Scottish SUP Guide - Number Twenty Nine - Durness

Matt Gambles • 2 May 2020

Durness

At the far North West of Scotland lies Durness. It is remote, it is wild and boy it is beautiful. It is a small but well spread out village and a great stopping point on the North Coast 500 driving route. Despite being remote it has several spots to stay, have a drink and some tiny shops to stock up on essentials.

It is blessed with Four beaches, all of which are stunning; Balnakiel,Sango Bay, Sango Beg and Ceannabeinne. Balnakiel faces west and is a white sand and azure blue waters stunner of a place when the weather plays ball. Backed by small sand dunes and with some small cliffs and tiny bays to explore at its northern side, on a calm day it is ripe for exploration, while when the surf comes through the bay its a great place to experience the power of the Atlantic Ocean.

The other Three beaches all face North and are backed by some large, imposing Cliffs, offering a great juxtaposition with Balnakiel, just round the corner. They can produce some incredible surf. Between Sango Bay and Sango Beg lies Smoo Cave, a must visit. A large freshwater and Salt water Cave leading right on to the beach, it can be explored on foot or guided tour further in by boat.

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