Waterfalls, wildlife and waves are a stunning combination in these little explored beaches on the island. Here are the best beaches on Skye for humans and dogs to enjoy!
Braes Beach, Central Skye
Less visited but easily accessible from Portree, Braes Beach is a great spot for a walk. A walk around the spit of land reveals an extra beach on the far side. As well as the spotless, pebble beach this area also features rock stacks with nesting birds and superb viewpoints. You can gaze across to Raasay and to the deep waters in between, a frequent playground of seals and dolphins. One of the best beaches on Skye for a quick walk.
Access: Park on verge by post box. Do not block private driveways or the passing place. An easy, if potentially boggy walk.
Dog Friendly advice: Usually sheep free and less likely to run into other walkers. No real perils. No bins nearby so pick up any mess and make sure you dispose of it responsibly.
Access: Official car park at Claigan, then a 20min walk across farmland. A clear and well maintained path but it is a little hilly.
Dog Friendly advice: Keep dogs on a short lead for the walk to the beach as it crosses farmland with grazing livestock. On the walk, you cross a number of small streams where your dog may enjoy cooling off and a fresh drink. Once on the beach, your dog should be free to run, play and swim. Just be respectful of other beach users. If you walk far enough you should find plenty of space to yourself. No bins available so bring all waste away with you.
The Coral Beach, Near Dunvegan
The most photographable beach on this list, and frequently voted the best beach on Skye. Coral Beach rewards visitors with captivating views from the approach down to a horseshoe shaped white beach with turquoise clear waters. It’s not uncommon for a seal or two to bob along the water, tracking your progress as you choose the very best paddling spots. With the pristine water quality, you can safely take a dip without worrying if there’s anything hidden beneath the waves. There are also plenty of variety with rock pools, hills and off shore islands. A wonderful area to explore for hours.
An Corran Beach, Trotternish Peninsula
The site of the famous dinosaur footprints is also a beautiful sandy beach that all visitors will enjoy. There are dreamy views across to Staffin Island with its abandoned salmon fishing past visible from shore. A careful tip toe across the seaweed strewn rocks may reward you with a glimpse of a meglosaurus’s footprints. Time it right for low tide for your best chance. The nutrient rich Staffin Bay is also a favourite feeding ground for marine life. You may be lucky enough to spot a basking shark. One of the best beaches on Skye for wildlife watching.
Access: Parking is on the side of the road. There should be space, but it is a popular spot with several camper vans so you’re best to aim for the beginning or end of the day when day-trippers have departed.
Dog friendly advice: Make sure your furry pal doesn’t slip on the seaweed covered rocks! The beach is a vast stretch of sand that they’re sure to enjoy. No bins – take your waste away with you.
Ashaig Beach, Southern Skye
This beach has a varied and mysterious atmosphere. Its sand flats and low islands with windblown trees, make for one of the best beaches on Skye to enjoy a sunset. The entry point to the beach also features an historic graveyard and grassland. This is a true wild place that your dog will love running around. The tides make this beach prone to dramatic transformations so be sure to visit at different times to experience Ashaig Beach in all its wild beauty. Plus, there’s a great coffee shop just up the road. See our guide to the best coffee shops in Skye here.
Access: A single track road leads to a gate with parking space.
Dog friendly advice: As always, no bins. Occasional livestock grazing at the entry point so use caution and keep your dog on a lead. Once on the beach, you and your dog will have plenty of space to explore.
Talisker Beach, Minginish Peninsula
This beach looks like it was created for a fantasy video game. Black volcanic sands are surrounded by dramatic rock structures and a powerful waterfall. Just to add to the fantasy flavour, the walk to the beach passes a peacock filled farm and through a green valley with the beach appearing on the horizon. It is truly awe inspiring and always worth the journey. Despite the waves, Talisker Beach is also a fantastic swimming spot. This is one of the best beaches on Skye for dramatic surroundings.
Access: Parking is available on the road outside a private farm. There are many clear signs about not blocking entrances etc. Be considerate and follow the guidance even if it means a slightly longer walk. The half hour walk from the car park to the beach is part of the adventure as you pass the peacocks and sheep on the farm, cross a small bridge and enter a stunning green valley with the beach appearing at the end. The path is flat and well maintained but may get a little muddy in places after heavy rain.
Dog friendly advice: There are unambiguous signs demanding that dogs be kept on lead through the farm. Once on the beach, dogs can be off lead and it’s a great sandy expanse for them to enjoy. It is also a fabulous swimming spot on a warm day. No bins so take mess away with you. On the path there are a couple of opportunities for your dog to drink fresh water from the stream.
Camas Daraich, Aird of Sleat
This is by far the most challenging walk on this list; it may also be the most rewarding. After hiking the undulating hills to arrive at Camas Daraich, the views are breathtaking in every sense. The bright white sands and holiday-brochure blue waters appear as hidden jewels for the determined walkers. Stop at the first beach you arrive at or keep exploring as cove after cove appears. You may not see another human or dog on your adventures here, but you may have to share the area with a different creature. The skerries just offshore seem to be favourite sunbathing spots for the playful grey seals. Continue the hike further (if you can tear yourself away from the beach) and you’ll reach the Pont of Sleat. This is the most southerly tip of the Isle of Skye. A modern, whimsical lighthouse marks the point.
Access: There is parking allocated at the end of a single-track road by a small gallery. Space is limited though so you may struggle during peak times. The path to the beach is challenging due to the many steep climbs but it is not perilous; it is wide and well maintained.
Dog friendly advice: Plenty of freshwater drinking opportunities along the path via streams. The beaches are great for dogs (although, make sure you don’t disturb any seals). There are loads of small coves, rock pools and rock stacks to explore for inquisitive, nimble dogs. Dogs are probably safe off lead on the initial walk but sometimes the area is used for grazing livestock. If this is the case, there will be a sign on the first gate advising you to keep dogs on leads.
Glenbrittle, Minginish
On a sunny day, with the tide out, Glenbrittle is one of Skye’s most impressive beaches. It is surrounded by farmland and a campsite, that runs along the perimeter of the beach. Opening your tent and looking out over this stunning sandy beach must be an awe inspiring experience.
Its sand is dark and volcanic, and at low tide, the beach is very deep. It is surrounded by unusually long outcrops of land on both side, making it well sheltered from the elements. These long outcrops provide great walking opportunities, either along a well defined path, or for the more adventurous, a scramble along the rocks. Both walking options and interspersed with interesting inlets, fresh-water streams and the occasional waterfall.
There is also a conveniently placed mountain, with a walking route beginning at the side of the beach. if you have a bit more time and energy, the mountain walk offers spectacular views and takes around 2 hours to reach the top. Overall Glenbrittle is an excellent choice if you are looking for a day out with a bit of walking involved. The campsite has a great little café with very helpful staff. The perfect way to book end your day at the beach!
Access: Located in an area called Colmanean, Glenbrittle beach is at the end of a long single track road. Following the same road that takes you to the Fairy Pools, you carry on for another ten minutes by car. Follow signs for the camp site and park just outside the site entrance for free parking.
Dog-friendly advice: There always seem to be a few dogs staying in the camp site so the area is certainly dog friendly. But be advised the camp site might be extremely enticing for you dog. Before you get onto the beach there will be barbeques and general outdoor eating within smelling range. The beach itself is dog friendly and, at low tide is big enough to steer clear of other dogs and people if you need to. The adjoining walks are within farmland and there are plenty of sheep around, so its likely you will need to keep your dog on lead unless they are 100% trustworthy.
Lauren
Lauren is a qualified teacher, theatre practitioner and writer. Her proudest moments include taking a student expedition team to Ecuador, drafting her first novel and recently reaching the top of a climbing wall. Lauren loves travelling, having treated herself to a trip of the Trans-Siberian railroad for her 30th birthday, she is now looking forward to being in Japan for her 40th. Together with Jon, Lauren has enjoyed plenty of adventures from a road trip around Cuba to diving in the Galapagos Islands. Lauren is now working hard to write full time whilst being available for teaching and tutoring sessions, specialising in Shakespeare.