Achmelvich

Settlement in Sutherland

Scotland

Achmelvich

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

Achmelvich is a small coastal village located in the county of Sutherland, in the Highlands region of Scotland. Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, this picturesque village is renowned for its stunning sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs.

The main attraction of Achmelvich is undoubtedly its beaches. Achmelvich Bay is a pristine sandy beach that stretches for approximately 1.5 miles and is backed by rugged hills. The beach offers a tranquil escape, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming in the refreshing Atlantic waters. Visitors can also indulge in various water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling, as the bay is home to a diverse marine life.

The village itself is small, consisting of a few scattered houses and cottages. It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with a local shop and a café that serves delicious homemade treats. Accommodation options in Achmelvich include holiday cottages and a campsite, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Surrounded by rolling hills and stunning coastal views, Achmelvich is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous hiking and walking trails in the vicinity, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Wildlife enthusiasts will also be delighted, as the area is home to a variety of bird species, seals, and occasionally even dolphins and whales.

With its unparalleled natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Achmelvich is a hidden gem in the Scottish Highlands, providing a perfect retreat for those seeking solace in nature's embrace.

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Achmelvich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.16836/-5.3035084 or Grid Reference NC0524. 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

On the old B869 between Clashnessie and Lochinver

From our 1974 trip though the Highlands. It looks as if the B869 was still a gravel road. Amazingly, the power lines are still there (at least on Google maps). In the background are Canisp, Suilven and a bit of Cul Mor. I think this photo was taken at almost the same place as this one, just 10 years later. Link

Klaus Liphard

A preserved benchmark

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

Neville Goodman

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