Dornoch Beach — Local services in Scotland

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...

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:

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

Car park beside the children’s playground.

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,...

Before parking opposite the grass area which display signs of no parking, checked with a man waliking his dog that we were ok to park up and he agreed there were no signs opposite the park, had a loveley evening we had a visit from an irate man who requested that we moved on, tried explaining that there were no signs for no overnight parking where we were parked. This man payed us 2 visits with 2 different cars, he was very emotionally dysregulated, rude, and on the verge of crying when he found out that after his first visit we tried to phone the nearby campsite, which did not answer (we are wondering what his relationship is to the campsite)

Just warning others this place is not for overnight parking we were threatened with a visit from the ranger, we have never experienced this kind of welcome anywhere in the world before.

We were forced to move on the the next village, Golspie, which promoted and encouraged overnight parking, shame really as we planned on spending a few hours in Doornoch, will not be...