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Gruinard Beach

Highland, Scotland


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Gruinard Beach, located in a remote area of Scotland, is a stunning and secluded sandy beach surrounded by magnificent scenery. .

Gruinard Beach is an unspoilt sheltered sandy beach with clear water, fine sand, and rock pools, making it an excellent location for day tripping. The beach is accessed via steep steps that lead down from the road side, and the mouth of the river Inverianvie flows onto the beach. The area is popular with walkers, with plenty of paths along the coast and surrounding hills, and is also of interest to geologists due to the many rare and interesting rock specimens that can be found.

The beach offers delightful views of the surrounding rugged countryside and across Gruinard Bay to the Coigach Hills and to Gruinard Island. The area's geology is notable, with many rare and interesting rock specimens to be found along the coast.

Gruinard Island, located off the coast, has a notable history. During the Second World War, scientists involved in the development of biological weapons tested deadly anthrax on the island, wiping out a flock of sheep in the process. The island was subsequently closed to visitors for 48 years until £500,000 was spent on decontaminating the area.

To access the beach, visitors must cross the road and descend a fairly steep set of stairs from the parking area opposite the beach along the A832. However, there are no facilities at the beach, so visitors are advised to bring a picnic.

Sand

Weather and tides for Thursday 4 June

Today
Chance of rain 100%
Max temperature 13°C
feels like 13°C
Wind 13mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 99%
Min temperature 10°C
feels like 11°C
Wind 17mph

The tide at Gruinard Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 4:20 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 10:19 PM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Detailed weather and tides »

Recommended holiday cottages near Gruinard Beach

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Location: Second Coast

Location type: Rural

Nearest village: Laide

OS Grid: NG951899

Coordinates: 57°51'6"N 5°27'14"W

Mapcode: GBR D7XZ.8HM

What 3 Words: stooping.reboot.bottle

Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.

Country: Scotland

Local Authority: Highland

Nearest postcode: IV22 2NG

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

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Visitor information for Gruinard Beach, Highland, Scotland. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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216.73.216.53 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:33:14 +0100