Embo Beach

  • Embo Beach - Highland
    © Dr Julian Paren and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Embo Beach - Highland
    © Dr Julian Paren and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Embo Beach - Highland
    © mike.horrocks and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Embo Beach - Highland
    © foxypar4 and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • The vast expanse of clean, golden sands makes Embo Beach a good destination for families and walkers.

    Finding the access to the beach can be tricky.  Park in the car park in the north-east corner of the former fishing village of Embo.  Ask a friendly local for directions if necessary.

    The beach is backed by tall, grassy dunes which give some protection from the winds.

    From the beach there are views over Ben Bhraggie and the Dornoch Firth. The dunes, mudflats and beaches of the Dornoch Firth provide a habitat to a wide variety of resident and migratory birds, including terns, geese and waders and many species of butterfly.
    In the waters off the beach dolphins have been spotted.

    A series of paths running through the dunes behind the beach can be fun to explore. There are also quite a few rock pools containing some interesting animal and plant life.

    Grannie’s Heilan Hame camping and caravan site is close to the beach.  It offers campers a small heated pool and a variety of entertainments and amusements.

    Plans by American developers to create a new golf course at Coul Links, to the west of Embo Beach have aroused opposition from various conservation and community groups.

    Type of beach

    Sand & rock

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed

    Dogs allowed all year round

    Highland dog friendly beaches »

    Facilities

    • Toilets
    • Shop

    Nearest town

    Dornoch

    Postcode

    IV25 3QD

    OS grid ref.

    NH 8179 9305

    Parking

    Free parking

    Water quality

    Water quality star rating

    Awards

    Marine Conservation Society Recommended

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    Embo Beach Reviews

    Stunning part of the world

    Tony Lincoln
    Sep 11th 2022

    My Granny lived in Back Street and I spent a lot of time in Embo. My cousin James and I would dig for lug worm at the Little Ferry to bait a shore line which we would place on Embo beach to catch flounders. Sometimes we would fish off the pier which is now dilapidated and dangerous.
    My wife and I were in Embo in 2020 and 2021. A very special place for me and full of memories.

    Stunning beach

    Samantha
    Sep 07th 2020

    My family and i just love the beach and scenery here. We have been lucky enough to spot Dolphins, seals, starfish, mackerel and many birds over the 3 years we have visited. The beach is stunning and clean.

    the most perfect beach I know

    Sarah
    Sep 16th 2019

    We just love this beach - at low tide the sands just seem to stretch out forever. So peaceful.

    Quiet even on a bright sunny day in June

    Frank
    Jun 27th 2019

    Once you find the small car park the beach is everything if you want a long quiet walk with the dogs.  The sand is pristine.