Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Ceannabeinne

Season:summer

At low tide Ceannabeinne is a candidate for the most beautiful beach in Sutherland, a bold claim but one supported by its grand setting. There are sloping dunes on arrival, then mighty cliffs at the end and behind part of the strand. Views out to sea are stunning and the sunken setting belies the nearby road, the other side of which is a handy car park. Come to discover it for yourself – it will be worth it at any time of the year. Magnificent.

Eva and Rheinhart on their holidays.

…und in Deutsch.

A stunning vista at Ceannabeinne.

Season: winter

There is history all around Ceannabeinne beach. Nearby are the remains of a monastery and a deserted village, then just over the hill is the historic 18th Century Rispond Harbour. Visible out to sea is Eilean Hoan, the burial island. The beach itself has pristine sand, with rocky outcrops. It is easily accessed from the car park by the main road. This is a must-stop place on any tour of North Scotland.

Above Ceannabeinne beach in Sutherland.

By the sea in winter.

Sango Bay

Season: summer

A lingering sea mist cleared in the afternoon, like curtains opening on the splendour of Sango Bay as I arrived. In contrast to December’s stark beauty, on this occasion bare feet were the order of the day, with visitors paddling in the ebb tide. There are dramatic cliffs and accessible dunes here, so there’s plenty of fun for all the family. The beach is well supported by excellent facilities nearby and is a popular stopover along the North Coast 500 route.

With Hanne, a regular visitor to this beach.

The mist clears at Sango Bay.

Season: winter

Also known as Sangomore, this is one of mainland Scotland’s most northern beaches. The easy access to the beach itself, including good parking, along with plenty of facilities at nearby Durness, makes this a popular destination. The geography here is varied, featuring rocky outcrops and a vast sea cave (Smoo Cave) just to the east, plus white sand and the machair behind the dunes. Surfing is manageable too and there are rocks and stacks to explore on the beach itself. As a natural coastal playground, this is second to none.

Above the beach in winter.

Balnakeil

Season: summer

Balnakeil is an atmospheric beach, flanked by the ancestral burial ground of the Mackay clan, with its tumbled down church. It is a popular spot, handy to get to from nearby Durness and long enough for a good stroll. Today was ideal, with rampant late afternoon sun leading the way. Children and adults alike were paddling in the gentle waves. This beach has low, accessible dunes behind, an adjacent car park and excellent access, making this a jewel in the North Scotland coastal crown.

Peter and Jacqueline at the beach in summer.

A fine scene at Balnakeil in the afternoon.

Season: winter

There’s a spectacular setting for Balnakeil beach, located on the way to Faraid Head, near Durness in Sutherland. The sand is soft and white, with dramatic dunes behind and access is straightforward. As well as the spectacular sunsets here, the dunes offer shelter to varied bird life. You may see oystercatchers and terns, as well as seals in the bay. This is a fine swimming beach too; in short, there’s plenty here for nature lovers.

The scene at Balnakeil beach.