Sandwood Bay, Remote sandy bay in northwest Sutherland, Scotland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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