Red Point Beach — Place photograph

Red Point, near Gairloch, Wester Ross

Red Point Beach

Beach

Place photograph

7.6

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Free

Cost

Secluded

Feel

CoastalDunesRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographersDogs

Why it's Wildland

7.6

A remote Highland shore of red-pink sand, backed by dunes and grassy slopes, with views towards the Western Isles and, on clear days, the Isle of Skye.

Red Point earns its place through its strikingly coloured sand, quiet setting and sense of distance from everyday life. The short beach visit is rewarding on its own; a rough circuit linking both beaches offers a more demanding way to explore the coast.

Secluded · Wild · Big-sky

Find your way

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Red Point, near Gairloch, Wester Ross

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The experience

Take the path from the car park through the dunes to North Beach, then give yourself time to explore the coloured sand, rock pools and views. For a longer outing, Walkhighlands describes a rough circuit linking both beaches.

Things to do

01

Walk through the dunes to North Beach

From the car park, follow the path through the dunes for a few hundred metres until a gap opens onto North Beach.

Short approach; exact duration not given.

02

Explore the red-pink sands and rock pools

Look closely at the distinctive sand, the interesting stones and the rock pools along the shore.

03

Walk the circuit linking both beaches

A rough circuit connects the two beaches. Walkhighlands reports a faint path and boggy channels between them; be prepared for uneven, wet ground.

1.5–2.5 hours

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow around 1–2 hours; exact time is not specified for this short visit.

Quick Escape — dunes to North Beach

  1. 01

    Park at the end of the public road to Red Point.

  2. 02

    Follow the path through the dunes for a few hundred metres to North Beach.

  3. 03

    Explore the red-pink sand, rock pools and views before returning the same way.

Half day · 1.5–2.5 hours for the walk; allow extra time to explore the beaches.

Make a Half Day of It — circuit both beaches

  1. 01

    Start at the car park at the end of the public road to Red Point.

  2. 02

    Follow the Walkhighlands route linking the two beaches, taking care on the faint path and boggy channels.

  3. 03

    Pause at the viewpoint and coast for views towards the islands; check tide and weather conditions before walking.

Hidden details

A stream crosses the beach — A small stream runs through the sand and empties into the sea.

Ruins above the south beach — The Walkhighlands circuit passes ruins above the coast before descending towards the south beach.

When to go

· A clear day for distant views; no particular time of day is established by the sources.

The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal peak. Weather and tide conditions matter for coastal visits and the longer circuit.

Check the forecast and tides before visiting. The Beach Guide warns that there is no lifeguard service and advises extra care before entering the water, especially in rough or unfamiliar conditions.

What to look for

Look for the red-pink sand, the small stream cutting across the shore, rock pools and the changing views across the water. Gannets, otters and porpoises are mentioned as possible wildlife sightings, not guaranteed encounters.

Best time to go

Check the forecast and conditions before travelling; no particular seasonal peak is established by the supplied sources.

Choose a clear day for the long island and coastal views; check the weather and tides before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · Dogs

Before you go

Address

IV21, Red Point, beach, Gairloch IV21 2AX

Listed hours

  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 76 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

Reached from the car park at the end of the B8056, followed by a walk through dunes to the beach. The approach includes uneven and sandy ground; check conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Free car park at the end of the public road to Red Point, according to The Beach Guide. Check availability and current conditions before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No facilities for miles, according to The Beach Guide; bring what you need for the day.

Dogs

Dogs allowed; The Beach Guide reports no restrictions. Keep the sands clean and check current signage.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row reports that the car park and entrance are not wheelchair accessible. The approach crosses dunes and sandy ground; check suitability before visiting.

Check before visiting

Cost

Free

Water

Sea; a small stream runs across the sands into the sea.

Gallery

Place photographs
Red point beach
Place photograph
Red point beach
Place photograph
Red point beach
Place photograph

Keep exploring

Around Red Point Beach

Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances