Season: summer
The tide was falling back during this visit to Dornoch beach. White clouds scudded by on a bright morning. Birdlife was evident along the strand, with oystercatchers and sanderlings skittering at the water’s edge. An addition to the backdrop since my last visit was the boathouse for the East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) lifeboat. ESRA is an independent service to support those at sea in the area, a fine initiative.
What the beach means to Douglas and Kerri.
A morning scene by the beach at Dornoch.
Season: winter
Dornoch beach has a long expanse of golden sand. With clean bathing waters and as part of a National Nature Reserve, there’s a winning formula here as a visitor attraction. A breathtaking setting, complete with dunes, plus good parking and facilities, add to the cocktail. The eastern end of the beach is known as Burnmouth. As well as being sandy, the beach has rock pools to explore, making fun for all the family. The nearby town of Royal Dornoch is genteel, with well-heeled visitors able to enjoy the excellent shops and eateries, as well as a world class links golf course.
On the beach with Myre.
What the beach means to John.
A fine morning scene at Dornoch beach.
A view from behind the beach.
Dornoch beach is a nostalgic place for me – where I spent many a happy day as a child with my brother, parents and grandmother. Now I love to walk here with my dogs and members of my family (or on my own) and take in the expanse of sky, the ever changing colours, the continuous movement of the tides and sheer beauty of it all. Different at sunrise and sunset… it’s therapeutic in a way that’s different to anything else – picking up shells, seeking out the rock pools, strolling, power walking…. Reaching or passing the Fisherman’s pole which has been set in the sand for hundreds of years gives a feeling of strength and stability. Dornoch beach is a fix I couldn’t bear to be without!