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Find calm water and restorative days close to your Highland Coast Hotels base. This guide points you to the best wild swimming spots and gentle wellness ideas along the east coast, from Loch Brora and Brora Beach to Golspie and the River Helmsdale, with quieter coves like Crakaig Beach for when you want solitude. Each stop explains access, what to expect underfoot, and simple safety tips so you can plan a short dip or a longer paddle with confidence. Pair a morning swim with a relaxed return to your room, a warm shower and the hotel's spa facilities to make a day of recovery and quiet adventure.
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A quiet Atlantic shore reached by a rough track, where sea, stone and space meet.
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What to expect
Expect a rocky, stony shoreline with patches of seaweed and rock pools at low tide. There are few facilities and the beach is best for walking, wildlife spotting and quiet time rather than long swims. A small nudist section is used by some visitors, and a handful of people may choose to camp overnight in the area where local, simple facilities are sometimes available.
Plan your visit
Wear sturdy shoes and be ready for uneven, slippery rocks. Check tide times before you go, since access to shallow water can change quickly. Pack water, a windproof layer and a small first-aid kit for cuts from sharp stones. Follow leave-no-trace principles and expect little in the way of formal services, so plan to be self-sufficient.
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Paddle, walk, pause, calm waters and wide skies.
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What to expect
You will find long, open views and changing skies, often with few other people. The shoreline offers simple paths and shallow bays for launching a board or wandering with a dog. Salmon and trout are present, and birds are common. The loch can feel exposed on windy days, so conditions change fast.
Plan your visit
Allow time to reach the loch, the last stretch is a single-track road with a shallow river crossing and limited parking. Bring layered, windproof clothing and sturdy footwear. If you plan to paddle, check the wind and water before you launch, take a buoyancy aid and a drybag, and keep an eye on changing conditions. Dogs are welcome, but keep them under control around livestock. Follow Leave No Trace principles and take all litter with you.
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Riverside calm on the NC500, close to Helmsdale village.
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What to expect
Gentle riverbanks, grassland with grazing sheep, and a simple network of paths and lanes. You will find easy vantage points to watch the estuary and harbour activity, quiet places to sit and a local fishing presence along some beats. The mood is low-key and nature-focused rather than developed for tourism.
Plan your visit
Bring waterproofs and sturdy shoes, the ground can be uneven and damp. Pack binoculars or a zoom lens for wildlife and a small picnic if you want to linger. If you hope to fish, arrange permits locally in Helmsdale before you go. Keep dogs on a short lead near livestock, and follow countryside code: leave no trace and respect local land use.
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Golden sand, clear water and wide coastal views.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, easy-to-reach beach with a mix of sand and shingle near the pier. The water is clear and tides can be dramatic, so the shoreline changes through the day. Seals and coastal birds are commonly seen. The village offers basic amenities, and there is a pleasant promenade if you prefer a flat walk to walking on sand.
Plan your visit
Come prepared for changing weather: bring layers and windproof clothing, and wear shoes that cope with sand and shingle. Combine the beach with a stroll through the village or a short walk along the promenade. If you plan to swim, be mindful that the water stays cool for much of the year and currents can be strong. Leave time to watch for wildlife from the pier or shoreline.
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Sandy shore where the river meets the North Sea
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What to expect
Expect a mix of open sandy beach and rocky pools. Walks run north from the river along long sands, while the southern side offers rock pools and tidal features. You can spot seals on the shore and occasionally dolphins or minke whales offshore. Access is via a path from the golf club car park, and dogs are welcome year round.
Plan your visit
Park at the Brora Golf Club car park and follow the signed footpath down to the beach, or take the longer route across the dunes and links for more views. Wear sensible shoes for the rocky southern stretches and bring binoculars for wildlife. Pack a picnic or stop in Brora for refreshments. There are no lifeguards, so take care if you go in the water and check tide times before exploring rock pools or narrow channels.
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Highland Coast Hotels is a collection of hotels across the Scottish Highlands, from Inverness to the far north coast. Each property sits within the landscape, with warm rooms, honest food and local knowledge at every stop on the North Coast 500. Choose your hotel and start planning your trip.
