The incredible UK pink beach that almost no one knows about – with dolphins offshore & buried shipwrecks
WHILE Scotland’s NC500 is known for its rugged mountains, lighthouses and ruins, there is a hidden gem along the way that travellers say is “worth” the extra miles.
Sandwood Bay, in Kinlochbervie Sutherland, has been dubbed the most beautiful beach in Britain, with long stretches of pink sand, dolphins offshore and a view of the sea stack on the loch.
Visitors who go often say they were the only ones there, allowing a full-immersion experience to take in everything the isolated location has to offer.
The 1.5 mile (2.4km) long beach, which is owned and managed by conservation charity John Muir Trust, is home to many shipwrecks now buried beneath the sand.
The Cape Wrath lighthouse, which was built in 1828, was used as a warning beacon to ships passing by – but not every ship could escape the treacherous waves.
Sandwood Bay also overlooks the Am Bauchaille, which is a sea stack, otherwise known as a vertical rock formation composed of Torridonian Sandstone.
The formation lies at the tip of the Rubh’ a Bhuachailla headland, just 1.3 miles (2km) away on foot.
Depending on the weather conditions, visitors have a chance of seeing a school of dolphins frolicking in the loch, too, making it a magical scene.
Not to mention the otters, hare, fox, and water voles that all inhabit the area, too.
The colour of the beach changes almost daily alongside the unpredictable weather in Scotland.
But the lack of light pollution means it’s also an ideal place to camp and watch the stars.
While the beach itself is gorgeous, almost half of the moorland around it is covered by blanket bog – an extensive flat peat bog formed as a result of rainfall. There are also hills, lochs, and dunes, too.
Though it’s an incredible sight to behold, Sandwood Bay is not easy to get to as it’s a 4 mile (6.4km) walk across exposed moorland.
During the hike, hikers will see the Sandwood Loch with the ruins of a house, where local folklore states the ghost of a shipwrecked mariner used to knock at the window of the house on stormy nights.
The hike to the beach itself starts from a car park in Blairmore, where people get one last chance to use the restrooms and stock up on food from the local Spar before embarking on their adventure.
And you’ll need to stock up on a midge spray and a midge net to protect yourself from the pesky flies during the trip, too.
Sandwood Bay has over 200 reviews on TripAdvisor, with everyone raving about the incredible trek and scenes.
“Worth it!” one person simply said, adding: “Arguably the most remote beach I’ve ever been to, surpassing those on the Outer Hebrides.”
Another said: “In my opinion this is the finest beach in Britain. The walk out to it isn’t easy but at the end of the walk you will agree it is simply the best with Cape Wrath lighthouse in the distant north an the sea stack Am Buchaille at the southern end of the beach”.
While a third added: “A stunning view with mountain, lochs and coastline in one panorama. The water was tinted with turquoise and there are big dunes leading to the beach front. I would absolutely recommend the 13km round walk”.
And once you’ve hiked the round trip of 8 miles (12.8km) back to the start of the trail, you can take advantage of the local hotels and pubs.
The Old School Restaurant and Rooms is a favourite of many passing through as it’s a locally run Bed & Breakfast with a relaxed and friendly vibe.
Originally a primary school that ran between 1879 to 1970, it has since been turned into a hotel overlooking Loch Inchard.
All rooms are heated, have a TV as well as tea and coffee making facilities. There’s also outside seating, where people can enjoy drinks over the sea view before heading back inside for dinner.
Prices for two people start from £95, while £135 will get you a full Scottish breakfast alongside a king size bed, seating area, en-suit, mini fridge with fresh milk and bottled water and the sea view.
While Sandwood Bay is listed as one of the many attractions in the area, there’s also Oldshoremore Beach, which is known as one of the UK’s ‘best beaches’ with white sand and rocks.
Handa Island – a nature reserve – is just a short ferry ride away, too, and is home to 200,000 seabirds and otters as well as pilot whales, basking sharks and orca, which occasionally go by.
The ferry ride costs £20 for adults, £10 for under 14-year-olds and children under the age of five go for free.
For those looking for a little more pzazz, there’s Smoo Cave, a large combined sea cave and freshwater cave in Durness, Sutherland.
And there’s also the Durness Golf Club, where the final hole is a 155 yard drive over the Atlantic.
Those looking for a short round of 9 holes pay £25, 18 holes can be played for £40 while a weekly ticket is £125. Juniors go half price and there’s even an evening round for £25, which starts after 5pm.
Meanwhile, you can also holiday at the UK’s best beach from £6pp a night.
And these are the UK beaches that have made Lonely Planet’s most stunning in Europe list.