Melvich Beach

This short walk leads out to Melvich Beach - one of the finest of the north coast's many superb sandy beaches.

Terrain

Grassy dune path and sandy beach. The suggested return route may be affected by high tides.

Public Transport

Melvich is served by buses between Thurso and Bettyhill. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Melvich Beach car park - signed down a track from the A836. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 1.75km / 1 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Ascent: 16m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC887647

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

There is a dedicated car park for Melvich Beach down a signed track from the main road through the village; it is not recommended for caravans, so if you prefer you can park on a layby beside the main road immediately next to the turn off. From the car park go through the pedestrian gate but rather than following the main path to the centre of the beach, turn left and follow a narrower grassy path that stays behind the dunes, keeping to the right of the fence. After 400m the path meets a small burn - follow this down and out onto the beach.

Stage 2

Melvich is a stunning and unspoilt stretch of golden sands, enclosed by the pier of Portskerra to the west (no footpath link) and the cliffs below Rubha an Tuir to the east - which are overhanging in part. Turn right to head along the beach, keeping below the dunes.

Stage 3

The main path leads straight back to the car park from a break in the dunes, but unless the tide is high you can continue beside the dunes to the far end of the beach, and then turn right to follow the course of the Halladale River inland.

Stage 4

The river is spanned by a long pedestrian footbridge; at the time of writing this is officially closed for safety so do not cross. Instead continue briefly by the river until a grassy path heads back up to the car park.

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