Best beaches in Highland

Below are a list of the top 10 beaches in Highland as selected by the users of the Beach Guide website.

The current most popular beach in Highland is Castlehill. If you would like to have your say on which are the best beaches in Highland just follow the link to the beach and vote by clicking the star ratings at the top right of the page.

1. Castlehill Beach (Dunnet Bay)

Castlehill Beach lies close to the eastern tip of Scotland's northern coastline, between Castletown and Dunnet. The beach forms the western end of Dunnet Bay, a long stretch of sand and shingle, backed by grassy dunes. Behind the dunes, the A836…
2. Big Sand Beach

This sheltered sand and shingle beach is protected from the prevailing winds by Longa Island. Beyond this are the mountains of Skye and Torridon to which there are spectacular views. The beach is accessed via an extensive network of sand dunes.…
3. Murkle Bay (Dunnet Bay)

Dunnet/Murkle Bay is located at the northern end of the wide, sandy beach between Castletown and Dunnet, close to the north-eastern tip of Scotland. The pale expanse of sand stretches for over 2 miles and is backed by dunes and the grassy plains…
4. Sinclairs Bay - Reiss Beach

On a sunny day, the beach at the southern end of Sinclairs Bay, known locally as Reiss Beach, is spectacularly beautiful. The long stretch of pure, white sands alongside the azure waters of the North Sea will take your breath away. Take a walk along…
5. Sinclairs Bay - Keiss

About 12 miles south of John O’Groats, just off the A99 is the coastal village of Keiss, with its small, historic harbour and not much else, apart from this stunning, rather desolate beach. Keiss Beach, found at the northern end of Sinclair Bay…
6. Brora Beach

This wild, unspoiled beach, running alongside the local golf course is a hidden gem. It offers spectacular views over the North Sea and the Moray Firth. Beautiful sunsets over the hills can be seen from the beach. The sea waters here are crystal…
7. Achmelvich Bay

This is a beautiful sheltered beach on the rural west coast. A large expanse of white sands with granite outcrops that divide the beach into sections. There is a popular caravan / camping site nearby and free parking is available.
8. Mellon Udrigle Beach

The stunning beach at Mellon Udrigle offers one of the finest views of this part of the coast. It is a little off the beaten track, but well worth the detour. Just off the A832, a single track road leading out of the village of Laide heads towards…
9. Portmahomack Beach

This lovely sheltered beach lies on the western edge of the pretty seaside village of Portmahomack on the Tarbat peninsula. This area is in the Moray Firth conservation area and dolphins and even whales might be spotted out at sea. Although on the…
10. Strathy Bay

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.…