Bays in Scotland: The Complete List

Scotland’s coastline is a patchwork of sheltered inlets, sandy curves and rocky coves that have shaped local life, wildlife and travel for centuries. From quiet bird-filled shores to wider estuaries used by boats, each bay has its own character and practical details worth knowing before you go.

There are 64 Bays in Scotland, ranging from Aberlady Bay to Wigtown Bay. For each entry you’ll find below the information organized as Council area,Coordinates (lat,long),Nearest town / access to help with planning, navigation and local context.

How can I use this list to plan a visit?

Use the coordinates to drop pins in your mapping app, check the nearest town/access to find parking or footpaths, and filter by council area if you want to stay within a region. Combine that with tide times and local walking guides to pick bays that match your interests—birdwatching, beaches or sheltered anchorages.

Are all these bays publicly accessible and safe to visit?

Not always—many are freely accessible but access can depend on private land, tides and seasonal conditions. Treat the nearest town/access note as a starting point, check local council or visitor centre advice, and always plan around weather and tide charts for safety.

Bays in Scotland

Images and Descriptions

Aberlady Bay

A vast nature reserve and tidal bay, renowned for its birdlife, including thousands of wintering geese. At low tide, expansive mudflats and sands are revealed, along with two WWI submarine wrecks. It was the UK’s first Local Nature Reserve.

Achmelvich Bay

Famous for its stunning white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, often compared to the Caribbean. A popular spot for camping, kayaking, and coastal walks, offering a picturesque and sheltered setting on the rugged Assynt coastline.

Achnahaird Bay

A breathtakingly beautiful bay with a sweeping crescent of pinkish-white sand, backed by dunes. It offers spectacular views of iconic mountains like Stac Pollaidh and Suilven, making it a favourite for photographers, walkers, and beach lovers.

Ardmair Bay

A picturesque pebble and shingle bay located just north of Ullapool on the NC500 route. It offers stunning views across to the distinctive peak of Ben Mor Coigach and is a popular spot for launching kayaks and small boats.

Ayr Bay

A huge, sweeping sandy bay on the Firth of Clyde, encompassing the towns of Ayr, Prestwick, and Troon. It features long, accessible beaches perfect for walking and family activities, with views across to the Isle of Arran.

Balnakeil Bay

A stunning, large bay near Durness with a vast white sand beach and extensive dunes. It is home to the Balnakeil Craft Village and the atmospheric ruins of Balnakeil Church, offering incredible scenery at the very north of Scotland.

Bay at the Back of the Ocean

Located on the remote west coast of the Isle of Iona, this bay faces the full force of the Atlantic. It’s a place of wild beauty, with a sandy beach and distinctive machair, offering a peaceful escape from the busier abbey side.

Bay of Skaill

Home to the world-famous Neolithic village of Skara Brae, this bay features a beautiful sandy beach often battered by Atlantic waves. It’s a site of immense archaeological importance, offering dramatic scenery and a deep connection to Orkney’s ancient past.

Broad Bay

A very large, crescent-shaped bay on the Isle of Lewis, featuring the expansive sands of Tong Beach and Traigh Mhor. Its eastern exposure provides some shelter, making its beaches popular with walkers, families, and windsurfers near Stornoway.

Brora Bay

A long, sandy bay on the Sutherland coast, adjacent to the town of Brora. Known for its golden beach, it’s an excellent spot for walking and wildlife watching, with opportunities to see seals, dolphins, and coastal birds.

Calgary Bay

Arguably the most beautiful beach on the Isle of Mull, Calgary Bay is a perfect crescent of white shell-sand lapped by turquoise water. Backed by machair and low hills, it’s an idyllic spot for picnics, paddling, and enjoying the sunset.

Camusdarach Bay

A series of stunning white sand beaches and coves separated by rocky outcrops, famous for its movie appearances. With crystal-clear water and spectacular views to the Isles of Eigg and Rum, it’s a truly magical part of the ‘Silver Sands of Morar’.

Carsaig Bay

A dramatic and remote bay on the south coast of Mull, featuring a pebble beach and striking basalt cliffs. It’s the starting point for a challenging coastal walk to the Carsaig Arches, offering rugged scenery and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Castlebay

The main harbour and settlement on the Isle of Barra, this sheltered bay is famously dominated by Kisimul Castle, the historic seat of the Clan MacNeil, situated on a rock in the bay. It’s a picturesque and bustling island hub.

Clashnessie Bay

A beautiful, sheltered bay in Assynt with a golden sandy beach and a backdrop of crofting land and hills. It’s known for the nearby Clashnessie Falls and offers a peaceful setting for beachcombing and enjoying the dramatic coastal scenery.

Coldingham Bay

A sheltered, sandy crescent on the Berwickshire coast, popular with families, surfers, and divers. Backed by beach huts and coastal paths, it’s part of a voluntary marine reserve, known for its clear water and rich marine life.

Crossapol Bay

A magnificent large bay on the Isle of Coll, featuring a vast expanse of white sand and dunes that connects to the beach at Gott Bay. It’s a stunning example of Hebridean coastal scenery, perfect for long walks and windsurfing.

Culzean Bay

Located directly below the spectacular Culzean Castle, this bay features a sandy beach and rock pools. It’s part of a wider country park, offering woodland walks, a swan pond, and dramatic views of the castle perched on the cliff edge.

Dunnet Bay

A magnificent two-mile arc of white sand and high dunes on the north coast of Scotland. Popular with surfers and walkers, the bay is framed by Dunnet Head to the west, the most northerly point of mainland Britain.

Durness Bay

A large, scenic bay on the north coast which encompasses the famous Sango Bay. Known for its dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and beautiful sandy coves, it offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the North Coast 500 route.

Embo Bay

A long, sandy bay stretching south from the village of Embo towards Dornoch. It’s a peaceful spot for walking and birdwatching, with beautiful sands and views across the Dornoch Firth. A popular holiday park is located nearby.

Farr Bay

A stunningly beautiful and sheltered crescent of golden sand near the village of Bettyhill on the north coast. Enclosed by rocky headlands, it’s a picturesque spot for a walk and is easily accessible from the main road.

Findhorn Bay

A large, tidal bay and local nature reserve at the mouth of the River Findhorn. It’s a haven for wildlife, particularly wading birds and seals, and is popular for sailing, windsurfing, and walking along its sandy shores.

Freshwater Bay

A secluded bay on the island of Bressay, accessible via a short ferry ride from Lerwick. It features a lovely pebble beach and offers a peaceful retreat with great opportunities for coastal walking and spotting seals and seabirds.

Gairloch Bay

A scenic bay on the Wester Ross coast, home to a beautiful sandy beach and the charming village of Gairloch. It offers fantastic views towards the Isle of Skye and is a popular base for whale watching trips and exploring the area.

Gruinard Bay

A large, sweeping bay on the Wester Ross coast with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It features several beautiful pink-sand and pebble beaches. The infamous Gruinard Island sits in the middle of the bay, now declared safe after historical contamination.

Hopewell Bay

A small, sheltered bay on the island of South Ronaldsay, part of the larger natural harbour of Scapa Flow. It provides a peaceful anchorage and is close to the historic village of St Margaret’s Hope, the main ferry terminal.

Hoswick Bay

A picturesque bay in the South Mainland of Shetland, featuring a lovely sandy beach and the historic village of Hoswick. The village is home to a visitor centre and knitwear factory, making it a great stop for local culture and scenery.

Inganess Bay

A large, sandy bay east of Kirkwall, notable for the shipwreck of the WWI German battleship B98 visible at low tide. It’s a popular spot for walkers and birdwatchers, offering wide-open spaces and a tangible link to naval history.

Irvine Bay

A long, sandy bay stretching for miles along the Ayrshire coast. Backed by a large dune system and regenerated industrial land, it offers extensive walking and cycling paths, with views across to the Isle of Arran on clear days.

Kilchattan Bay

A charming, sheltered bay and village on the east coast of the Isle of Bute. It has a mix of sandy and shingle beach and is the starting point for the West Island Way walking trail, offering peaceful scenery and Victorian character.

Kiloran Bay

A magnificent crescent of golden sand on the west coast of the Isle of Colonsay, often voted one of Scotland’s best beaches. Fringed by machair and dunes, it’s exposed to the Atlantic, making it popular with surfers and walkers.

Laig Bay

A stunning bay on the Isle of Eigg with a vast expanse of ‘singing sands’ at low tide. It provides iconic views of the Isle of Rum’s dramatic mountain skyline, making it one of the most photographed spots in the Small Isles.

Levenwick Bay

A beautiful, sheltered bay in Shetland’s South Mainland with a fine sandy beach (tombolo) connecting the mainland to a small headland. It’s a peaceful spot, ideal for a walk and popular with local families.

Lunan Bay

A spectacular east-coast bay featuring over two miles of golden sand backed by large dunes. Dominated by the dramatic clifftop ruins of Red Castle, it’s a popular spot for walkers, birdwatchers, and surfers.

Luce Bay

A vast, sweeping bay in the south-west of Scotland, one of the largest in the country. Its extensive sandy beaches and tidal flats are designated a Special Area of Conservation, important for wildlife and popular for fishing and watersports.

Machir Bay

A stunning, two-mile-long sandy beach on the wild west coast of Islay. Backed by extensive dunes, it’s exposed to the full force of the Atlantic, making it a dramatic spot for walking and watching the sunset. Kilchoman Distillery is nearby.

Mill Bay

A quiet, sheltered bay on the island of Yell in Shetland. It features a lovely sandy beach and is a great place for spotting otters and seabirds. The bay provides a peaceful stop while exploring the island’s unique landscape and crofting heritage.

Monifieth Bay

A wide, sandy bay on the north shore of the Firth of Tay. The beach is backed by a grassy coastal path and dunes, making it a popular location for walking, birdwatching, and enjoying the expansive views across the estuary.

Newburgh Bay

Located at the mouth of the River Ythan, this bay is famous for its huge colony of grey and common seals. A vast sandy beach and dune system make it a fantastic spot for wildlife watching and walking, but visitors must respect the seals’ space.

Pease Bay

A stunning, sheltered bay with a golden sandy beach, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs. It’s a major surfing destination in Scotland and home to a large holiday park, making it a lively spot for families and watersports enthusiasts.

Port-of-Ness Bay

A beautiful, sheltered harbour and sandy beach at the northernmost tip of the Isle of Lewis. The bay is flanked by cliffs and is home to a small fishing fleet, offering a glimpse into the traditional life of the island.

Portobello Bay

Edinburgh’s seaside, this bay features a long, sandy beach and a classic promenade. Very popular with city dwellers for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing, it has a vibrant atmosphere with cafes and pubs lining the waterfront.

Quendale Bay

A large, beautiful sandy bay at the southern tip of Shetland’s mainland. Backed by dunes, it’s a great place for walking and birdwatching. The bay is infamous for the 1993 Braer oil tanker disaster, though the area has since recovered.

Rattray Bay

A vast and wild sandy bay on the north-east coast, known for its extensive dune system and the iconic Rattray Head lighthouse standing offshore. It’s a remote and dramatic location, perfect for those seeking solitude and raw coastal beauty.

Rosehearty Bay

A rocky and sandy bay next to the historic fishing village of Rosehearty. It features a natural sea-water swimming pool built into the rocks and offers views of the ruined Pitsligo Castle, blending natural beauty with local heritage.

Saligo Bay

A beautiful and dramatic sandy bay on the Atlantic coast of Islay. Famed for its spectacular sunsets and powerful waves crashing against sea stacks, it’s a favourite spot for photographers and walkers seeking wild, untamed scenery.

Sandside Bay

A wide, sandy bay near the village of Reay on the north coast. It’s a popular spot for surfing and walking, with a river flowing into the sea at one end. The bay is overlooked by the now-decommissioned Dounreay nuclear facility.

Sandwood Bay

Often called Britain’s most beautiful beach, this remote bay is accessible only by a 4-mile walk. It features a mile of stunning pink sand, dunes, a freshwater loch, and the impressive Am Buachaille sea stack, offering true wilderness.

Sandwick Bay

A large and accessible sandy bay in Shetland’s South Mainland, popular with local families. It provides a sheltered spot for walking and paddling and is conveniently located near the ferry terminal for the island of Mousa.

Scourie Bay

A picturesque bay on the north-west coast with a beautiful sandy beach dotted with rocky outcrops. It offers fantastic views out to Handa Island, a major seabird colony, and is a perfect spot for a relaxing walk or a picnic.

Sinclair’s Bay

Known locally as Reiss Sands, this magnificent white-sand bay sweeps in a crescent on the Caithness coast. Flanked by the 15th-century Ackergill Tower and the ruined Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, it offers stunning views and excellent beach walks.

Spey Bay

Located where the River Spey meets the sea, this is a dynamic shingle bay. It’s home to the Scottish Dolphin Centre, as it’s one of the best places in the UK to spot bottlenose dolphins from the shore. Also a key site for birdwatching.

St Andrews Bay

A wide, sweeping bay famous for its iconic West Sands beach, featured in ‘Chariots of Fire’. Backed by the world-renowned Old Course golf links, it’s a hub of activity for walkers, runners, and visitors to the historic university town.

Strathy Bay

A beautiful, secluded bay on the north coast, featuring a pristine sandy beach divided by the River Strathy. Surrounded by cliffs and with a prominent sea arch, it’s a wonderfully scenic spot that feels off the beaten track.

Stravanan Bay

A wide, sandy bay on the west coast of the Isle of Bute, offering fantastic views towards the Isle of Arran. It’s a popular spot for walkers and families, especially at low tide when the sands seem to stretch for miles.

Tangasdale Bay

A beautiful white-sand beach on the west coast of the Isle of Barra. Backed by machair rich in wildflowers during the summer, it’s a stunning and often quiet spot to enjoy the Hebridean coastal scenery.

Thurso Bay

The bay fronting the most northerly town on the British mainland. It is renowned as a world-class cold-water surfing destination, with powerful waves breaking on its reef. A sandy beach provides a good vantage point and space for walks.

Uig Bay

Not to be confused with Uig on Lewis, this is a large, dramatic bay on the west coast of Skye. Enclosed by high cliffs, it features a vast sandy beach at low tide and is the location of the main ferry terminal to the Outer Hebrides.

Uig Bay

A huge, breathtaking bay on the west coast of Lewis, famous for its vast tidal sands and the discovery of the Lewis Chessmen. Surrounded by hills and smaller crofting settlements, its scale and beauty are truly spectacular.

Waulkmill Bay

A stunningly beautiful and shallow tidal bay on Orkney’s mainland. At low tide, a vast expanse of white sand is revealed, perfect for paddling and wildlife spotting. It is part of the Loch of Kirbister RSPB reserve.

West Sandwick Bay

A stunning beach on the west side of the island of Yell. It boasts beautiful white sand and clear turquoise water, often drawing comparisons to more tropical locations. A perfect spot for a scenic walk and a picnic on a sunny day.

Widewall Bay

A wide, open bay on the south coast of South Ronaldsay, facing into the Pentland Firth. It’s a key site for marine renewable energy research and offers rugged coastal scenery and opportunities for spotting marine wildlife like seals and porpoises.

Wigtown Bay

The largest local nature reserve in Britain, this vast bay is an estuary for the rivers Cree and Bladnoch. Its extensive mudflats and saltmarshes are internationally important for wintering wildfowl and waders, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Bays in Other Locations