Sandwood Bay, Remote sandy bay in northwest Sutherland, Scotland.
Description
Sandwood Bay is a remote sandy bay in northwest Sutherland, Scotland. The shore stretches about a mile with golden sand backed by high dunes, and a freshwater lake called Sandwood Loch sits just behind the coastal edge.
History
Pictish settlements once occupied the area in ancient times. People lived here as shepherds until the mid-20th century, after the Highland Clearances had already reshaped the region in the 1800s.
Culture
The name comes from Viking times, derived from "Sandvatn." Local stories about mermaids and a ghostly sailor are woven into how people understand this remote place.
Practical
To reach the bay, walk about four miles from the Blairmore parking area. There are no facilities, shops, or services on site, so bring everything you need for your visit.
Did you know?
A World War II Spitfire crashed on the beach in 1941. Parts of its Rolls Royce engine still appear at low tide, a quiet remnant from wartime.
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The Scottish Highlands span thousands of square miles in northern Scotland, offering striking landscapes of mountains, jagged coastlines, and remote lakes. This region retains villages that only recently gained road access, such as Rhenigidale on Harris Island, connected to the rest of the island in...
Scotland offers photographers a wide range of landscapes and historical sites. This collection includes coastal formations like Bow Fiddle Rock and Sandwood Bay, medieval fortresses such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, and mountains and glens like Glencoe and the Cairngorms. On the Isle of...
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