Strathy Bay

  • Strathy Bay - Highland
    © Richard Webb and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Strathy Bay - Highland
    © Richard Webb and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Strathy Bay - Highland
    © Richard Webb and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • This remote, wide, sandy beach sits on the very northern Scottish coast. The River Strathy runs into the bay to the west of the beach and it is enclosed by cliffs to the east. Strathy Bay is surrounded on all sides by magnificent, hilly scenery. The bay is also home to many caves around the beach and a number of sea stacks. 

    The beach is a popular place for surfing as it sheltered from the biggest winter swells and strong winds. Walking along the nearby hilltops is also a popular pastime, particularly in the months of May and June when many wildflowers will be blossoming just behind the beach.

    There is a small car park along Strathy East with a log cabin that acts as an information centre and some toilets. The beach is reached from the car park by walking on the path past the cemetery, over the small hilltop.

    The area is quite remote and facilities are limited, but the nearby Strathy Inn does food, including a children’s menu, as well as providing accommodation. There is a dog ban on the beach during the summer months.

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed

    Responsible dog owners and their pets are welcome all year round. However the dunes are often grazed by sheep and cattle from late autumn through to early spring, so dogs should be kept on leads.

    Highland dog friendly beaches »

    Activities

    • Surfing

    Facilities

    • Toilets

    Nearest town

    Armadale

    Postcode

    KW14 7SB

    OS grid ref.

    NC 8364 6612

    Parking

    Free parking

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

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    Strathy Bay Reviews

    Elizabeth Merza
    Dec 14th 2021

    This is my all-time favourite beach! Wide and sandy with the tiniest, most beautifully patterned scallops I have ever found. A secret gem. Visited often as a child and revisited several years ago on a wonderfully sunny summer evening. It was just as I remembered it.  The bothy is an excellent addition near the carpark.

    Best beach in scotland

    Jul 29th 2021

    Probably the best beach I have been to in the uk well worth a visit.