View Full Version : Sandwood Bay
Anybody ever been there? Is it any good?
Is the walk worth it?
Any other info much appreciated..... :)
twinkletoes
18-Sep-07, 12:56
I have been to Sandwood Bay its a truly beautiful place and well worth the walk, its one of those places that everyone should visit if they are interested in walking and beautiful views.:D
thefugitive1993
18-Sep-07, 15:41
I have been to Sandwood Bay its a truly beautiful place and well worth the walk, its one of those places that everyone should visit if they are interested in walking and beautiful views.:D
I hope to have the construction arm of Fugitive Enterprises bulldoze a road for better access to the bay; thereafter, we plan to open a theme park, with travel lodges and fast food.
We will placate any complaining locals, by opening an NHS dental practice nearby.
Sounds good?
twinkletoes
18-Sep-07, 16:36
I hope to have the construction arm of Fugitive Enterprises bulldoze a road for better access to the bay; thereafter, we plan to open a theme park, with travel lodges and fast food.
We will placate any complaining locals, by opening an NHS dental practice nearby.
Sounds good?
You sound just like the sort of person who has not got a clue what they are talking about, if you had been there you would know what you said is complete rubbish, why spoil it for those who do enjoy going there.
Yes it is well worth the walk, it is one of our favorite places. Camp anywhere in the dunes or in the old sheep pen for shelter and fresh water is available behind the haunted farm house. Take all your food. You can take a bike but it gets a rough push across the peat hags about halfway along the track.
thefugitive1993
18-Sep-07, 17:22
You sound just like the sort of person who has not got a clue what they are talking about, if you had been there you would know what you said is complete rubbish, why spoil it for those who do enjoy going there.
Sorry Twinkletoes, but I'm afraid that's just progress. You'll have your chance to contribute to the planning of the theme park rides at the consultation stage.
I hope to have the construction arm of Fugitive Enterprises bulldoze a road for better access to the bay; thereafter, we plan to open a theme park, with travel lodges and fast food.
We will placate any complaining locals, by opening an NHS dental practice nearby.
Sounds good?
Will there be candyfloss?
thefugitive1993
18-Sep-07, 17:30
Will there be candyfloss?
A fair question Geo. Obviously this is a sensitive issue, so the candyfloss will be 100% organic.
We're hoping however that there will be a certain synergy with the snacks and the proposed dental practice.
Dog-eared
18-Sep-07, 17:50
Sandwood Bay is just around the corner from Cape Wrath on the west side.
As well as having a lovely beach the pink and red stripey whirly rock strata has to be seen.
There are also good beaches accessible by car at Oldshoremore and Sheigra.
Kinlochbervie has shops, a Hotel and fishermens mission.
Kinlochbervie is 2 1/2 hrs by car from Thurso with fantastic scenery on the way , passing Loch Eriboll ,Durness, Smoo Cave, mountains Cranstackie , Foinaven and Arkle.
Camping at Sheigra.
More info on Sandwood estate with aerial pics on the John Muir Trust website.
Nice drystone seats etc in the JMT Sandwood track car park built by JMT volunteers supervised by Thurso drystone dyker George Gunn
Its another world and its not far away .Just go.
The trek to Cape Wrath is a once in a lifetime must-do adventure.
It would definitely be a once in a lifetime adventure for me as it'd do me in! :) I'm sweating at the thought of the walk to Sandwood Bay nevermind to Cape Wrath, but Saveman is determined to drag me there. It'll be fun he says...I hope CPR is one of his superpowers! :)
Jeemag_USA
18-Sep-07, 18:30
Does anyone have photos, or can someone take some, i'd love to see that, might be a good excuse for a road trip when I come home next year.
Never mind I found one, can we link to flikr images on here?
http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif
http://www.caingram.info/Scotland/North_west_highlands/sandwood_bay_b.jpg
Billy Boy
18-Sep-07, 18:33
Does anyone have photos, or can someone take some, i'd love to see that, might be a good excuse for a road trip when I come home next year.
take a wee look here http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kinlochbervie/sandwoodbay/ (http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kinlochbervie/sandwoodbay/)
Sandwood Bay is just around the corner from Cape Wrath on the west side.
As well as having a lovely beach the pink and red stripey whirly rock strata has to be seen.
There are also good beaches accessible by car at Oldshoremore and Sheigra.
Kinlochbervie has shops, a Hotel and fishermens mission.
Kinlochbervie is 2 1/2 hrs by car from Thurso with fantastic scenery on the way , passing Loch Eriboll ,Durness, Smoo Cave, mountains Cranstackie , Foinaven and Arkle.
Camping at Sheigra.
More info on Sandwood estate with aerial pics on the John Muir Trust website.
Nice drystone seats etc in the JMT Sandwood track car park built by JMT volunteers supervised by Thurso drystone dyker George Gunn
Its another world and its not far away .Just go.
Thanks! Been round Durness and Smoo, my favourite place in the world! Not ventured that far round or made it to Cape Wrath, but I will do one day.
souperman
18-Sep-07, 22:44
A couple of snaps from a visit earlier this year, the bothy is about 3 miles inland from the beach but well worth a visit, heard it has been vandalised recently but hopefully repaired by the fantastic Mountain Bothies Assosciation since then, check out their website for more. I can definately recommend an overnighter at the bothy.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f265/Lythmore/P5160242.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f265/Lythmore/P5150185.jpg
souperman
18-Sep-07, 23:01
Looking from above the Bothy towards the Bay. The beach can just be seen at the far end of the loch.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f265/Lythmore/P5160259.jpg
r.rackstraw
18-Sep-07, 23:25
Sandwood Bay is a great place.
But beware of the quicksands behind the dunes if they still exist - I had a scary experience there many years ago!
souperman
19-Sep-07, 12:26
We did fish the loch but it was very poor, 2 tiny trout, but we did get sea bass from the rocks at the beach, all from spinners, and all very tasty !
Never had bass so would love to catch one for dinner while there!
Ancient Mariner
19-Sep-07, 13:54
Used to be a regular visitor in my younger days. One of my favourite places in Scotland.
Spent a couple of weeks in the 'Haunted House' with a load of my mates. Suspended old fishing nets found on the beach from the rafters as hammocks. Used divots to block up windows and some old driftwood on door to keep out the sheep.
As a teenager in the 60's I was usually skint, so had to subsidise my budget. All the lochs around have 'Brownies', snared rabbits on the hill around the loch and caught salmon and sea trout coming into the river.
Loads to do! Climbed on the cliffs and sourrounding crags, walked up to Cape Wrath, played football on 'lawn' beside loch, fished everywhere. Once a week walked into the village for food and a shower at the seamans mission.
When you go in now lots of people fish the river between the loch and the sea. This river changes with the seasons, sometimes flowing close to the cliff edge and sometimes acroos the middle of the beach, depends what the winter storms do to the beach.
You very rarely get fish in the river. The only way to catch them is on a spinner, I used to use an Abu lure called a 'Krill'. At the mouth of the river (wherever it is) cast out into the breaking surface with the 'krill' and reel in. When you hit a fish it is difficult getting it in through the breaking surf, so just lock the reel and run up the beach. That usually lands them OK. Last one I had was a 3lb Sea Trout.
Lots of driftwood on the beach to grill your fish nice and fresh.
Sandwood Bay - Definitely recommended by the Ancient Mariner!
I'm going.....and don't try to stop me....
Sandwood Bay is a magical place. An atmosphere of it's own.
But beware the ghost of the bearded sailor.
A shipwrecked sailor who wanders the beach in certain weathers.
Dog-eared
19-Sep-07, 20:47
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p143/floiefotos/022_4.jpg
Dog-eared
19-Sep-07, 20:55
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p143/floiefotos/017_9.jpg
Dog-eared
19-Sep-07, 21:13
Both of the previous photos were taken at this time of year.
Dog-eared
19-Sep-07, 21:24
Google image search for Sandwood Bay - click on link below.
http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=sandwood+bay&btnG=Search+Images&gbv (http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=sandwood+bay&btnG=Search+Images&gbv)
Whitewater
19-Sep-07, 21:50
Havn't been there for many years, I think probably in my late teens, and that was not yesterday. As I remember, it really was a wonderfull place, Unlike the "Ancient Mariner" we used to take a tent, fishing rod, frying pan, sharp knife and a few snares (cruel I know, and will probably raise a few comments) and live for a 3 or 4 day stint. Living on the sea trout and rabbits made us feel like kings for a few days.
When the salmon were in the bay looking to get up it was a favourite place for the old fishing boats to come into and drag a net or two to get some fish for the "Black Market" (hotels etc.)
Went there a number of years ago with hubby and daughter. Absolutely beautiful place to be! Fished off the beach, washed in the loch and cooked on an open fire!
Just make sure you don't leave anything important in your car ..... it is a long walk out to get it![lol]
Well I've been there now......what an incredible experience!
It truly is a beautiful place to be.
Have you recovered from the walk yet?
Have you recovered from the walk yet?
That might take a bit longer :lol:
That might take a bit longer :lol:
How long is the walk to the bay?
percy toboggan
06-May-08, 18:58
It's something we'd like to do...maybe take a lightweight tent , some grub and a bottle of wine...stay overnight. Is it a fairly level walk...? I think it's about six miles each way...not sure....would be a test for me at the mo. but I've alluz fancied it....Mrs T. is madforit....couldn't see her go on her own though.
cazmanian_minx
06-May-08, 22:42
It's about four and a half miles each way. I did it a couple of years ago as a totally unfit, novice walker - I managed it, though the last bit over the dunes to the beach is a killer!
I did ache for the next three days, but it's well worth it, it surely has to be one of the UK's most beautiful places. It helped that it was threatening to rain and we had the place to ourselves for about half an hour, which was magical.
It's about four and a half miles each way. I did it a couple of years ago as a totally unfit, novice walker - I managed it, though the last bit over the dunes to the beach is a killer!
I did ache for the next three days, but it's well worth it, it surely has to be one of the UK's most beautiful places. It helped that it was threatening to rain and we had the place to ourselves for about half an hour, which was magical.
Thanks for that. Better get a bit fitter before going there then!
Can anyone use the bothy or do you need permission?
souperman
07-May-08, 08:55
Anyone can use the bothy, be warned though, you will have to carry all your food, water, fuel etc in with you ( and carry your rubbish back out). Leave it as you would want to find it, all common sense stuff really. Its well worth the effort of taking a small bag of coal in with a couple of firelighters, its soooo cosy in there with the fire going, have a great time.
percy toboggan
07-May-08, 20:40
All good tips...thanks..especially the one about the firem souperman.
Minx: you must be much fitter than me...and younger!...I'd prob be aching for weeks......and that bit about being a 'killer'....mmm...I might leave it 'til I'm part bi-onic ! (cobalt chromium retreads on the hip sockets)
cazmanian_minx
08-May-08, 09:02
I was 31 when I went and a couch potato! I've dug out some photos from that trip to see if I can whet your appetite...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2475734424_5c2d1a1d61_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2475734424/)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2325/2474917383_4868c6552d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2474917383/)
cazmanian_minx
08-May-08, 09:03
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2475734474_54a6f9c445_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2475734474/)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2389/2474917449_5cb4dcbea0_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22544094@N00/2474917449/)
percy toboggan
08-May-08, 19:33
Great pics...especially the last one...I'm sorely tempted...it looks such a lovely, lonely place where the wind and the waves rule the roost of time...a time unchanged in centuries. Thanks for sharing.
percy toboggan
08-May-08, 19:35
dog-eared...that pic of Rhiconich is awesome...I love it. It's almost tugging my sleeve.
percy toboggan
08-May-08, 19:36
Sandwood Bay is a magical place. An atmosphere of it's own.
But beware the ghost of the bearded sailor.
A shipwrecked sailor who wanders the beach in certain weathers.
I'd love to meet him...I really would.
Dog-eared
09-May-08, 10:25
The photoo of Rhiconich and Loch Inchard was taken at the roadside near Mackay's London Stores just before the big brae down to KLB.
Its about two hours from Thurso. Just go. :D
percy toboggan
09-May-08, 19:18
The photoo of Rhiconich and Loch Inchard was taken at the roadside near Mackay's London Stores just before the big brae down to KLB.
Its about two hours from Thurso. Just go. :D
Sadly, at the mo. Thurso is NINE hours from here :lol:
Percy,where`s Egland? (as it says for your location:lol:)
percy toboggan
10-May-08, 19:23
h
Oh Blimey! - thanks
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/highlandsandislands/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8689000/8689615.stm
my second published item :)
Amy-Winehouse
20-May-10, 12:43
I fished all round that north west corner, particularly off Garve and Balnakeil bay to the island was good for Lobsters . When the Navy used to come & do their excercise`s & bomb the the cliffs they had a 6 mile exclusion zone for shipping, Well this day we had lay on anchor at Balnakeil & steamed out to the creels 2 miles away - totally oblivious as to what was about to happen!! We got half way throught the first fleet of 100 pots & we heard this tornado jet swoop over us & a second later & magnificent Boom :eek: I thought the boat had blown up!!
Then we saw the smoke off the bomb at Garve & realised what was happening. Then another jet sped past us and I watched one of the wheelhouse window cave in [lol]. We hauled the other pots in that string & got out the exclusion zone as quick as our wee engine could take us.
Round the Cape wasnt so hot fishing wise for us but it was scenic & majestic at times. Especially in a gale of wind
Sandwood bay, we were 4 miles off there & did alright but werent at the creels at that time , I got my photo taken there but obviously Im not going to post it on here.
I was a Lighthouse Keeper at Cape Wrath Lighthouse from March 1979 to October 1983. During that time I often walked acroos to Sandwood Bay. It would take about 1 hour there and 1 Hour back and was always well worth the walk. There was a Whale that beached itself in 1981, if I remember correctly, and lay rotting for months in the middle of Sandwood Bay.
Here are a couple of Photographs, 1 of Cape Wrath Lighthouse and the other of the road between the Ferry and Cape Wrath Lighthouse. You can also see the River Dall where the Army Built a bridge across and if you follow the road up over the hill just to the right of the road on the horizon you can just see a building which was the old School House.
http://i45.tinypic.com/1zzhtut.jpg
http://i48.tinypic.com/2u5yfz9.jpg
I started going there over 40 years ago and still take an odd trip out there now and again. But as it has become more popular and you seem to get the lazy, dirty sods who just leave all their rubbish strewn all over the place, its a shame. doesnt suprise me to hear the bothy was vandalised.
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