Durness Beach: A Hidden Gem of Scotland's North Coast
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Durness Beach, a hidden gem on Scotland's rugged north coast, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Nestled in the stunning wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, Durness Beach offers tourists breathtaking views, golden sands, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. This picturesque beach is perfect for relaxation, exploration, and enjoying nature's beauty.
A brief summary to Durness Beach
- Lairg, Durness, GB
Local tips
- Visit during sunset for a stunning view as the sky transforms into a palette of colors.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach, as there are few amenities nearby.
- Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to explore the nearby coastal paths.
- Check the tide schedule to make the most of your beach experience.
- Don’t forget your camera; the scenery is breathtaking and perfect for photos.
Getting There
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Car
To reach Durness Beach by car, start from Inverness. Take the A9 north towards Ullapool. After reaching Ullapool, continue on the A835 until you reach the A837, which leads you to the A838. Follow the A838 northwest towards Durness. The total drive is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (about 100 miles). Upon entering Durness, follow the signs to the beach. There is free parking available near the beach.
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Public Transportation
To get to Durness Beach using public transport, you can take a bus from Inverness to Durness. Firstly, catch the bus number 61 from Inverness Bus Station, which travels directly to Durness. The journey lasts around 4.5 hours. Once you arrive in Durness, the beach is a short walk from the bus stop. Be sure to check the schedule in advance, as there may be limited services, especially on weekends.
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Bicycle
For the more adventurous, cycling to Durness Beach is a rewarding experience. You can cycle from nearby towns such as Ullapool or Thurso using the scenic A838 route. The ride can be challenging due to the hilly terrain, but the views are spectacular. Ensure you have proper cycling gear and check the weather conditions. It may take a full day or more to cycle depending on your starting point.
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Walking
If you're already in Durness and looking for a hike, the walk to Durness Beach from the village center is around 1 mile (20 minutes) on foot. Follow the signs towards the beach; the path is well-marked and offers beautiful coastal views along the way. Ensure you wear appropriate footwear as the terrain can be uneven.
Discover more about Durness Beach
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stoer Lighthouse
53.2 km
Experience a unique self-catering lighthouse stay with panoramic coastal views on Scotland’s remote and rugged Stoer Head.
Braal Castle
73.2 km
A 14th-century Highland fortress overlooking the River Thurso, once seat of the Earls of Caithness.
Duke Of Sutherland Monument
78.1 km
A towering Highland landmark blending breathtaking views with the complex legacy of the Duke of Sutherland’s era.
Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))
79.3 km
Discover the ancient ruins of St. Coomb Chapel, a 6th-century site near Castletown that reveals Scotland’s early Christian heritage.
Ardgay Bespoke Tours
79.9 km
Experience the Scottish Highlands like never before with personalized tours that celebrate nature, history, and culture in Ardgay.
Monument to Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland
80.0 km
A dignified monument in Golspie honoring Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland, a Victorian political hostess and social reformer with a lasting Highland legacy.
Above and Beyond Tours
80.4 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Caithness with Above and Beyond Tours, where adventure meets local expertise in Scotland's stunning north.
Caithness.Org
83.4 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Caithness, Scotland's northern gem, where adventure awaits at every turn.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
88.5 km
Scotland’s northernmost red-brick lighthouse, a historic beacon amid rugged cliffs and wild Atlantic winds on the Isle of Lewis.
Dwarfie Stane
89.4 km
Explore the Dwarfie Stane in Hoy, Orkney – a fascinating historical landmark that blends ancient mystery with breathtaking natural beauty.
Lybster Harbour
89.6 km
Discover Lybster Harbour’s historic fishing charm and serene coastal beauty nestled in Scotland’s rugged Caithness coastline.
RSPB Scotland Hoy nature reserve
90.0 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of RSPB Scotland Hoy Nature Reserve, a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
Walkhighlands
91.4 km
Explore Scotland step by step with Walkhighlands, your comprehensive guide to hiking and walking routes across the Highlands and beyond.
Hill O' Many Stanes
93.2 km
Discover the ancient mysteries of Hill O' Many Stanes, a Neolithic landmark in Scotland's breathtaking Highlands, steeped in history and natural beauty.
Yesnaby Coastal Walk
93.4 km
Explore the stunning Yesnaby Coastal Walk in Orkney, where breathtaking cliffs and rich wildlife create an unforgettable hiking experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Smoo Cave
1.2 km
Explore Britain’s largest sea cave with a stunning waterfall, hidden chambers, and rich history in Scotland’s wild North West Highlands.
Balnakeil Church
1.9 km
A windswept 17th-century church ruin above Balnakeil Bay, with a haunting graveyard, Gaelic bard’s memorial, and a highwayman buried in the wall.
Golden Eagle Zip Line in Durness
4.4 km
Britain's most northerly zipline: 37 meters of pure adrenaline above the Atlantic.
Tongue Causeway
19.3 km
Scenic 3.8 km causeway and bridge crossing the Kyle of Tongue, offering stunning Highland views and wildlife encounters.
Castle Varrich
20.4 km
Explore Castle Varrich, a historic castle in the Scottish Highlands, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Scotland's medieval past.
Am Buachaille
20.7 km
A remote sandstone sea stack near Sandwood Bay, offering challenging climbs and breathtaking wild coastal scenery in Scotland’s far northwest.
Norse Bakehouse
20.9 km
A cozy family-run cafe in Rhitongue serving artisan focaccia, pizzas, and cakes with friendly service and stunning Highland views.
Broch Dun Dornaigil
23.3 km
Explore Broch Dun Dornaigil, a stunning Iron Age monument in the Scottish Highlands, blending rich history with breathtaking natural beauty.
Polin Beach
23.3 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Polin Beach, a secluded golden sandy cove framed by dunes in the wild Scottish Highlands.
North West Sutherland National Scenic Area
24.1 km
Explore ancient landscapes, rich wildlife, and rugged beauty in Scotland’s North West Sutherland National Scenic Area.
Torrisdale beach
28.7 km
A pristine mile of golden sand and dunes on Scotland's wild north coast, where rivers meet the sea and history whispers through ancient stones.
Farr Beach Bettyhill
30.7 km
Secluded golden sands and rugged headlands meet serene waters at Farr Beach, a tranquil coastal gem near Bettyhill in northern Scotland.
Farr Bay, Bettyhill
30.9 km
Discover the wild, peaceful shores of Farr Bay near Bettyhill—where dramatic sea views and rich wildlife create a perfect Highland escape.
Strathnaver Museum
31.0 km
Explore 8,000 years of Highland history and the poignant story of the Clearances in the historic Strathnaver Museum near Bettyhill.
Assynt Viewpoint
38.1 km
Dramatic Highland peaks frame an ancient loch and castle ruins in Scotland's remote geological wonderland.
Essential places to dine
Tongue Hotel
21.3 km
Historic Highland lodge with modern luxury, stunning views, and authentic Scottish hospitality on the NC500.
The Store Bistro & Bar
30.3 km
Charming Highland bistro with diverse menus, warm hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere in scenic Bettyhill, perfect for all-day dining and local flavors.
Shorehouse Restaurant
30.8 km
A cozy family-run seafood haven in Tarbet offering fresh catches, stunning Highland coast views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Scourie Hotel
34.0 km
A charming Highland fishing hotel on Scotland’s northwest coast, blending rustic tradition with cozy comfort and excellent local cuisine.
Eddrachilles Hotel
35.4 km
Charming Highland hotel with stunning sea views, authentic hospitality, and refined Scottish dining on the shores of Badcall Bay.
Kylesku Hotel
38.3 km
Experience Highland charm and fresh seafood with breathtaking views over Loch Glencoul at the welcoming Kylesku Hotel.
The Crask Inn
44.5 km
A remote Highland inn where simple rooms, hearty home-cooked meals, and genuine hospitality meet wild moorland and Munro country.
Halladale Inn
48.0 km
Cozy Highland inn and bistro in Melvich offering hearty Scottish fare, welcoming hospitality, and excellent touring park facilities.
Lochinver Larder
54.5 km
Savor handcrafted Highland pies amid stunning Scottish scenery in the welcoming village of Lochinver.
Delilah's
55.0 km
A lively, family-friendly Highland restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced seafood with stunning sea views and a buzzing atmosphere.
An Cala Café
55.4 km
Fresh seafood and hearty Scottish fare served year-round in a cozy café and bunkhouse nestled in Lochinver’s scenic Culag Park.
The Pier
63.3 km
A charming lakeside café in Lairg offering local produce, panoramic Loch Shin views, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Ferry Inn Scrabster
69.1 km
A welcoming harbourside inn in Scrabster offering hearty Scottish fare, cozy rooms, and stunning views of the bustling northern port.
Capilla Tapas Restaurant
69.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of Scrabster, offering a cozy taste of Spain in northern Scotland.
Captain's Galley Restaurant
69.2 km
Fresh, locally sourced seafood served in a charming harbour-side setting in Scotland’s northernmost reaches.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
London Stores
20.6 km
Discover local flavors at London Stores, the premier supermarket in Lairg, blending quality groceries with a warm, inviting atmosphere for every traveler.
Spellbound Caithness
69.8 km
Discover Spellbound Caithness, Thurso’s magical gift shop blending Highland enchantment, artisan crafts, and spiritual community in a unique creative haven.
The Cave
70.5 km
Discover The Cave in Thurso, a vibrant comic book shop offering graphic novels, collectibles, and a welcoming atmosphere for fans and newcomers alike.
Hallmark
70.6 km
Charming Hallmark gift shop in Thurso offering quality cards and thoughtful gifts in a historic setting at Sir John's Square.
The Kiln Store
70.6 km
Discover unique local crafts and thoughtful gifts in the heart of Thurso at The Kiln Store, a family-run treasure trove of northern Scottish heritage.
Buttress's
70.8 km
Discover unique fashion at Buttress's in Thurso, where style meets exceptional service in a cozy boutique setting.
Co-op Food - Thurso - Meadow Lane
70.8 km
Discover the convenience of Co-op Food in Thurso for all your shopping needs, offering local products and friendly service.
Eye Candy
70.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures in the heart of Thurso’s historic High Street at Eye Candy.
Nickel & Dime
70.8 km
Discover Nickel & Dime in Thurso: Your essential convenience store for snacks, drinks, and local flavors in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
The Original Factory Shop (Thurso)
70.8 km
Discover unbeatable deals on branded fashion, beauty, and footwear at The Original Factory Shop in Thurso’s bustling High Street.
The Captain's Cabin
78.8 km
Discover a cozy treasure trove of Scottish gifts, crafts, and friendly service at Ullapool’s charming Captain's Cabin.
Co-op Food - Brora - Gower Street
80.7 km
Discover the convenience of Co-op Food in Brora, the perfect stop for all your travel essentials and local products.
Caithness Gifts & Crafts
84.1 km
Discover authentic Highland artistry and unique handcrafted gifts at Caithness Gifts & Crafts in Thurso, celebrating the spirit of northern Scotland.
Jail Dornoch
87.2 km
Discover a historic former jail transformed into a charming gift shop with authentic Highland spirit and unique local treasures.
Simply The Best Fair Trade Gifts
87.3 km
Discover ethically crafted fair trade gifts supporting global artisans in the heart of Dornoch Retail Park.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mr C's Bar
70.6 km
Lively cocktail bar in Thurso crafting fresh drinks with hand-selected spirits in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Top Joe's
70.7 km
A welcoming and lively pub in Thurso serving great Guinness, live sports, and a friendly Highland atmosphere.
The Grove Lounge
70.8 km
A cozy and lively bar in Thurso offering hearty food, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Dunnet Bay Escapes
80.9 km
Luxurious coastal retreat with stunning Dunnet Bay views, gourmet breakfasts, and serene hot tub relaxation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
The Mey Hotel
87.7 km
Experience warm Highland hospitality, hearty Scottish fare, and cozy comfort at The Mey Hotel in scenic Thurso.
Old Barn Bar
90.3 km
Authentic crofters’ barn pub with rustic charm, local flavors, and warm hospitality on the Isle of Lewis.
Cross Inn
90.3 km
A cozy, characterful inn and pub offering warm hospitality, excellent local food, and comfortable stays on the Isle of Lewis.
The Rip
91.5 km
A cozy bar on the Isle of Lewis where local culture, craft beers, and scenic beauty create a warm retreat for travelers and locals alike.
Platform 1864
93.0 km
Historic charm meets contemporary dining at Platform 1864, Tain’s beloved bar and restaurant in a stunning old train station.
The Village Inn
93.8 km
A cozy Highland village pub offering hearty meals, real ales, and warm hospitality in the scenic community of Keiss.
The Inver Inn
96.3 km
Cozy, dog-friendly pub in Tain’s Inver village serving fresh Scottish fare with warm hospitality and scenic Highland charm.
Harpers Bar
96.7 km
A lively and welcoming bar in Wick offering classic pub vibes, vibrant social scenes, and versatile event spaces.
Camps Bar
96.9 km
Wick’s oldest pub where historic charm meets lively local spirit and affordable drinks in a welcoming Highland setting.
Blackstairs Lounge
97.0 km
A cozy and lively bar in Wick offering flavorful curries, warm hospitality, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Mountain Dew Bar
97.2 km
A friendly, affordable local pub in Wick offering authentic Highland hospitality and a perfect pint in a cozy setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Skinandi's Nightclub
70.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Skinandi's, the northernmost nightclub on Scotland’s mainland with two bars and two dance floors.
The Waterfront
96.9 km
Wick's vibrant nightlife heart with a lively dance floor, diverse music, and a welcoming atmosphere on the scenic Shore.
