Activities and Attractions

Local activities and attractions in Kinlochbervie

The scenery and landscape of Kinlochbervie and its surrounding areas is a highlight for visitors with many returning year after year having fallen in love with this remote area. Stunning beaches, rugged coastline and soaring mountains all combine to make this one of the most beautiful places you will ever see.

Kinlochbervie Harbour is one of the village’s main features, being situated on Loch Bervie which is a small offshoot of the larger Loch Inchard. The large harbour is a commercial fishing hub with catches being landed and prepared for transport throughout Europe. You can watch the fishermen at work as they offload their boats and you can visit the port auction market to see all the action.

On the other side of Kinlochbervie is Loch Clash which also has a harbour, this one being older and smaller than the commercial one. It is now the site of a popular campervan stopover with full facilities provided and a view that would be hard to beat.

The waters around Kinlochbervie are ideal for diving with cool, clear waters, abundant sea life and plants, and even a Historic Maritime Protected Area close to the village which is the site of a shipwreck. Local providers run dive trips and have the best knowledge on where and when to go.

The Kinlochbervie Marina has limited spaces available for visiting yachts and is the last safe harbour on the west coast before rounding the headland at Cape Wrath and heading for the north coast of Scotland, the Orkney Isles or the Shetland Isles.

Kinlochbervie is fortunate to have an abundance of local wildlife and its remote unpeopled location makes it a perfect place to both enjoy watching and photographing these wild inhabitants. You could also take a local wildlife tour on sea or on land to make the most of the experience.

Depending on the time of year you could see:

Sea – Seals, dolphins, whales, porpoises, orca/killer whales, basking sharks

Air – Golden eagle, buzzard, guillemot, puffin, eider, fulmar

Land – Otter, foxes, badgers, red deer, sheep, Highland Cows

Given its location, Kinlochbervie is also an ideal base for sea and loch angling adventures. The sea lochs surrounding the village can be fished by local charter boat and the freshwater lochs nearby are accessible by permit.

There are a whole range of excellent walking options in and around Kinlochbervie. Whether you are looking for a coastal stroll, a beach saunter or a mountain adventure there will be something to suit all ages and abilities. Walk Highlands is a very helpful site when planning walks in the Highlands and OS Maps online will show you the local area.

Kinlochbervie is situated within the North West Highlands Geopark which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of only three geoparks in the UK. The geology of the whole area is ancient and unique with landscapes that aren’t so much picturesque as they are staggeringly indescribable.

Nearby

North & West

Oldshoremore beach is just a short distance from Kinlochbervie with a wide sweep of pristine sand and crystal clear waters. There is a small carpark with public toilets next to the beach making it an excellent choice whether you are looking to walk, cycle or drive.

Polin beach lies further up the coastline and, although smaller than Oldshoremore, is no less stunning. We would recommend walking or cycling to this beach to avoid overcrowding the very small car parks at Oldshore Beg or Droman Pier. The Oldshore Beg car park has a well-known signpost, the “Here There and Everywhere” sign.

Droman Pier is a picturesque little pier just north of Polin beach with stunning views of the surrounding area and out to the North Atlantic. Visit at sunset for an unforgettable experience and enjoy the peace and tranquility.

Sheigra beach is another stunning beach, this time past Blairmore and north of Droman Pier. As well as being a remote and beautiful beach there is a nearby campsite for wild camping, perfect for those who do not need access to facilities. Please read up on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code before you choose to wild camp so you are aware of what is involved.

Sandwood Bay is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches in Scotland and well worth the 13 km trek to visit. Parking and public toilets are available at Blairmore and be sure to prepare for a long day out as weather conditions in the Scottish Highlands can change rapidly and you never know when you might need a raincoat.

Am Buachaille is the sea-stack at the southern end of Sandwood Bay. Its name in Gaelic translates to “The Shepherd” and as well as standing guard over the bay it is a popular destination for experienced climbers looking to challenge themselves with difficult routes.

Sandwood Loch lies in the dunes just behind the beach and is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. As a freshwater loch it also supports a different variety of habitat to the salt water beach.

The Cape Wrath headland lies just beyond Sandwood Bay in all its wild and remote glory. There is a trail which takes you from Kinlochbervie, either by the coastal route or inland, to the Cape Wrath Lighthouse and this should only be attempted on a guided walk or by those who are comfortable navigating with a map and compass.

East & South

Rhiconich is a beautifully scenic area just south of Kinlochbervie with walks and wildlife on your doorstep. Enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking and hill walking.

The mountains of Foinaven, Arkle and Ben Stack are only a short distance from Kinlochbervie and well worth the climb for the stunning views of the west coast of Sutherland. Visit the Walk Highlands site for detailed route descriptions of walks in the area.

Handa Island lies further to the south of Kinlochbervie and is an excellent day trip involving a small foot ferry crossing to an island internationally renowned for its bird populations. Past the old abandoned village, the impressive sea cliffs and stacks with whirling calling birds is an unforgettable experience.

Events

Visit our events page to explore events in and around Kinlochbervie.

North of Kinlochbervie are the areas of Cape Wrath and Durness

South of Kinlochbervie are the areas of Scourie and Kylesku