Your home in the Highlands
You are never far from sand and sea here. From quiet shingle bays on our own stretch of Loch Linnhe to the famous white sands of the west, here are our favourite beaches near Glencoe, Appin and Ardnamurchan, with directions to reach them.
By the water
Around Loch Linnhe, on our doorstep
A few minutes from the door, and rarely another soul on them.
Cuil Bay, Duror
Take the road towards Oban and then the turn off marked for Cuil Bay. This leads down a single-track road to a dead end where you are greeted with magnificent views south to Mull. Popular picnic spot. The adventurous can travel by foot across the headland to discover two further quieter beaches. The even more adventurous can continue right round and come out at Ardsheal Estate.
Ardsheal, Kentallen
Take A828 towards Oban and park in the lay-by on the right-hand side of the road beside the sign for Ardsheal House Hotel. Follow this character single-track road right round (see the fishermen at work) until you come to Ardsheal House. Beautiful gardens - part of Scotland's Garden Scheme - open April-September. Access to the shore is possible, and you can also walk right round to Cuil Bay.
Kilmalieu
Cross the Corran Ferry, then follow the signs for Kingairloch. Where the road meets the sea, a long south-facing beach is a very quiet and tranquil place to while away any day!
By the water
Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles
Worth the drive, and the Corran Ferry crossing, for some of the whitest sand in Scotland.
The Singing Sands, Ardnamurchan
Take the Corran ferry across to Ardgour and follow the signs for Acharacle then Swordle. Park at the end of the road, then walk 40 minutes along the forestry road until you reach this lovely, quiet beach with magnificent views to Skye and the Hebrides. The Corran Ferry runs roughly every 15 minutes through the day. The dry sand famously squeaks, or sings, underfoot, which is how the beach earned its name.
Sands of Morar, near Mallaig
Travel to Fort William, then take the signs for Mallaig at the Ben Nevis Distillery. Absorb the tranquility of the Road to the Isles until you reach the famous silver sands of Morar. The beach scenes in the 1983 film Local Hero were shot just up the coast at Camusdarach, near Arisaig. The sand is very white and stone-free. With the road to Mallaig much better, this is well worth a visit.
By the water
The Oban shore
Easy to reach on an Oban day out, and loved by locals.
Ganavan Sands, Oban
When you enter Oban, at the first roundabout, go right, then at the second roundabout, go right also. You will now pass St Columba's Cathedral on your right. Follow this road for 2 miles to reach the magnificent Ganavan beach.
Tralee Beach
Take the Oban road until you reach Benderloch. Take the first right after Lochnell Primary School and follow this road for about a mile. Tralee beach is signposted to your left. This is actually one of the best beaches in the Oban area and is the beach that most people from Oban will visit.