Red Point Beach (Gairloch)

This beautiful, secluded beach of Red Point lies about 10 miles south-west from Gairloch and is the perfect destination for those seeking to get away from it all.

To find the beach, drive to the beach car park in the settlement of Redpoint at the very end of the B8056.  From the car park it’s worth taking a quick scramble up the path leading to the viewpoint, which on fine days gives excellent views over to the Isle of Skye.  Back in the car park take the path that leads through the sand dunes for a few hundred metres until a gap in the dunes brings the visitor to the North Beach.

What makes this spectacular beach stand out from the rest is the wide expanse of startling red/pink sand.  The beach is backed by dunes and grassy slopes and there are interesting stones and rock pools to explore. A small stream runs through the sands into the sea. Sheep and cattle graze nearby.

The sense of solitude in this spot can be truly memorable.  There really might be nobody else there. The isolation is what makes the place so special.   Don’t expect any facilities- there are none for miles, so bring everything that you’ll be needing for the day.

Sit on the pink sands and take in the lovely views across to the Western Isles. If you’re patient you might get to see some wildlife. Look out for gannets and sea-otters. You might even be lucky enough to spot porpoises gambolling in the clear sea waters. 

The North Beach can be a starting point for the delightful 7-mile hike to Lower Diabaig, although don’t forget that this makes a 14-mile round trip.  This is a great place for dog-walking.  There are no restrictions on dogs but please keep the sands pristine.