Balnakeil Bay, Durness

Explore Durness Beaches and Coastline


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 41 beaches in The Scottish Highlands. You can even take a look at our list of The Scottish Highlands dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Durness The Scottish Highlands Coast Map

Durness The Scottish Highlands Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Things to see and do

Lloyds Signal Station

The Lloyds Buildings were a signalling station established by Lloyd’s of London, the Marine and Commercial Insurers. Used to monitor passing ships, tracking their cargos, ports of departure and destination along with estimated arrival times. The complex is located by the Cape Wrath lighthouse and consists of three single-storey buildings, with a signal hut, cottages for staff accommodation and an Read more…
Landscape and Nature

Cape Wrath

Cape Wrath is the most North-Westerly point on the British mainland. Durness is the closest village some 10 miles (16km) to the south-east The sea cliffs around the cape rise to 281 metres (922 ft) above sea level and include the highest sea cliffs on the British mainland to the east of the headland. The headland also has many spectacular Read more…
Balnakeil Bay Beach 768x514

Balnakeil Bay Beach

Balnakeil Bay, white sandy beach is wide and backed by a large area of tall sand dunes covered in marram grass. To the north is Faraid Head, home to military installations connected with the naval gunnery ranges towards Cape Wrath. The walk to the end of Faraid Head and back is a magnificent one. This is definitely a beach for Read more…
Cape-Wrath-lighthouse

Cape Wrath Lighthouse

The lighthouse was built in 1828 under engineer Robert Stevenson and is now listed as buildings of Architectural and Historic Interest. The White Tower is 20 metres high with 81 steps to the top and along with the lamp has a fog horn. Read more…
Sango-Bay-beach

Sango Bay Beach

Sango Bay beach is the perfect beach with a mix of sand, rock formations, and shelter provided by the cliffs. Village, shops, parking and Durness Visitor centre. Read more…
History and heritage

Balnakeil Church

Founded in 722 by St. Maelrubha, the present building dates from 1619. The tomb built into the niche on the south wall of the church is said to be the last resting-place of a famous local villain, Donald MacMurdo, known as Domhnull MacMhurchaidh, responsible for at least eighteen murders. There are a number of interesting 18th and 19th century gravestones, Read more…
Place to eat

Cape Wrath Ozone Cafe

The Ozone Cafe can be found at the Cape Wrath lighthouse. The cafe is open 365 days a year and serves a selection of hot and cold snacks, along with a selection of gifts and souvenirs. Toilets are available at the cafe. Read more…
Kearvaig-Bay-beach

Kearvaig Bay Beach

Kearvaig Bay is a spectacular white sandy beach located just over a mile from Cape Wrath, backed by sea stacks and rocks. The bay is to the east of Cape Wrath and what are the highest cliffs on the UK mainland. The location makes this a great place to visit and just observe the Scottish coastline and wildlife at its best. No facilities Read more…
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