highland white sands

Beaches Near Fort WilliamThe West Coast of Scotland is blessed with incredible beaches; some of the best the UK has to offer, with white sands and clear turquoise water. Here’s 8 of the best beaches near Fort William.

road to the isles

Camusdarach Beach

Incredible silver sands and crystal clear turquoise water.  Pure paradise in the Highlands. This beach has been used as a film location in 80s classic ‘Local Hero’ and enjoys lovely views of Skye. If you wanted to explore the coastline from the water the Arisaig sea kayak centre is close by. My top pick for the best beach near Fort William. Check out the Arisaig Sauna near by, the perfect way to end a wild swim (need to pre book).

If the carpark is full you can carry on down the road south to Arisaig there may be parking spots in other carparks.
1 Hour Drive
Cairngorms

Loch Morlich Beach

Stunning fresh water beach on Loch Morlich in the shadows of the Cairngorm mountain range. In summer months there’s a number of watersport options available. In peak season at weekends the beach can become very busy so get there early to avoid disapointment.
1 Hour 20 Min Drive
ardnamurchan

Singing Sands

Reached by a picturesque walk from the parking area. The journey is as rewarding as the destination, as you meander along the bay and traverse through forest tracks, culminating in the discovery of the Singing Sands.
1 Hour 10 Min Drive
road to the isles

Silver Sands of Morar

A lovely collection of white sandy beaches with great views of Rum, Muck & Canna. Some nice walks nearby too.

This is the beach they visited on the show ‘Alan Cumming’s most luxurious train journeys’.
1 Hour Drive
ardnamurchan

Ardtoe Beach

Reached by a picturesque walk from the parking area. The journey is as rewarding as the destination, as you meander along the bay and traverse through forest tracks, culminating in the discovery of the Singing Sands.
1 Hour 20 Min Drive
fresh water

Loch Laggan Beach

The largest fresh water beach in Britain at the Eastern end of Loch Laggan.

It requires parking in a small layby and then walking on to the grounds of Ardverikie. There is no proper footpath by the side of the road so it can be quite tricky, so not for the faint hearted. For more information on this beach please here
skye

Rubha Shleite

On the most south-westerly tip of the Isle of Skye (so a bit of a drive from Fort William) is Rubha Shleite – a tropical looking beach. Here you will find white sands, turquoise waters and rocks to scramble on, if you’re feeling adventurous. The driving route we’ve listed requires a trip on the ferry from Mallaig, so please check out ferry times on the day you’d like to go or use the alternative route.
2 Hours 8 Min Drive
fort william beach

Caol Beach

A very short drive from Highwinds, this local beach has great views of Fort William and Ben Nevis.
8 Min Drive
ardnamurchan

Sanna Bay

A peaceful and scenic beach although it is a bit of a commitment of a drive and very remote. White sands and lovely waters going from dark blue to turquoise. There’s lots of wildlife to see. If you have some luck, you could spot dolphins, eagles and whales!
2 Hours 20 Min Drive