Season: summer
There is more than one beach on the edge of Loch Gairloch in Wester Ross. You have a choice of the expansive Big Sand beach, facing south, the beach at Gairloch itself, just in front of the west-facing golf course and more beaches at Red Point, further round to the south. The sea loch also gives access to the village and yachting haven of Badachro, a sheltered area of creeks and woods. In short, this is a varied natural environment complemented by the modern facilities in Gairloch itself.
What the beach means to Valerie and Jim.
A view from the dunes behind Gairloch beach.
Looking out to the bay from above Gairloch beach.
A view from the dunes at Big Sand beach in Gairloch.
Season: summer
On a fine weather day, Big Sand beach was the setting for this visit to Gairloch. This is the most expansive of the beaches around the bay, with tall dunes that sit behind the beach. Out to sea, whales and dolphins can be spotted in the wide bay as you look across to the yachting haven at Badachro. This is a fine beach for a walk, with myriad elemental stimuli all around. Highly recommended.
A maritime perspective from Wim.
What the beach means to Gusta.
Big Sand beach in Gairloch at the height of summer.
Season: summer
For this summer visit to the bay at Gairloch, I explored its southern edge, settling at beautiful Red Point beach after a drive through Badacro past the cruiser yachts at anchor. You approach the beach via high dunes and there are sea-shaped round stones at the back of the beach. On this occasion the tide was out and the sea was tranquil and welcoming. There are fine views across to the Black Cuillins on Skye, south to Loch Torridon and even across The Minch to the Isle of Harris on a clear day.
What the beach means to Trish.
A view from above Red Point.
An exquisite panorama by the water at Red Point.
From a solitary run, breathing the sea air, to swimming, rounders, paddle boarding and a bbq – who could not be happy surrounded by the open sea and the wild, heather-clad mountains of Wester Ross?