6 of the best beaches near Ullapool

Beaches, Coastal, Destinations

Posted by Clare Willcocks on 24th June 2024

The small stony beach in Ullapool, with boats on the shore and backed by white houses.

Firstly, where is Ullapool? Set amongst the spectacular scenery of northwest Scotland, Ullapool is a waterside village with a port, on the eastern shore of Loch Broom. Despite being relatively small as communities go, it’s the largest in the area, and as such, is a bustling, vibrant and cultural hub for locals and visitors alike. Packed with eateries and things to do, you won’t find yourself far from good food and adventure in Ullapool.

The harbour is used by fishing boats, yachts, and ferries, with comings and goings providing the perfect distraction when enjoying a leisurely seaside walk on a sunny day. Surrounded by dramatic, rugged mountains, it’s one of the most beautiful villages in Scotland. While there’s not much in the way of beaches in Ullapool, there are many Scottish beaches to choose from nearby, and the dazzling sea views from the village’s seafront are sure to give you your fix of salty air and seaside vibes.

We have written some other blogs about Ullapool including the best places to eat. In this article, we explore the beaches in Ullapool and beyond; read on for some top spots to add to your holiday itinerary or tap the button below to browse our collection of cottages nearby – there are some fabulous places to stay in Ullapool.

Ullapool cottages


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Aerial view of Ullapool, showing the beach and row of houses along the shore.

Ullapool Beach

Admittedly, we’re stretching the definition of ‘beach’ a bit with this one, but mention must be made of Ullapool’s scenic seafront. A modest, pebbly stretch extends west from the ferry terminal (for the Ullapool-Stornaway ferry), and while it’s not the sort of beach on which you’d pitch up with a bucket and spade for the day, it does make for a pleasant dog walk or morning stroll.

Pick your way across the pebbles as you watch the boat activity in the glittering loch, or plump for the easier option and wander along the roadside, perhaps stopping for a pint on one of the picnic tables outside the Arch Inn, or pausing to take in the awe-inspiring views from one of the astutely placed benches on the Point. For more beaches to amble along with your pooch, check out our article on dog-friendly beaches in Scotland.

Good to know

  • Location: What3words – newsstand.swift.tight
  • Type of beach: Stones
  • Facilities: WCs, pubs and eateries within 100 metres, shops within 300 metres
  • Dogs: Allowed all year round
  • How warm is the sea in Ullapool in summer? The sea in Ullapool is 13.1°C on average in August, with the coldest month being March when the temperature averages 7.1°C (source: seatemperature.org). That means that, even in summer, you’ll feel the chill, but you can’t say it’s not refreshing!
  • Stay nearby: Burnside House | sleeps 12 + 2 dogs

Two photos of Ardmair: One showing the beach with mountains in the background and white houses along the shore, the other showing the small peninsula surrounded by water.

Ardmair Beach

The white pebble sweep of Ardmair Beach is complemented by the smattering of whitewashed cottages which enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and islands. The peaceful and relaxing spot benefits from calm and sheltered water – an inviting prospect if wild swimming is on the cards.

Poke about in the rock pools to see what creatures you can find there, or amble along the road that runs parallel to the beach and around Ardmair Point. There’s not a lot to do here, but that’s what makes it special; time to stop and appreciate the scenery is a treat in itself. On some days throughout the summer, a ferry operates from Ardmair to Isle Martin, which is visible from the beach and home to a small, off-grid community. Take the opportunity to step back from modern life and explore the experiences and walking trails on offer there.

Good to know

  • Location: What3words – haggis.wrong.hockey
  • Distance from Ullapool: 4 miles
  • Type of beach: Pebbles
  • Facilities: Layby parking alongside the beach. Small shop and coffee shop, open seasonally at Ardmair Point Holiday Park.
  • Dogs: Allowed all year round

Rugged Gruinard Beach, with its golden sand, wooden walkway and tree-lined slopes running down to the sea.

Gruinard Beach

If you’re looking for sandy beaches in Ullapool, Gruinard Beach won’t disappoint. Its blush-pink soft sand and crystal-clear water are trumped only by the jaw-dropping backdrop of rocky mountains. Gruinard Island, off the coast of Gruinard Bay, was infamously used during WWII to test anthrax on sheep, after which the island was quarantined until its decontamination, 48 years later.

There are several other beaches in Gruinard Bay to explore, too, including the red sand of Mungasdale Beach and the astounding silvery cove of Mellon Udrigle. Combine a beach visit with a walk to see Eas Dubh Falls – a short, yet rough ramble through a picturesque glen, rewarded by the sight of the crashing white cataract tumbling 10 metres into a pool. Find more inspiration for hikes in our article on coastal walks in Scotland.

Good to know

  • Location: What3words – token.suffice.prefect
  • Distance from Ullapool: 37 miles 
  • Type of beach: Sand
  • Facilities: None, pay and display car park alongside the beach
  • Dogs: Allowed all year round
  • Stay nearby: Mungasdale House | sleeps 10 + 2 dogs

Two photos of Achnahaird: One of clear water lapping the golden sand, the other a view from the granite rocks flanking the beach, featuring a walker and their dog.

Achnahaird Beach

One of the best beaches in Ullapool, and considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Scotland, Achnahaird Beach is an idyllic spot within a tidal estuary. Flanked by granite rocks, grassy dunes slope onto golden sand, on which you can stand and admire mountains including Canisp, Suilven and Stac Pollaidh.

Wander from the car park along the path hugging the granite coast and continue down through the dunes to meet the beach. Nature is in abundance here, with Inverpolly Nature Reserve occupying much of the surrounding land. Wild cats, pine martens and golden eagles are just some of the species that sometimes put in an appearance.

Good to know

  • Location: What3words – loving.meatballs.graph
  • Distance from Ullapool: 23 miles
  • Type of beach: Sand
  • Facilities: None, beach car park 500-metre walk
  • Dogs: Allowed all year round
  • Stay nearby: Loch View Cottage | sleeps 4

The turquoise water and pristine white sand of Achmelvich Beach, surrounded by rugged granite scenery.

Achmelvich Beach

Birdwatchers searching for beaches in Ullapool will love Achmelvich Beach (Ahmelvich Bay) where black- and red-throated divers are often spotted, with great-northern divers sometimes joining the party in winter. Gaze out to sea and you may be lucky enough to glimpse dolphins and porpoises arching and diving, or maybe even minke whales. That’s if you can tear your eyes away from your immediate surroundings though.

Achmelvich Beach, a stop on the North Coast 500, is impossibly beautiful; pristine turquoise water gently laps sugary white sand – a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Enjoy water sports here, go rock pooling, or simply pitch up on the beach and relax for the day. When the tide is out, you can walk around the rocks to the west to discover a tiny, secluded cove. Neighbouring Vestey’s Beach, to the east, is equally beautiful, but tricky to access, making it less popular, and as a result, a more peaceful option.

Good to know

  • Location: What3words – novels.gurgled.solid
  • Distance from Ullapool: 39 miles
  • Type of beach: Sand
  • Facilities: WC and car park within 100 metres
  • Dogs: Allowed all year round (on a lead due to sheep on the beach)
  • Stay nearby: Darrach Cottage | sleeps 4

Two photos: One of Port Alltan Na Bradhan Beach, with its rocky inlet and blue water; the other is of a pair of feet in clear water.

Port Alltan Na Bradhan Beach

The dinky, sheltered cove of Port Alltan Na Bradhan is backed by rocky cliffs, down which a waterfall flows onto the beach. The silver sand and azure water make it an attractive spot, and a lovely place to stop for a picnic lunch if you’re hiking the coast path.

It’s a bit of a walk to the beach, but you’ll hopefully be rewarded by finding you’ve got it all to yourself. Shed your walking boots and let the cool, clear water soothe your feet as you peer out towards the deep blue horizon beyond the narrow opening to the cove.

Good to know


Drone view of Clachtoll Beach, with its turquoise water, white sand, and backdrop of greenery and rugged granite rocks.

Clachtoll Beach

Picturesque headlands flank beautiful, sandy Clachtoll Beach, where beachwear-clad families are a normal sight in the summer. The startlingly clear water is perfect for sedate water sports such as SUP and swimming, or simply relaxing on the sand, feeling more like you’re in a tropical paradise than the northern reaches of Scotland!

If you have the energy and inclination, you can walk north of the beach along the coast to Clachtoll Broch, the remains of a well-preserved Iron Age home which has given archaeologists a fascinating insight into domestic life 2,000 years ago. From here, continue walking north a short distance and you’ll reach another of the beaches near Ullapool: Stoer Beach, a lovely white-sand cove, backed by pebbles and grass.

Good to know

  • Location: What3words – parts.newlyweds.melons
  • Distance from Ullapool: 40.5 miles
  • Type of beach: Sand
  • Facilities: WC 125 metres, beach shop and cafe 430 metres
  • Dogs: Allowed all year round
  • Stay nearby: Heather Brae Cottage | sleeps 2

Map of Ullapool beaches

Find all the beaches in Ullapool and close by on our handy map.

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Stay with us in Ullapool

Dramatic scenery, pristine beaches and twinkling lochs – the Northern Highlands has it all, and at the heart of it is Ullapool. A wonderful base for an adventurous holiday, Ullapool and the surrounding area offer a plethora of welcoming self-catering cottages for your next break.

Browse our collection of Ullapool cottages by clicking the button below, and you’ll soon be heading out to visit the above Ullapool beaches for yourself. Or why not check out some of our top properties across Scotland for more inspiration?

Ullapool cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.