Ceannabeinne Beach (Traigh Allt Chailgeag)

  • Ceannabeinne  Beach - Highland
    © Jason Parker
  • Ceannabeinne  Beach - Highland
    © Nick Bramhall and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Ceannabeinne  Beach - Highland
    © GOC53 and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Ceannabeinne  Beach - Highland
    © GOC53 and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Ceannabeinne  Beach - Highland
    © itmpa and licensed for reuse under this Licence
  • Situated on the far north coast of mainland Scotland is Ceannabeinne beach. This is one of several beaches in the Durness are that are all equally stunning with their near-white sand and crystal clear azure waters.
    On a sunny day these beaches could give anywhere in the world a run for its money in terms of sheer beauty. However, dipping a toe in the ocean will probably bring you back to reality!

    Flanked by rocky cliffs with a distinctive pink hue, the beach is backed by a grassy landscape which slopes up towards Beinn Ceannabeinne, a 383 metre high mountain. This is where the beach’s name comes from and it means “end of the mountains”.

    The beach was also known as Traigh Alt Chailgeag, which translates rather cheerily to “beach of the burn of bereavement and death”! The story goes that an old woman was swept down the stream to the beach.

    A little way of the coast of Ceannabeinne is the small island of Eilean Hoan. Once home to a small number of farming families this is now a nature reserve.

    Also known as:

    Traigh Allt Chailgeag

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    No

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed

    Dog friendly beach

    Highland dog friendly beaches »

    Nearest town

    Armadale

    Postcode

    IV27 4PN

    OS grid ref.

    NC 4424 6558

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    Ceannabeinne Beach Reviews

    Nc500 highlight

    Sam
    Jul 21st 2020

    Amazing beach we spent way to long exploring the coast and caves fantastic for kids and dogs my fav place in Scotland I think

    A must for geologists

    Victoria
    Oct 15th 2022

    Fascinating beach with some superb examples of local geology. Beautiful white sand and easily accessible, although there are some shallow steps near the top, by the car park. So pretty and very sheltered from the westerly prevailing winds. Visited in October and very few there. Less touristy than Smoo Cave, but equally as interesting.