Season: summer
Since the River Halladale runs in along the eastern side, it’s best to approach Melvich beach over the central high dunes, which you can easily reach from a handy road and a car park which is set back among the machair next to the river. It’s an atmospheric walk, offering a splendid view of the wide beach and the breakers beyond. Terns were nesting in the high dunes by the river and visitors lounged in the sunshine below the dunes, their children playing in the pools left by the receding tide. It was an idyllic counterpoint to the snow during my previous visit.
Friends at the beach in the sunshine.
A summer day at Melvich beach.
Season: winter
Featuring Bighouse Lodge, the ancestral home of Clan Mackay, Melvich beach is one of North Scotland’s most attractive coastal locations. Backed by dunes and machair that is resplendent in wild flowers in early summer, the varied geography here includes the River Halladale, which runs down to the beach on its eastern side. There is wonderful walking in both directions from here. Access is good and there is a hotel and public toilets in the nearby village. The beach is popular with swimmers and surfers.
By the beach at Melvich Bay.
The scene behind the dunes.
