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Sandside Bay

Highland, Scotland


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Sandside Bay, located on the northern coast of the Scottish mainland, is a natural bay featuring a sandy beach, a harbour, and a site of special scientific interest, renowned for its excellent surfing conditions. .

Sandside Bay is situated approximately 30 miles west of John O'Groats on the northern coast of the Scottish mainland. The bay boasts a decent expanse of pale sand, accompanied by some rocky patches, and is backed by dunes and grasslands. Two burns, the Sandside Burn and the Burn of Isauld, flow into the sea within the bay.

The harbour in Sandside Bay was constructed in 1830. The surrounding area has limited facilities, with the small village of Reay offering basic amenities. However, the village of Reay has a rich history, with archaeological sites such as the remains of a stone circle. For more extensive facilities, visitors can head to the town of Thurso.

The beach at Sandside Bay is popular among surfers who come to take advantage of the powerful left-hand reef break. However, surfers should exercise caution as the bay is rocky, shallow, and poses a danger due to the irregular form of the reef. The break requires specific conditions to be suitable for surfing. The bay lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, highlighting its importance for conservation and scientific study.

Reay golf course is located immediately behind the beach, offering golf enthusiasts a chance to play amidst scenic surroundings.

Bay Harbour Sand

Weather and tides for Thursday 4 June

Today
Chance of rain 71%
Max temperature 13°C
feels like 13°C
Wind 12mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 95%
Min temperature 10°C
feels like 12°C
Wind 15mph

The tide at Sandside Bay is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 5:57 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 12:11 AM tomorrow.

Detailed weather and tides »

Recommended holiday cottages near Sandside Bay

Other beaches nearby

Location: Fresgoe

Location type: Rural

Nearest village: Reay

OS Grid: NC963654

Coordinates: 58°33'51"N 3°47'0"W

Mapcode: GBR K602.ZKW

What 3 Words: january.fragment.thousands

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: KW14 7RF

(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 Sandside Bay, 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 17:22:46 +0100