Ardtoe

Ardtoe Beach is a lovely sandy beach on the north-east edge of the Ardnamurchan peninsula on the northern side of Kentra Bay. There are four bays in the area, two which are readily accessible from the road. The best area is adjacent to the Marine Research Station which is particularly lovely at low tide. This golden sandy beach also affords some fine views of The Small Isles.

The Singing Sands

The Singing Sands, or Camas an Lighe is a lovely sandy bay near Gortenfern in the north east of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The beach is renowned for its singing sand, a predisposition caused by the shape and size of the sand grains and the silica content. To 'sing' the sand also needs to be of the right humidity. The sound is caused by wind blowing over the surface or by the shuffle of feet or boots through the sand.

Acharacle

The crofting village of Acharacle is located on the south western shore of Loch Shiel.  The village name is derived from the Gaelic Àth Tharracail (Torquil's Ford) and commemorates a battle in 1120 in which the Norse invader Torqulli was defeated by Somerled, King of the Isles, by a ford near the River Shiel.  The village is served by a grocery shop, bakery, take-away, cafe, service garage, public convenience and a medical centre.  The Loch Shiel Hotel is also a great place for a drink, lunch or evening meal.  Shielbridge Hall in Acharacl

Cul na Croise

Cul na Croise is a beach noted for its wilderness quality and remoteness. It lies to the north east of Camas an Lighe and forms part of the Singing Sand coastline. This stunning beach with accompanying dune system, abuts coastal heath and semi natural birch and oak woodland. The dune ecosystem is also of high conservation importance and is a great place for botanising and wildlife watching (on both the sea and shore).

Please note that the beach and surrounding area was used for commando training during the Second World War and may contain unexploded munitions.

Ardtoe, The Singing Sands and Eden Too

Visit some of the best beaches on The West Coast of Scotland. This trip introduces you to three stunning beaches on the north east coast of Ardnamurchan peninsula; one is accessible by car; the other two are more remote and accessible only on foot.  The three beaches are the lovely wee beach at Ardtoe, the stunning beach at Gortenfern known as The Singing Sands, and the beautiful remote beach and dunes at Cul na Croise.  Take time to enjoy these stunning beaches.  Take a picnic or stop for lunch at the nearby village of Acharacle where you can take a short walk to the jetty on Loch Shiel for fine views of Ben Resipole.