear on, of course!
More information
Beach type: Sandy
Lifeguard service: No
Nearest Town: Ullapool
OS grid reference: NC 2210 6522
So, have we convinced you that Sandwood Bay is worth the four-mile trek? Could this be your next Scottish staycation destination, or even your new favourite beach? Will you spot the Rolls Royce engine at low tide, or will you be an adrenaline seeker that climbs Am Buachaille?
With all this and so much more to discover at Sandwood Bay, we think the walk will well and truly be worth it!
