Quiet shores, sea views and coastal walks
This guide brings together the beaches of Skye and Lochalsh, with a few Raasay highlights nearby, so you can plan simple days by the water. You will find long sandy stretches, pebble coves and small wild shores, each with its own pace and outlook. Some are easy to reach for a short walk or a family visit, while others suit quieter moments, photography and scenic coastal walks. Use this guide to choose the right shore for your time and energy, whether you want a swim, a walk, or a calm place to watch the light change over the sea.
Ashaig Beach
Image / Mindtrip
Moonlit walks and open sea views
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What to expect
A low, coastal strip with a mix of shingle and sand, exposed to wind and tide. Expect simple, natural surroundings rather than built facilities. You may see seabirds and coastal plants close to the water, and the light changes quickly as weather moves in from the sea.
Plan your visit
Bring layered clothing and sturdy shoes for uneven ground. Check tide times if you plan to explore the foreshore. Park considerately and leave space for local traffic. Treat the shoreline and wildlife with care, and take any litter away with you.
Camas Daraich
Image / Hidden Scotland
Pine‑rimmed cove with open sea and room to breathe
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What to expect
Expect a largely natural shore made up of sand and pebbles, backed by low vegetation. You will find driftwood, rock pools at lower tides and clear sightlines across the water. Facilities are minimal, so plan as if you are visiting a rural beach.
Plan your visit
Check tide times before you go if you want to explore rock pools or walk the foreshore. Wear sturdy shoes for pebbles and uneven ground, and bring layers; coastal weather changes quickly. Pack water, snacks and a small bag for litter so you leave the place as you found it. If you are travelling with children, keep a close watch near the water.
Elgol Carpark.
Image / wander somewhere
A small car park with big views of the Cuillin.
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What to expect
Basic, open parking close to the beach and footpaths. Spaces are limited at busy times and the surface is unpaved. There are no large visitor facilities here, so expect a simple, outdoor starting point rather than a full-service hub.
Plan your visit
Aim to arrive early in summer to find a space and to make the most of quieter light on the shore. Wear sturdy footwear for uneven ground and bring waterproof layers, windproof clothing and a refillable water bottle. If you plan a boat trip or a longer hike, check local operator details and tide conditions before setting off. Consider combining a short walk from the car park with a picnic on the beach.
Camasunary Car Park
Image / Tripadvisor
A simple gateway to a dramatic bay
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What to expect
Expect a basic grassy car park with limited spaces and no visitor services. The trail from the car park drops steeply to a rocky, pebbled shore and opens onto wide views of the Red Cuillin. The route can be uneven and muddy in places. Mobile signal is often patchy, so plan accordingly.
Plan your visit
Aim to arrive early in summer weekends to find a space. Wear sturdy footwear and waterproofs, and bring food, water and a small first aid kit. Check tide times if you plan to explore the shoreline. Leave no trace: take all litter away and keep to the path to protect fragile ground. Allow time for stops on the descent and for the walk along the bay.
Isle of Raasay Distillery
Image / Isle of Raasay Distillery
Stay where the whisky is made.
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What to expect
Guided distillery tours and tastings that explain the local ingredients and production, plus comfortable accommodation in Borodale House and separate bothies. The restaurant focuses on seasonal island produce and seats look out towards Skye. Staff are welcoming and the operation feels hands-on rather than large-scale.
Plan your visit
Book tours and rooms in advance, especially in spring and summer. Check ferry times before you travel and allow a little extra time for connections. Pack warm layers and sturdy shoes for coastal walks and changeable weather. If you want the full experience, plan to eat on site and join a tasting rather than dropping in for a quick look.
Skye Bridge
Image / Locationscout
A simple crossing with wide sea and mountain views.
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What to expect
A short, scenic stop rather than a long attraction. Driving across feels like a neat transition from mainland to island. There are pedestrian paths on both sides if you want to walk part of the span and take in views of the sea and nearby hills. The site is exposed to wind and rain, so dress for the elements.
Plan your visit
Allow time for a quick walk and photos, plus a pause at a nearby viewpoint. Bring a windproof layer and sturdy shoes. If you are not driving, plan connections via the train to Kyle of Lochalsh or local buses, and check the short walk from the station to the views. Combine the stop with a coastal walk or a short village visit for a fuller outing.
Harbour Street
Image / Rightmove
A quietly welcoming base on Plockton harbour
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What to expect
Rooms are traditional and comfortable, several with views over the bay. The on-site restaurant and pub serve well-prepared, locally influenced food. You can expect a warm, informal welcome from staff who know the area and often help with travel details. The setting is quiet, with easy access to the village and shoreline.
Plan your visit
Travel light and plan for changeable weather. If you arrive by train or bus, ask the hotel about station pickup; reviews note they sometimes collect guests. Book a sea-view room if you want morning light over the bay. Reserve a table for dinner at busier times. Bring a waterproof layer for harbour walks and a camera for coastal views.
Glamaig
Image / Walkhighlands
A steep Munro of red scree with wide coastal views across Skye.
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What to expect
A sharp ascent over grass and loose red scree, with sustained steep sections rather than technical climbing. The path can be faint in places, so expect route-finding across open ground. Weather changes fast: wind, low cloud and sudden rain are common. The walk suits fit day-walkers and experienced families; younger children may find the steeper slopes tiring.
Plan your visit
Aim for clear weather and check local forecasts before you set out. Wear good-traction boots and layers for wind and rain. Carry a map, compass or GPS and allow extra time for slow sections on scree. If you are new to mountain walking, go with someone experienced or join a guided walk from Broadford.
Dun Caan
Image / AllTrails
A short climb, wide views.
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What to expect
Expect a steep but fairly direct ascent over grass and rock. The path is visible for most of the way, but there are exposed sections and loose stone underfoot. Wind and sudden weather changes are common, and visibility can vary. The summit is open and exposed, with room to move around and take in the panorama.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring layered clothing and waterproofs. Carry a map, phone with GPS and enough food and water for the return. Keep dogs under control around grazing animals. Allow extra time for changing weather and for photography. Follow basic countryside code and take all litter home.
Coral Beach Rock
Image / Coastal Care
Pale pebbles, sheltered rock pools and wide coastal views on the Isle of Skye.
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What to expect
Uneven pebble and rock terrain with patches of sand and shallow pools. There are no visitor facilities, so expect a natural, unmaintained shoreline. Birdlife and occasional seaweed are common. Paths from the roadside are short but can be steep in places.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip and layer for changeable coastal weather. Check tide times if you want to explore rock pools safely. Bring a small daypack, water and a windshell. Supervise children on the rocks and leave everything as you found it. Combine the stop with other north-west Skye sights to make the most of the journey.
Elgol Beach
Image / BeachSearcher
A quiet bay on Skye with direct views of the Cuillin mountains.
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What to expect
Expect a short, unspoilt beach with mixed pebbles and sand, backed by low cliffs and grazing ground. Facilities are basic: a small car park and a slipway in the village. Wildlife includes seabirds and occasionally seals, and the Cuillin mountains form a constant backdrop. The terrain can be uneven and exposed to wind and spray.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes for pebbles and rocky paths and dress in layers for changeable coastal weather. Bring water and snacks since services are limited. If you plan to join a boat trip, check availability and book in advance during the busy season. Allow extra time for the single-track approach road and for short walks once you arrive.
Coral Beach
Image / Locationscout
Pale shell-sand and wide sea views on Skye's coast.
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What to expect
Expect a short walk from a roadside layby across a grassy verge to a wide, low beach. The sand is pale and grainy, often mixed with pale shell pieces. The water can look surprisingly clear and blue on calm days, but conditions change quickly. There are no visitor facilities, so plan for basic needs in advance. Wildlife sightings include seabirds and occasional marine life at low tide.
Plan your visit
Check tide times before you go, especially if you want to explore rock pools or walk along the shore. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven path and a windproof layer for exposed weather. Bring water and a packed lunch, and take all rubbish away. Parking space is limited, consider combining the visit with other nearby coastal stops to make the trip efficient.
Sligachan Old Bridge
Image / Mindtrip
A small stone bridge that frames the Cuillin and the river below.
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What to expect
A short, mostly outdoor stop with panoramic mountain views, a clear river beneath the arches, and a quiet atmosphere when the weather holds. The bridge itself is historic rather than grand. You can view the Cuillins from the top, or walk down to the river for closer scenes and small cascades. The layby car park is small and fills quickly at peak times.
Plan your visit
Allow time for photos and a brief riverside stroll. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground near the water and a waterproof layer for sudden Highland showers. Aim to keep clear of other visitors when taking photos, and avoid standing on the narrow road. Respect the riverbank and leave no trace.
Varkasaig beach
Image / BeachSearcher
A quiet stretch of Skye coast, where sea and shore meet in simple contrast.
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What to expect
A mixture of sand and pebbles, open sea views and a sense of solitude. Expect natural coastal features rather than visitor facilities: rock pools at lower tides, seabirds on the shoreline and grassy slopes nearby. The terrain can be uneven underfoot and weather changes quickly, so the mood can shift from bright and clear to misty and atmospheric in a short time.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing. Check local weather and tide information before you go. There are no visitor facilities at the beach, so bring water, snacks and a small bag for any rubbish. Keep to established paths and respect any nearby private land. If you want solitude, aim for a weekday visit outside peak summer hours.
Loch Brittle
Image / Tripadvisor
Pebble shore framed by the Cuillin ridge
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What to expect
A largely undeveloped beach with compact pebbles, stretches of sand at low tide and scattered seaweed. Expect changeable weather and frequent winds. There are no visitor services on site, limited parking and uneven paths from the roadside. You may see seals and seabirds, and the Cuillin ridge provides a dramatic backdrop.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and layers, including a waterproof outer layer. Check the weather and tides before you go. Bring water, snacks and a bag for any litter you create. Allow extra time for single-track roads and limited parking. If you want quieter conditions, visit early in the day or on a weekday.