The Best West Coast of Scotland Beaches

Famous for pristine white sands and remote locations, the beaches that line the West Coast of Scotland are some of the most exceptional in the British Isles… 

So, if you’re heading to this stunning region for your next break and want to find some unforgettable places to stop off during your adventure, then you’ve come to the right place!

Keep scrolling to uncover all the best West Coast of Scotland beaches…

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• The Best West Coast of Scotland Beaches

• Map of the Best Beaches on the West Coast of Scotland

The 10 Best West Coast of Scotland Beaches

1. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris

First up on our guide to the best beaches on the West Coast of Scotland is Luskentyre Beach, found on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

Renowned for its beautiful white sands and clear turquoise waters and for being voted as one of the best beaches in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, it’s not hard to see why Luskentyre sits right at the top of our list of the best beaches on the West Coast of Scotland as well as on our guide to the best beaches in Scotland.

Great for leisurely walks, picnics, and beachcombing, this beach’s popularity is enhanced by its rolling hills and views across to the island of Taransay. It’s also known for having no restrictions on dog walkers at any time of the year, making it a brilliant place to go for walkies with your pooch!

Type: Sandy
Parking: Small car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: HS3 3HL
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)

2. Scarista Beach (Sgarasta Mhòr), Isle of Harris

Nestled on the southern edge of the Isle of Harris and offering impressive views of the nearby Ceapabhal Hill, Scarista Beach is around a mile in length and is best known for its white sand and pristine dunes that back onto it.

If arriving by car, visitors can park at the cemetery located on the main road near Scarista. From there, it’s a straightforward walk through the dunes to reach the beach.

For those of you bringing your four-legged friends along, you’ll be pleased to know that this West Coast Scotland beach is dog-friendly year-round and, unsurprisingly, one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK. However, we’d highly recommend keeping close control of them, especially during bird nesting seasons to protect local wildlife.

Type: Sandy
Parking: Limited spaces available along the A859
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: HS3 3HX
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)

3. Seilebost Beach, Isle of Harris

If you’re looking for a pristine beach on the West Coast of Scotland, then Seilebost Beach on the Isle of Harris could be perfect for you!

Best known for its pristine conditions, turquoise water and splendid isolation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it a wonderful place to stop off during a holiday on the west coast of Scotland.

Easily reachable from the A859, visitors can take a small side road that leads to the old Seilebost School building, where you’ll find a free and spacious car park. From here, you’ll only be a few minutes’ walk away from the beach.

Here, you can feel free to bring your pooch along, as this beach doesn’t have any seasonal restrictions. What’s best is that it’s also a great spot for watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. What better way to enjoy a spot of warmer weather than on the golden sands of Seilebost Beach with views across the sea?

Type: Sandy
Parking: Limited spaces available along the A859
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: HS3 3HP
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)

4. Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull

One of the best-kept secret beaches in the UK is next up in our guide. Often referred to as the “Mull Caribbean”, Langmull Beach is renowned for its unspoilt beauty.

To get here, visitors will need to park at the Kildavie Settlement Trailhead Car Park and make the 30-45 minute walk northwards across the countryside, passing the ancient ruined settlement of Kildavie along the way.

Similar to many other beaches in the Outer Hebrides, Langamull Beach doesn’t have any seasonal restrictions when it comes to dogs, so if you plan on heading here for a scenic coastal walk with your pooch, then you’ll have the freedom to do exactly that! With ample white shell sand to explore, you can spend the full day at this idyllic West Coast of Scotland beach.

Type: Sandy
Parking: Kildavie Settlement Trailhead Parking
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: PA75 6QY
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)

5. Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull

The next best beach on the West Coast of Scotland is arguably the most well-known beach on the Isle of Mull.

Calgary Bay is a place that might sound familiar to some of you. That’s because this village lent its name to Fort Calgary, the settlement that became the city of Calgary in Alberta, Canada (almost 4000 miles away!).

Easily reachable from the B8073, visitors can park at Calgary Bay Car Park for free before taking a short walk down to the sands. Backed by low and partly wooded hills and a broad area of machair (grassy meadows), it’s often compared to the beaches of the Caribbean because of its pristine white sands and turquoise water.

With no seasonal dog restrictions in place and loads of wonderful walking trails leading off from the beach, it’s a place that you simply cannot miss out on visiting when exploring the Isle of Mull.

Type: Sandy
Parking: Small car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: PA75 6QT
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be on a lead

6. Fidden Beach, Isle of Mull

Found on the Ross of Mull, the largest peninsula on the Isle of Mull, Fidden Beach is a wonderful beach on Scotland’s West Coast, known for its white sand and distinctive pink granite outcrops.

A popular camping hotspot during the warmer months of the year, this stunning beach is just a mile from Fionnphort and is easily reachable by car. Best explored at low tide, Fidden Beach is both wide and shallow, making it a great place to take the kids and a great spot for those of you who enjoy kayaking and sea swimming!

Nature lovers will also be in their element on this West Coast of Scotland beach as there are plenty of opportunities to spot exciting wildlife, including mountain hares, geese and even seals that often call this beach home.

Type: Sandy
Parking: Restricted parking available at Fidden Farm
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: PA66 6BN
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be on a lead

7. Achmelvich Bay near Lochinver

Achmelvich Bay is an exceptional beach on Scotland’s west coast that is considered to be one of the most exotic beaches in the UK. It is a wonderful location that has long been a popular hotspot for camping and caravan holidays.

Found just a few miles north of the port of Lochinver, the beach can be accessed by taking a single-track road, at the end of which you’ll find a spacious car park right next to the pristine white sands.

Popular with watersports enthusiasts, wildlife spotters and motorists travelling on the NC500 route which is one of the best scenic drives in the UK, visiting Achmelvich Bay whilst holidaying in this part of the country is a must.

Type: Sandy
Parking: Car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: IV27 4JB
Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed during peak tourist season

8. Gairloch Beach, Gairloch

Next on our list of the best beaches on the West Coast of Scotland is another popular stop-off point for drivers navigating the NC500 route. Gairloch Beach can be found just a few minutes south of the village of Gairloch, from which it takes its name.

With the popular Gairloch Golf Club backing onto the beach, here you’ll find a small yet free car park where you can unload your beach gear and take just a few minutes walk down to the golden sands. Popular with families, this iconic beach offers beautiful views across the sea to the Isle of Harris and the shores of the Isle of Skye.

Being close to the heart of the village, we’d recommend taking a drive up to Hillbillies Coffee to enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite to eat after spending the afternoon soaking up the sunshine!

Type: Sandy
Parking: Gairloch Beach Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: IV21 2BE
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)

9. Largs Bay Beach, Largs

Boasting a mix of shingle and sandy shoreline with a well-maintained promenade running alongside it, Largs Bay Beach in North Ayrshire is a well-kept hidden gem when it comes to West Coast Scotland beaches.

Providing visitors with amazing views across the Firth of Clyde towards Great Cumbrae and easily accessible by both car and public transport, there’s even regular train and bus services connecting Largs to Glasgow for those of you travelling from further afield.

While Largs Beach is not a major watersports destination, the nearby marina and sailing clubs cater to boating enthusiasts. The town itself is well-known for its Viking heritage, commemorated by the annual Largs Viking Festival and the Vikingar! Visitor Centre.

Largs Bay Beach is also completely dog-friendly, though owners are required to keep them under control and clean up after them, as is expected at most beaches up and down the country.

With easy access to a host of cafés, shops and nearby historical attractions, Largs Beach is a wonderful hotspot to consider visiting the next time you’re travelling or staying in this particular part of Scotland!

Type: Sandy
Parking: 77 Gallowgate St Parking
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: KA30 8LZ
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)

10. Ayr Beach, Ayr

Rounding off our guide to the best beaches on the West Coast of Scotland is Ayr Beach. Nestled on the edge of the county of Ayrshire, Ayr Beach sits right next to its namesake town and provides both locals and tourists with a wonderful place to enjoy the coast. 

Boasting a long and sandy shoreline, this beach offers stunning views across to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, and is only a short walk away from the heart of Ayr and a spacious car park.

The beach is dog-friendly, though owners are encouraged to keep their pets under control and clean up after them where possible. Whilst Ayr Beach is not a hotspot for watersports, it is part of the National Cycle Route 7, making it a great location for cyclists to stop off during their trek.

Fishing is also popular in the nearby harbour, with boat trips available for those keen on sea angling. Historically, Ayr’s Low Green was a much-loved Victorian attraction, which it remains to be this day.

Type: Sandy
Parking: Ayr Beach Car Park
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: KA7 2XW
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)

The Best Beaches on the West Coast of Scotland Map

For more fantastic places to visit on your next break, take a look at this guide covering the best UK holiday destinations for 2025. However, if these beautiful West Coast of Scotland beaches have inspired you to explore Scotland, check out our fantastic Scotland Travel Guide for more unforgettable things to do.