Achmelvich Beach is known for its stunning white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it a popular spot in the Scottish Highlands.
Where is Achmelvich Beach?
Achmelvich Beach is in the Assynt region of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland.
What is the closest town to Achmelvich Bay?
Lochinver, a small fishing village, is approximately 3 miles from Achmelvich Bay.
How to get to Achmelvich Bay
The narrow B869 twists northwards through Scotland's rocky countryside, past slopes of wildflowers, half-hidden smallholdings and warm, green woods. It’s difficult to imagine a place more remote, until a signpost for Achmelvich directs you down an even smaller road.
The single track heads west, navigating the valley floor between low, tortoise-back tors. Fissured hillsides of heather and shrub rise and fall beside the car, sinking into grassland before arriving on to the shores of Achmelvich Bay – a sweep of soft, white sand, scythe-like, sheltered between the gnarled rock of two stunted headlands.
What to do in Achmelvich Beach
Down by the water, the scent of airborne salt and the decaying driftline is strong. The rhythmic roll of the waves is entrancing; the sea’s clarity so great that it’s hard to work out where it begins and the ivory beach ends. And even when the sand dips beneath the surface and out across the aqua bay, the water’s transparency prevails.
The rocks that skirt the bay are a perfect vantage point for watching mats of seaweed pulsate in the surf. They’re also a good launching pad. Drop beneath the waves with a snorkel and mask into a watery world of refracting sunlight and alien life: a crimson beadlet anemone fishing for ocean debris; a sheltering hermit crab; or a rainbow-hued comb jelly oscillating in the swell.
Where to stay near Achmelvich Beach
For those who don’t want to leave, there’s The Shore, a basic caravan and camping site, suitable for drivers, hikers and bikers alike. Check availability and book on TripAdvisor.
And, if you're looking for a bit more comfort Holiday Cottages has a selection of self-catering cottages in Lochinver. For hotels in the area, check out TripAdvisor or Expedia, and for cool North Coast 500 pods just 500 metres from the beach or the Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, check out Booking.com.
Where to eat near Achmelvich Beach
- Peets: Home-cooked food on the Harbourside at Lochinver.
- Lochinver Larder: Famous for its pies, along with home-cooked treats. Find it on Main Street.
- Delilah's Restaurant & Bar: Locally sourced food in the heart of Lochinver.
Are dogs allowed on Achmelvich Beach?
Yes, but owners must keep them on a lead as sheep are known to wander on the beach.
What is the NC500?
The North Coast 500, otherwise known as the NC500, is a scenic driving route in the northern Highlands of Scotland. It covers approximately 500 miles, giving it its name, and takes travellers on a circular journey around the northernmost part of Scotland, starting and ending in Inverness.
The route passes through some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the Scottish Highlands, including coastal gems like Achmelvich Bay.
Read our guide to the North Coast 500, and for maps and more information, check out NC500. If you'd like the fun of hiring a campervan to experience its scenic route, visit GoBoony or Camplify.
Looking for more Days Out inspiration?
Read our guides, compiled by experts, about Britain’s best beaches, beachcombing: things to find along the seashore and best beaches in the UK and a rockpooling: how to get started, where to go, and essential equipment.
