28-05-2025
Stunning Highlands beach with pristine pink sands named among UK's best hidden coastlines
The beach is known for beautiful pink sands that are usually associated with tropical spots like Bermuda or Indonesia
A wild and remote beach in the far north of Scotland, known for its pristine pink sands and mysterious folklore, has been named among the UK's best hidden coastlines.
Tucked away in the north-west Highlands near Durness, Sandwood Bay has earned a spot on Simply Sea Views' list of the top ten secret beaches and coves where holidaymakers can escape the crowds and reconnect with nature.
While pink sands are usually associated with tropical spots like Bermuda or Indonesia, this little-known Scottish gem offers a slice of rosy paradise much closer to home.
Simply Sea Views said: "Tucked in the far northwest Highlands near Durness, Sandwood Bay is only accessible via a four-mile hike through moorland and lochans.
"The reward is a pristine stretch of pale sand and dramatic waves. It's utterly remote, with no facilities and no phone signal, just you, the sea, and the sky."
With no roads leading in, visitors must park at Blairmore and walk four miles across rugged terrain before reaching the untouched bay.
But for those who make the journey, the reward is immense, a breathtaking expanse of pale pink sand stretching for nearly 1.5 miles, backed by towering dunes and a tranquil loch.
Even during peak season, its isolation ensures a deep sense of seclusion. The area is part of the Sandwood Estate, managed by the John Muir Trust, and offers a raw, unspoilt slice of Scotland's natural beauty.
Domestic travel has soared in popularity in recent years, with more people than ever seeking out quiet, off-the-map destinations.
Last year, 67 per cent of Brits said they planned to holiday in the UK, often to save money and avoid airport chaos. A report found 52 per cent choose a domestic break, and 34 per cent took two or more staycations.
Sandwood Bay is more than just a pretty place. It is also rich in folklore. In 1900, local farmer Alexander Gunn set out with his dog in search of a missing sheep when he came across something extraordinary.
At first glance, he thought he saw a seal on the rocks, but as he drew closer, he realised it had flaming red hair, green-blue eyes, and a long, human-like form. According to local legend, Gunn had spotted a mermaid resting on the shore.
Today, the bay is still a haven for wildlife. Seals and dolphins are frequently spotted just offshore, adding to the sense of otherworldly magic.
Nearby, Kinlochbervie offers accommodation ranging from remote guesthouses to glamping sites, with prices from around £90 to £150 per night. The crofting community is also home to a large fish-processing plant and a modern harbour that welcomes trucks from across Europe.
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From Kinlochbervie, a scenic single-track road winds past the isolated hamlet of Oldshoremore and its white sand beach, before reaching Blairmore, the starting point for the hike to Sandwood Bay.
The surrounding region offers much more for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Durness, the most north-westerly village on the British mainland, sits amidst dramatic scenery and open skies. The nearby North West Highlands Geopark draws hillwalkers and climbers eager to explore the rugged mountains, towering cliffs, and vast moorlands.
The village itself straddles the coastline where the road turns from inland peat bogs to the rocky shore, and visitors can even get a special passport stamp at the local post office if they're walking the North Highland Way.
Highlights include the eerie Smoo Cave, carved into a limestone cliff, and the beautiful white sands of Balnakeil Beach.
