#619 European Rank
Sandwood Bay
Sutherland, Scotland, United Kingdom•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September
Photo: Mr D Bailey (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.19/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
13.5°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€43/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for Sutherland, Scotland · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
8.5°C
Air 10°C
Feb
7.8°C
Air 11°C
Mar
7.5°C
Air 13°C
Apr
7.9°C
Air 16°C
May
9.1°C
Air 19°C
Jun
10.9°C
Air 22°C
Jul
12.7°C
Air 24°C
Peak
Aug
13.5°C
Air 24°C
Sep
13.0°C
Air 22°C
Oct
12.0°C
Air 19°C
Nov
10.9°C
Air 15°C
Dec
9.6°C
Air 12°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 13.5°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all United Kingdom Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.6 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.6 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Sandwood Bay
A mile of empty pink sand guarded by a sea stack at the roadless edge of northwest Scotland.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (13.5°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Located in far northwest Sutherland near Kinlochbervie, reached only on foot via a remote 4-mile (6.5 km) peat-moorland trail from Blairmore car park.
•Protected Status / Environment: Owned and conserved by the John Muir Trust; designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and SSSI for pristine sand dunes, machair, and rare wildlife.
•Notable Feature: Remote mile-long pinkish-golden sand beach facing the wild North Atlantic, backed by Sandwood Loch and guarded by the 65-metre sea stack Am Buachaille.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
NoShowers
NoFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
NoDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
NoSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Sutherland, Scotland. Accessible via regional coastal roads (58.535°N, -5.070°E).
•Wild and cold with strong surf; for hardy swimmers only.
•Remote moorland and the sea stack Am Buachaille, a four-mile walk from the road.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Sutherland, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Sandwood Bay?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandwood Bay
What is the water temperature at Sandwood Bay?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Sandwood Bay averages 13.5°C (56°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Sandwood Bay?
Sandwood Bay is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in Sutherland, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Is Sandwood Bay good for families with kids?
Sandwood Bay has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.
Are there parking and facilities at Sandwood Bay?
Free parking is available. No public restrooms directly on-site.
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