The Secret Beach
The hike to Sandwood Bay is rewarded with white-pink sands, piercing blue waters, wildlife and total peace for relaxation
SCOTLAND is famously home to some of the most magnificent beaches in Britain, and one of the very best is Sandwood Bay. Named one of Europe’s 10 finest beaches by Lonely Planet in 2015, Sandwood Bay is made of 2.4km (1.5 miles) of gorgeous white-pink sand looking on to the piercing blue waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.
The pink sand extends from the imposing sand dunes, which shield the beach from the wind and sit in front of Sandwood Loch.
The most breathtaking sight from the beach is the Am Buachaille sea stack. The Torridonian sandstone pillar, measuring an impressive 65 metres (213 feet) high, sits in the waters guarding the beach. It’s one of three Scottish iconic sea stacks which are on the ticklist of experienced climbers and only a handful attempt it each year.
Described as the “jewel in the crown of Sandwood Estate”, the beach and wider estate are looked after by the John Muir Trust. Don O’driscoll is Sandwood and Quinag Property Manager at the charity.
According to Don, it’s what makes Sandwood different that makes it special. “It’s a beautiful, atmospheric place, a sandy bay backed by flower-rich machair, with tall cliffs on either side and spectacular views up to Cape Wrath in the north.
“Sandwood Bay has been inhabited since Neolithic times as evidenced by archaeology – there have been shipwrecks over the centuries and historic human remains have been found in the sand dunes. This adds to the rumour that it is haunted,” says Don.
Haunted or not, it’s not easy to get to the beach either, helping to further Sandwood Bay’s mystery.
“A sandy bay backed ” by flower-rich machair
“It takes a walk of 7km (4 miles) to get there, which gives people the feeling of having worked for the experience. At the end of the path, a spectacular sandy beach with blue and turquoise sea and often an impressive surf crashing onto the shore,” says Don.
The flat path, which requires careful attention as it is a bit eroded, down to the beach starts from the car park in Blairmore. John Muir Trust protect and restore the bay and surroundings, but need help from those visiting to ensure it meets expectations each time.
“We would like visitors to be aware of the Scottish Access Code before arriving,” says Don. “There are recycling and disposal facilities in Kinlochbervie. Leave no trace, only footprints.”
On the whole, visitors are respectful of the bay and wider estate when visiting. A trip to take in the remarkable Sandwood Bay is a must when in Sutherland.
“Visitors love Sandwood’s wide open spaces, perfect sands and turquoise sea, the ever changing light. The majesty and grandeur are matchless.
“It can bring people close to nature and give them a sense of scale. They can relax and recharge their batteries, just enjoy the walk in or camp, surf, take photos, watch the wildlife,” Don says.