Dornoch Beach - Dornoch

Amy N.

We adore this beach. There's parking, toilets, food near by, a well maintained park. The sea here is so beautiful. The beach and water are clean with beautiful views. I was so pleased to see this year the added addition of beach wheelchairs. So I know going forward days when I need to be in a chair I still get to enjoy this beautiful part of our world

NIikki K.

Came here in the Autumn time but will definitely be back for summer months this is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen in My life, beautiful walks, golf course, play park, caravan site, long strip of beach, stunning views!

M.C.A

Drive towards golf course, past caravan park on the right. Keep going until you reach beach parking. Lots of seating near a very good coffee & snacks stall. Beach is very accessible. Clean golden sand, sparkling water. Very safe for swimming. Some had paddle boards etc. Highly recommended.

Anthony H.

Dornoch Beach is definitely worth visiting. We parked at the beach carpark, which was free and close to a small cafe, selling mainly sea food.
Walking over the dunes, it was a choice of "which way?". Miles of beach, in either direction and even more when the tide goes out.
We walked northwards, close to the waters edge. This made walking easier than on the very soft sand and we walked nearly four miles including about half a mile beside a famous golf course. We did have to clamber over some rocks but it was worth it, to get some great pictures. Walking back, the tide was going out which meant we had mire sand to walk on.
After lunch, we decided to return to the beach and walk in the opposite direction. The morning was cold, cloudy and windy and we were wrapped up, along with the few walkers we met. Now, the sun was making more of an appearance so we only needed a jumper. We walked miles down the beach towards Dornoch Point. There were a lot of sea birds hunting and waiting for food to come in, so we decided to turn back, not disturbing them.
The sea was very active all day with lots of crashing waves, especially during the morning. Halfway through the afternoon, the sea went very quiet and we wondered if it meant the tide was about to start coming in. By now we had a lot of firm beach to walk on and the sun reflecting on the water offered a selection of colours.
We returned to the car, and drove into the town centre, we had read about an exciting chocolate shop.
Parking in the town square, we were directed towards Cocoa Mountain, a shop selling a selection of chocolate drinks and chocolates. It is the first shop I have visited that sells bags of various flavoured chocolate chards, slabs of chocolate. We enjoyed a chocolate drink and a choice of four flavours of chocolate. The shop has plenty of seating inside and some outside.
From here, we visited the cathedral, believed to be the smallest in Britain, which is across the road from the chocolate shop.
The town has a clean look about it, with a large square, with a castle and museum, and a few shops.
Parking is free and for 2 hours in the square.

John M.

Awesome huge sandy beach with some dune areas and rocks.
Great for picnics, hiking, walking the dog.

Dornoch beach is a beautiful expanse of golden sand located on the tranquil Dornoch Firth.

Miles of golden sand stretch from Dornoch Point heading past Embo beach to the mouth of Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. Further north along the coast there are two other award-winning beaches located at Golspie and Brora. Adjacent to the beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest that features nesting birds, flora and fauna.

This fine long beach has been given a Seaside Award status as a clean bathing beach.

Dorota ?.

Nice beach with an easy access (means large car park close to the beach). I had very pleasant, relaxing walk. It is good place to chill out and take a breath from crowded Inverness streets.

Winker W.

Lovely beach good place for a walk with your dog 🐕 as long as clean up after it, nice place for the paddle and a barbecue.

Tania W.

Dornoch Beach is a long, golden-sandy beach on the east coast of Sutherland, Highland Council area.

It has a Blue Flag status: clean, safe for bathing, good facilities, and family-friendly.

It is also designated as a Seaside Award beach and an official bathing beach.

---

Features & Character

Very wide and extensive sands, backed by dunes (machair dune system).

Gentle water and shallow areas, making it suitable for paddling and children.

Wildlife: sea birds, possibility of seeing seals and occasionally dolphins.

Near a dune system that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

---

Access & Facilities

Multiple car parks:

1. The Top Car Park (closest to beach) — gives access to beach wheelchairs (free but best booked in advance).

2. Car park beside the children’s playground.

3. Overflow / larger car park good for motorhomes and longer vehicles.

Toilets are available, including near the caravan & campsite area.

Dornoch Beach Wheelchairs: a charity offering beach-wheelchairs (including a powered one) free of charge so people with mobility issues can access the beach.

---

Activities & Things to Do

Walking & beach strolling — both along the length of the beach and up toward Embo.

Swimming and paddling in warmer days.

Wildlife spotting: birds, seals, sometimes dolphins. Shell collecting.

For families: children’s playground, nearby amenities (cafés, food from Highland Larder, etc.).

---

Tips & Caution

Even in summer, the sea is cold in Scotland — check local conditions and tide times.

If using wheelchairs, booking in advance for the special beach-wheelchair is advised.

Some car parks are not suitable for large vehicles / motorhomes. Overflow parking provided.

Be considerate of wildlife and dunes (protected areas). Stick to paths, observe any signs.