Achmelvich Bay

Bay in Sutherland

Scotland

Achmelvich Bay

Meandering Road Very twisting road [B869] near Pollan — Meandering Road Credit: Malcolm Jones

Achmelvich Bay is a stunning coastal area located on the northwest coast of Scotland in Sutherland. This picturesque bay is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine sandy beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers and is nestled between rugged cliffs and rolling green hills, creating a truly idyllic setting.

The bay is accessible via a narrow road that winds through the scenic Scottish Highlands, offering visitors a captivating journey to this hidden gem. Once arrived, visitors are greeted by a sheltered beach with soft golden sand, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

Achmelvich Bay is not only a haven for beach lovers but also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The bay offers various water-based activities, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and even scuba diving, thanks to its remarkably clear waters. The area is home to a diverse marine life, providing a unique opportunity for underwater exploration.

Surrounding the bay, there are several walking trails and hiking routes that showcase the region's rugged beauty. These trails offer breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, nearby islands, and the dramatic coastline, making it a magnet for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Facilities at Achmelvich Bay include a well-maintained campsite, toilets, and a small café where visitors can indulge in local delicacies and refreshments. The bay's remote location also ensures a peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking solace in nature. Overall, Achmelvich Bay is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its unparalleled natural beauty and offers a memorable experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Achmelvich Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.173927/-5.3103028 or Grid Reference NC0525. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Meandering Road

Very twisting road [B869] near Pollan

Malcolm Jones

The beach at Achmelvich.

Golden sands.

steven ruffles

Achmelvich Bay

Peter Bond

Holiday cottages at Alltanabradhan

Summer evening with long shadows and low sun. The sea is to the rear of the photographer.

Julian Thomas

Maiden Loch

Peter Moore

Path above Clachtoll

Steve Somerville

A preserved benchmark

When this cottage's walls were rendered, the benchmark was deliberately and carefully preserved.

Neville Goodman

Small beach south of Clachtoll

This little white sand beach is hidden away on the south side of the small peninsula that runs out to the split rock.

Gordon Hatton

Loch an Ordain

A very thin loch about 1km long squeezed between ridges of Lewisian Gneiss.

Gordon Hatton

Rugged hills and coast north of Achmelvich

The view from a hill path that leads towards Achmelvich. A geology field guide suggests a route along the cliffs here, but the ground looks very difficult.

Gordon Hatton

Dyke through gneiss at Achmelvich Bay

The dark rock running through the centre of the photo is a doleritic dyke intruded into the Lewisian gneiss. There are many such dykes in this area, but none of them follow the pattern of those found in places such as Mull and Arran where the dykes can often be seen running out into the sea like a small wall. Here the dykes are extremely ancient and have been warped and twisted many times over during a period of several hundred million years.

Gordon Hatton

Beach at Achmelvich

Even on a dull day the sands appear white and the sea is a pale tropical blue. The air and sea temperatures are anything but tropical though.

Gordon Hatton

Rocky coastline, Achmelvich

Looking south from the headland beyond the caravan parks at Achmelvich. The 'Hermit's Castle' is down there on the rocks, but blends in well and would be easy to miss.

Gordon Hatton

A corner of Achmelvich beach

When the tide comes in this becomes a small cove not far below the caravan site and chip shop.

Gordon Hatton

Looking NW from the headland

Out on the tip of An Fharaid Bheag with a view north westwards towards the split rock at Clachtoll.

Gordon Hatton

Looking SE from the tip of the headland

Here gneiss rocks drop into the sea and the view is along a rugged coastline towards the low Soyea Island and with Stac Polly and Beinn Mor Coigach on the horizon.

Gordon Hatton