Oldshoremore Beach (Am Mellan)

Reputedly one of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches (against some stiff competition!) Oldshoremore Beach is quite spectacular. It is in a remote curving bay facing west near Kinlochbervie, Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands.

Known locally as Am Mellan, the one-mile-long narrow beach is graced with clean white sand made up of eroded stones and crushed seashells. It is separated from neighbouring Polin Beach by the Eilean na h-Aiteig peninsula.

Make use of the small car park which has toilets and take the narrow footpath along the coastline and over the dunes to reach the sand.

Washed by clear blue waters, the beach has some rocky outcrops. Besides the sound of the surf, it’s a peaceful place for quiet contemplation, camping, scenic strolls along the shore and shelling. At times of high tide there may be no sand showing.

Oldshoremore Beach is one of three sandy beaches connected by a rough coastal path. Although just 5 miles in length, the walk can take 4-5 hours to complete in a loop, returning along the inland road from Port Chaligaig Bay via Sheigra.