Big Sand

Sandy Beach that sometimes gets rocky when the Spring tide throws up rocks
Dog friendly beach
Sheltered Sand Dunes
Great for rock pools
Excellent for swimming
Public Toilets at Gairloch Community Centre
Camp Site directly above the beach
Superb campsite shop
Barn Cafe
Rua Reidh Lighthouse
Walk from Lighthouse to Camus Mor
Nearest Petrol Station is in Gairloch
Nearest Shop is Sands Camping and Caravan
Nearest ATM is at the Royal Bank of Scotland
Gairloch Highland Gathering July 1st 2023

Big Sand is named very aptly and it is one of my favourite NC500 beaches. Backed by extensive sand dunes and breathtaking views of the Torridon Mountains, Longa Island and the Hebrides, it really is stunning. 

I have been coming here since May 2007 and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The camp site is one of the best on the NC500, definitely the best in the west in our opinion. Run by Jamie and Marie Cameron, who are fantastic site owners and run the cafe and shop here too.

The beach is great for building sandcastles and there are lots of rock pools to explore as well. The best place to swim is in the middle where the river flows into the sea as it is warmer at that point.  You will find lots of wildlife here, we have found starfish, razor clams, crabs, jellyfish and sea urchins. We did try and catch some 'Spoots' (Razor Clams) but still have never caught one, even with help from a friendly local. They are too fast!  Maybe next time?

Rua Reidh Lighthouse   IV21 2EA

There used to be a visitor centre, cafe and parking here but sadly the current owners closed them and have turned the lighthouse into a B&B. You can still visit here though and we highly recommend that you do. The sea around the point contains basking sharks and Atlantic seals. fulmars, European shags and kittiwakes nest on the steep cliffs and in 2018 there have been regular sightings of otters here.  Rua Reidh overlooks the Minch coastline as well as the nearby Isles of Skye, Harris and Lewis.

The light house is a wonderful historic example an building began in 1910 and was completed in January 1912. Standing 25 metres high, the Lighthouse was built by David Stevenson, a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson, and one of a famous family of lighthouse engineers.  It was first lit on 15 January 1912. The light came from a paraffin lamp, subsequently converted to electricity. The original Fresnel lens is now in the nearby Gairloch Heritage Museum. 

The fog siren gave 4 blasts every 90  seconds. The fog siren was discontinued in 1980 as well as all the fog sirens in Scotland. The red fog siren trumpet, along with its clockwork timing mechanism were removed and were donated to the Gairloch heritage center. The siren's tower and engine room were partially demolished. All that is left is the first floor of the siren's tower and the front facade of the engine room. The fog signal equipment was auctioned off.

To the north, a quay and ramp provided access from the sea at high tide. This was the only access for supplies until the road from Gairloch was built in 1962 and the Jetty can still be seen. Paraffin was pumped from the quay and other goods were transported on a small trolley on rails. 

Below is the Car Park near to the Lighthouse. The roads here are narrow and unsuitable for very large vehicles.

Camus Mor

From Rua Reidh Jetty, head off along the coastal path high up on the cliff tops. Despite being so close to the sea the ground can get really boggy here so you need to wear appropriate footwear. 

The path climbs quite quickly and after a kilometre or so, big sea stacks come into view, one is a natural arch rising out of the crystal clear turquoise sea. This is the preserve of seals and seabirds, and their barking and calling echoes all around the rocks here. Up ahead you can catch your first glimpse of Camus Mor beyond the headland.

The path climbs yet further, and takes you inland over a shoulder of the hill above the smaller beach and to within sight of Camus Mor. There is a path that angles slightly downwards across the face of the steep slope above the beach. This path leads to the ruins of a small building on a narrow flat perch high above the bay. Just afterwards it is possible to scramble down the rubble of a steep stream bed to reach the beach itself. 

The stream bed is about three quarter of the way along the beach. The outflow of the stream is clear on the map above.  Ben More Coigach and Stac Pollaidh can also be seen in the distance.  This is a beautiful and isolated beach so chances are that if you put in the effort to walk the narrow coastal path, and endure the boggy ground, you will be rewarded amply at the end of your journey.

Sands Camping and Caravan Site

This site is the best in the west and my all time favourite (I haven't been to Sango yet, before you shout me down!) Situated on the beautiful west coast of the Highlands of Scotland with unsurpassed views of the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides. Set up where ever you wish in the designated areas, whether you choose a sheltered spot among the sand dunes or a raised pitch with unrivaled views, this large spacious site has something for everyone. Low Season is before 21st June and after  22nd September. 

2023 Prices

Motorhome & two adults £27.00

Electric Hook up £6.00

Extra Adult (16+) £9.00

Children (5+) £4.00

Motorhome & one Adult £19.00

Extra tent £5

This page is under construction and was last updated on 3rd March 2023

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