Achmelvich Beach
Achmelvich
A white-sand bay on the Assynt coast, with turquoise water that rivals the tropics, and England's smallest 'castle', the Hermit's Castle, just nearby.
Achmelvich Beach lies about 6 km north of Lochinver. Reached by a single-track road, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in northwest Scotland, with shell-sand shores and clear water that turns turquoise on sunny days, all framed by gneiss headlands. In summer you can swim (the water is very cold) and go sea kayaking. There is a campsite and a small shop by the beach.
From the rocky northern shore, a 15-minute walk leads to the Hermit's Castle, a concrete hut built in 1950 and said to be the smallest castle in Europe. Parking is charged.
Tips: the road to the beach is single-track, so expect frequent passing places in peak season. The dunes and the machair grassland need protecting, so keep off them.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Clachtoll Beach & Broch
- Lochinver
- Old Man of Stoer
- Achiltibuie
- Stac Pollaidh
- Suilven
- Summer Isles
- Ben More Coigach