10 Beaches across Argyll & the Isles
1.Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull
This beautiful stretch of sand on the north-west corner of the island of Mull has to be seen to be believed. It’s pure paradise and backed by an ancient forest complete with a castle. The beach is easily accessible, with parking and public toilets, but feels wild and remote and is a great place to spot wildlife. Stroll to the north end of the beach to see a stone pier originally built to allow puffers to bring supplies to and from the area. After your walk head to the Little Bespoke Bakery to enjoy some freshly baked treats and a hot drink.
Calgary Beach Art Trail on the Isle of Mull
2. Carradale Bay, Kintyre
Over on the east coast of Kintyre, you’ll find this stunning huge sandy south-facing beach. At low tide a vast expanse of sand is revealed, making it perfect for a winter stomp. The view over the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran is stunning. Head to the western end of the beach where you’ll find the mouth of the River Carradale overlooking the beach.
3. Ettrick Bay, Bute
This is Bute’s finest beach, sitting at the north of the island. It’s a lovely long stretch of golden sand. The facilities are great, with car parking, toilets, picnic areas and a children’s play area. At the start of the beach Ettrick Bay Tearoom serves up mouth-watering cakes.
To really work up an appetite, why not walk the Tramway Route from Port Bannatyne to Ettrick Bay? Or you could walk to the bird hide at the south end of the bay. Ettrick Bay Stone Circle, which is found further up the valley, is also worth seeking out.
You can also rent a bike at Bike Bute to explore the beautiful island by bike.
Whilst on the Isle of Bute, make sure to visit the historic house Mount Stuart.
4. Scalpsie Bay, Bute
This is another lovely bay on Bute's west coast. It’s a beautiful, secluded stretch of reddish sand, but the big attraction during the winter is the colony of seals that live here.
5. Machir Bay, Islay
Sandy bays are dotted all around the coastline of Islay, but the best beach is found on the isolated north-west coast. Machir Bay is a two-mile long golden bay, backed by huge white sand dunes. It’s a fabulous place for a winter walk. On the south end of the bay is a track going up the cliffs to Kilchiaran Bay, passing Dun Chroisprig, an Iron Age Fort.
Whilst on Islay, join Islay Sea Adventures on one of their boat tours.
6. Ostel Bay, Cowal
This crescent-shaped sweep of sand is the jewel in the crown of Argyll’s Secret Coast, an undiscovered area on the Cowal peninsula. Cycle in or park your car in a layby, and then it’s a fifteen-minute walk to Ostel Bay. Walk over the dunes and the beach stretches out ahead of you with Arran on the horizon.
Ostel Bay on the Cowal Peninsual is a great beach to discover this winter with the whole family.
7. Westport Beach, Kintyre
Head south from Tarbert towards Campbeltown and you'll reach one of the best beaches on the west coast of Scotland. Stretching for over six miles to Machrihanish, Westport Beach is a favourite all year round. If you want to walk along miles of unbroken sand, Westport Beach should be top of your list!
Surf up! Westport Beach in Kintyre is an iconic surfing spot in Scotland.
8. Kiloran Bay, Colonsay
The tiny island of Colonsay is famed for it’s wonderful sandy beaches and Kiloran Bay is its finest. The sweep of bleached-white sand, broken only by occasional jagged rocks, is fringed by undulating green hills. The weather can change the mood of the place, from benign and gentle to wild and unsettled with huge breakers crashing in from the Atlantic. Take a short walk up Carnan Eoin for views over the beach to Jura.
Kiloran Beach on the isle of Colonsay is a great quiet spot to discover this winter.
9. Ardentinny Beach, Cowal
This sandy bay is one of the best beaches in Cowal. It’s a brilliant winter picnic spot, with free parking, toilets and picnic tables. Ardentinny is part of the Argyll Forest Park. So after you’ve strolled along the beach, why not follow some of the forest trails? The Riverside Trail is an easy, fairly level route by the water.
Discover the Argyll Forest Park in Cowal on your bike or on foot after your beach day.
10. Balephetrish Bay, Tiree
On the Isle of Tiree, there are miles of fine white sands fringing the island. One of the loveliest is Balephetrish Bay on the north coast of the island. It’s a two-mile arc of sand where you can watch waders feeding in the breakers and look out to Skye. One mile to the east you can find The Ringing Stone, a glacial boulder decorated with prehistoric markings. Hit it with a stone and it makes a mysterious ringing sound.
The Isle of Tiree is known for its great surfing spots.
