Near Reay, Caithness, Scottish Highlands
Sandside Bay Beach
Beach
Place photograph
5.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.0A quiet stretch of sand on Caithness’s north coast, backed by dunes and Reay Golf Course, with the open sea setting the scale. A small car park off the A836 provides access, but this is a remote-feeling beach rather than a serviced seaside stop.
Sandside Bay offers a simple, open-coast escape: sand, dunes and sea rather than a built-up promenade. Its quiet setting and easy approach make it a worthwhile place to slow down, while the bay’s isolation means visitors should arrive prepared.
Peaceful · Remote
Find your way
Open mapNear Reay, Caithness, Scottish Highlands
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The experience
Come for a short beach walk, sea views and time among the dunes. The source row also suggests paddling and swimming, but the supplied research notes a warning about radioactive particles found at the beach following past incidents; do not dig or remove material, and check current local advice before entering the water.
Things to do
Walk the sandy bay
Take the reported short path from the small car park to the beach, then walk the shore and enjoy the open-sea outlook. Check conditions and local notices before setting off.
1–2 hours
Look across the dune-backed coast
Notice the contrast between the sandy shore, dunes and open water. The supplied source describes the bay as backed by dunes and Reay Golf Course.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short sea-air escape
- 01
Use the reported small car park off the A836, checking access and restrictions before you travel.
- 02
Follow the short path to the beach.
- 03
Walk the accessible stretch of sand, take in the open-sea view and return by the same path.
Half day · Half day
Make time for the bay
- 01
Visit in softer early-morning or late-evening light, as suggested in the source row.
- 02
Walk the beach and pause to look across the bay and along its dune-backed edge.
- 03
If exploring the beach margins, check tide conditions first and do not dig or remove material.
Hidden details
A beach-use caution — The supplied Tripadvisor description says signs note that small radioactive particles were found here following past incidents and advises visitors not to dig or remove material. Follow current local signage and advice.
When to go
· Early morning or late evening for softer light, according to the source row. Check tides and weather.
The supplied material gives no reliable month-by-month seasonal detail. The source row recommends quieter-hour light and checking the tide before exploring.
This is an exposed coastal setting. Check the forecast, tide information and local notices before visiting; the beach may feel isolated and the source row reports limited phone signal.
What to look for
Notice the change from open sand to dune-backed edges and the exposed sea view. A historic pier or harbour remains a source-row claim rather than a detail confirmed by the supplied research. Do not dig or collect material: the supplied Tripadvisor description reports that signs warn of small radioactive particles found here following past incidents.
The story
Maritime
Best time to go
Any season, in settled weather. Early morning or late evening is suggested in the source row for softer light; check tides and conditions before setting out.
The source row recommends early morning or late evening for softer light. It also advises avoiding high tide if you want to explore the dunes. Check tide times, weather and local notices before visiting.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Dogs
Practical information
Opening & access
The source row describes a small car park off the A836 and a short path to the beach. Access rights and current conditions are not confirmed; check before visiting. The beach may feel isolated, and mobile signal may be limited. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
A small car park off the A836 is reported. Check availability and any restrictions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No toilets on site are reported; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No café or pub is reported nearby in the source row. Basic amenities are noted in Reay; check locally.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The source row describes the beach as dog-friendly. Check for any local restrictions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row describes a short path from the car park but says the beach is not wheelchair accessible. Surface and current path conditions are not confirmed; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Sandside Bay Beach
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
