Sandwood Bay
Highlands
Sandwood Bay is one of the most remote and magnificent beaches in Britain, accessible only via a four-and-a-half-mile 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.
No dog restrictions apply at Sandwood Bay. Year-round access via the 4.5-mile path. The walk itself is an outstanding outing on the Cape Wrath Trail. Dogs should be fit for a 9-mile round trip on moorland paths.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- 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. 4.5-mile walk each way to beach (9 miles round trip)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandwood Bay dog friendly?
Sandwood Bay is about as dog friendly as it gets — there are no restrictions of any kind, and it earns a perfect 10/10 rating on Wildpack Collective. The beach is remote, vast, and largely untouched, making it a genuinely exceptional place to bring a dog.
Are dogs allowed at Sandwood Bay year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Sandwood Bay throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. Whatever time you visit, you and your dog have full access to the beach and the moorland path leading to it.
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 4.5-mile walk from the car park at Blairmore, meaning a 9-mile 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.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Beach4 mi awaySheigra Beach
Highlands
A beautiful, barely visited sandy beach near Sheigra in north-west Sutherland with year-round dog access and the extraordinary sense of solitude found only at the northern edge of the British mainland.
Beach5.2 mi awayOldshoremore Beach
Highlands
A wide, remote sandy beach near Kinlochbervie in north-west Sutherland with year-round dog access, turquoise Atlantic waters and the extraordinary emptiness of one of Scotland's most northerly west-coast beaches.
Beach11.7 mi awayBalnakeil Bay
Highlands
A remote beach near Cape Wrath with blindingly white sand, turquoise water and year-round access at the very edge of mainland Britain.
Beach11.8 mi awayRispond Beach
Highlands
A small, sheltered sandy beach near the abandoned village of Rispond on the north Sutherland coast with year-round dog access and an isolated, peaceful character.
Beach12.7 mi awayCeannabeinne Beach
Highlands
A beautiful sandy beach at the base of dramatic limestone cliffs on the north Sutherland coast near Durness with year-round dog access and extraordinary Cape Wrath peninsula scenery.
Beach13.8 mi awaySangobeg Beach
Highlands
A small sandy cove near Durness with vivid limestone-blue water, year-round dog access and the remote character of the most north-westerly corner of the Scottish mainland.
