West Sandwick Beach

The Shetland Isles, off the north-east tip of Scotland, are known for their remote beauty and stunning beaches, and West Sandwick is no exception. Often overlooked, the white sands are hidden by softly sloping dunes, while from the beach there are attractive views of the rocky seascape towards the mainland of Shetland.

The bay has some unique features: carex maritima is a rare curved sedge that grows by an exit stream on the beach, and the area to the south of Southladie Flo offers an important feeding locale for red-throated diver birds which breed nearby.

The beach is also a launching point for canoeing, kayaking, and wind surfing, and visitors should bear in mind that there is no lifeguard service. There is a bus to the nearby town of West Sandwick; the route to the beach is via single track road.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year and the beach has received a regional Seaside Award.