{"id":34902,"date":"2024-02-20T11:00:07","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T10:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/f92d073e-7bf9-4a01-986f-8ad95d99365b"},"modified":"2024-02-20T11:39:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T10:39:22","slug":"achmelvich-sutherland-what-to-see-and-do","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/achmelvich-sutherland-what-to-see-and-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Achmelvich, Sutherland: What to see and do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Beneath the gaze of north-west Scotland\u2019s Highland peaks are some of Britain\u2019s purest and whitest beaches \u2013 one of the most beautiful is Achmelvich. <\/p>

By Daniel Graham\n <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 at 10:00 AM<\/p>

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Achmelvich Beach is known for its stunning white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it a popular spot in the Scottish Highlands.<\/strong><\/p>

Where is Achmelvich Beach?<\/h2>

Achmelvich Beach is in the Assynt region of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland<\/a>. <\/p>

What is the closest town to Achmelvich Bay?<\/h2>

Lochinver, a small fishing village, is approximately 3 miles from Achmelvich Bay. <\/p>

Achmelvich with Suilven stamping the horizon. Credit: Jake Graham<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>

How to get to Achmelvich Bay<\/h2>

The narrow B869 twists northwards through Scotland’s rocky countryside, past slopes of wildflowers, half-hidden smallholdings and warm, green woods. It\u2019s difficult to imagine a place more remote, until a signpost for Achmelvich directs you down an even smaller road.<\/p>

The single track heads west, navigating the valley floor between low, tortoise-back tors. Fissured hillsides of heather and shrub rise and fall beside the car, sinking into grassland before arriving on to the shores of Achmelvich Bay \u2013 a sweep of soft, white sand, scythe-like, sheltered between the gnarled rock of two stunted headlands.<\/p>

\"Achmelvich
Achmelvich snorkelling. Credit: Jake Graham<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>

What to do in Achmelvich Beach<\/h2>

Down by the water, the scent of airborne salt and the decaying driftline is strong. The rhythmic roll of the waves is entrancing; the sea\u2019s clarity so great that it\u2019s hard to work out where it begins and the ivory beach ends. And even when the sand dips beneath the surface and out across the aqua bay, the water\u2019s transparency prevails.<\/p>

The rocks that skirt the bay are a perfect vantage point for watching mats of seaweed pulsate in the surf. They\u2019re also a good launching pad. Drop beneath the waves with a snorkel and mask into a watery world of refracting sunlight and alien life: a crimson beadlet anemone fishing for ocean debris; a sheltering hermit crab; or a rainbow-hued comb jelly oscillating in the swell.<\/p>

Where to stay near Achmelvich Beach<\/h2>

For those who don\u2019t want to leave, there\u2019s The Shore<\/a>, a basic caravan and camping site, suitable for drivers, hikers and bikers alike. Check availability and book on TripAdvisor<\/a>.<\/p>

And, if you’re looking for a bit more comfort Holiday Cottages<\/a> has a selection of self-catering cottages in Lochinver. For hotels in the area, check out TripAdvisor<\/a> or Expedia<\/a>, and for cool North Coast 500 pods just 500 metres from the beach or the Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, check out Booking.com<\/a>. <\/p>

Where to eat near Achmelvich Beach<\/h2>