Sandwood Bay
Highlands
Sandwood Bay is one of the most remote and magnificent beaches in Britain, accessible only via a four-mile (6.5 km) walk from the car park at Blairmore. The bay is enormous: a vast arc of pale reddish-gold sand backed by dunes and a freshwater loch, flanked at its southern end by the dramatic sea stack Am Buachaille. The beach faces the full force of the North Atlantic and is spectacular in all conditions. It is considered by many to be the finest beach in Scotland.
Dogs are welcome all year, but the John Muir Trust, which looks after the land, asks that dogs are kept on leads because Sandwood is an active crofting estate with sheep. Year-round access via the 4-mile path. The walk itself is an outstanding outing on the Cape Wrath Trail. Dogs should be fit for an 8-mile (13 km) round trip on moorland paths.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Dogs on leads please: the John Muir Trust asks this because Sandwood is an active crofting estate with sheep.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Dunes
- Tide Notes
- Fully Atlantic-exposed beach. Dramatic surf. The beach is affected by its remote location and exposure; conditions can be extreme. Not suitable for sea swimming except in very calm settled conditions.
- Facilities
- No facilities at beach. Car park at Blairmore is the trailhead. Kinlochbervie for nearest amenities
- Parking
- Blairmore car park near Kinlochbervie. 4-mile (6.5 km) walk each way to beach (8 miles, 13 km round trip)
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Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Sandwood Bay, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Sandwood Bay dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome at Sandwood Bay all year and it earns a perfect 10/10 rating on Wildpack Collective. The John Muir Trust asks that dogs stay on a lead, because the land around the bay is an active crofting estate with sheep, but the beach is vast, remote and rarely busy.
Are dogs allowed at Sandwood Bay year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the year. Keep them on a lead on the moorland path and at the bay, as the John Muir Trust asks on this active crofting estate.
What should I know before visiting Sandwood Bay with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is the distance: Sandwood Bay is only accessible via a 4-mile (6.5 km) walk from the car park at Blairmore, meaning an 8-mile (13 km) round trip across moorland paths. Your dog will need to be fit and comfortable with that kind of terrain before you set off. There are no facilities at the beach itself, so bring everything you need — including plenty of water for your dog — and plan ahead using Kinlochbervie for any supplies before you go.
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What’s Nearby?
Walk1.5 mi awaySandwood Bay from Blairmore
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