Helmsdale Beach

The beach at Helmsdale curves away from the village on the far side of the river to the harbour. From here it meanders alongside the A9 indefinitely.

A mix of sand, shingle and pebbles, Helmsdale is by no means the finest beach for beach-lovers but a great place for fossils. Something of a geological mystery the beach is known as the best place to find Jurassic fossils in Scotland. Coral, fish, reptiles and the odd ammonite have all been found here.

The village of Helmsdale is a pleasant little place worth stopping at if you are on the NC500 route. Along with the working harbour there are a few places to eat and the historic Telford bridge.