20 Best Beaches in Argyll & Bute

On the striking coast of Argyll you can find some of Scotland’s best beaches carved into the maxing Argyll landscape. Whatever the season, these beaches in Argyll are beautiful to explore. 

From turquoise waters to long white crystal sands, there are some truly magnificent beaches to discover in Argyll.

In the winter make sure to wrap up, pack a flask and take a walk along these Argyll beaches. Or, in the summer pack a beach towel, and sunscreen and if you are brave enough you can try and take a dip in the cool Scottish waters.

This post lists the best bays and beaches on mainland Scotland including the regions of Lochaber, Lomond, Oban, Dunbartonshire, the Kintyre and Cowal peninsulas.

Also, on the islands of Isle of Bute and Isle of Gigha. Kintyre peninsula is a thirty-mile peninsula on the west coast of Scotland that has a good number of beautiful beaches.

Ganavan Sands

Location: Ganavan Sands

Ganavan Sands is located two miles north of Oban, past the ivy-clad ruin of Dunollie Castle.

The beach is picturesque and has amazing views out to Ben Mhor on the Isle of Mull, Isle of Lismore and surrounding waters. In addition, the beach is split into two and is separated by a jetty. 

Also, the Ganavan Sands is one of the most accessible beaches in Argyll.

It is within walking distance from Oban and can be accessed by bike or car. Parking is free for the first two hours even though you should still obtain a ticket from the machine. 

Nearby Accommodation: Brecbennoch

Ardentinny Beach 

Location: Ardentinny Beach

Ardentinny Beach is one of the longest beaches in Argyll and is located in the Cowal Peninsula.

There is a free car park, toilet facilities and picnic tables all with amazing views overlooking the loch. Interestingly, the Royal Navy beach commandos trained for the Normandy landing here.

As well as walking along the beach you can follow a trail through the Argyll Forest Park. The Riverside Trail is an easy, fairly level route by the water.

Nearby Accommodation: Fern Cottage

Ostel Bay 

Starting Point: Kilbride Bay

Ostel Bay is also known as Kilbride Bay. The bay is a crescent-shaped sweep of sand which is the jewel in the crown of Argyll’s secret coast, an undiscovered area on the Cowal Peninsula.

From the lay by it is a fifteen minute walk to the beach. You can walk over the sand dunes and the beach stretches out in front of you with the Isle of Arran on the horizon.

Nearby Accommodation: Portavadie Loch Fyne

Glenan Bay

Location: Glenan Bay

Glenan Bay is a wild and rugged bay which is backed by an ancient forest – Glenan Forest. The beach is around the coast from the ferry terminal at Portavadie.

Also, you can walk past the mouth of the small river and along to Buck bay, where you will find a great swimming spot. While you are here you can explore the abandoned village of Glenan.

Nearby Accommodation: Portavadie Loch Fyne

Shell Beach

Location: Shell Beach

Shell Beach is located on the south side of Tarbet Bay. This is a small bay which is not far from Royal Castle of Tarbet and the ferry depot.

As the name suggests, there are millions of shells everywhere. There is a small lay by nearby for parking, it is a very beautiful place to get a picture. 

Interestingly, there used to be a scallop and shellfish processing factory nearby. The waste from the factory was dumped at sea and washed back to create the Shell Beach.  

Nearby Accommodation: Shore House

Kilmory Beach 

Location: Kilmory Beach

Kilmory Beach is one of the most spectacular sandy beaches in Argyll, on the north coast of Ardnamurchan peninsula. The beach is a short walk down the road alongside the sheep field.

Once you arrive you will be welcomed by some of the clearest water in the UK.

There are no facilities, just natural beauty. Also, you can admire the magnificent views to the Isle of Jura.

Nearby Accommodation: Barnlongart House

Carradale Bay, Kintyre 

Location: Carradale Bay

Carradale Bay is a stunning south-facing beach on the east coast of Kintyre. The south-facing beach overlooks a small bay and is separated from Kilbrannan Sound by Carradale Point Headland.

Also, the beach offers excellent views of the surrounding mountainous countryside of the Kintyre Peninsula and the views out to the Sound of Arran are extremely rewarding. 

You will find the mouth of River Carradale and the Carradale Bay Holiday Park at the west end of the beach. Also, there is a village about half a mile from the beach, where you can find a few shops and places to get refreshments. 

Nearby Accommodation: Ashbank Hotel

Torrisdale Bay

Location: Torrisdale Bay

Torrisdale Bay is a shingle beach along the east side of the Kintyre Peninsula.

The Torrisdale Castle is located near the beach and the village of Torrisdale. Also, you have a great opportunity to view bottlenose and harbour porpoises. 

Nearby Accommodation: Carradales Luxury Guest House

Westport Beach, Campbelltown 

Starting Point: Westport Beach Car Park

Westport Beach is located between Tarbert and Campbeltown and it is one of the best beaches on this part of the coast.

The beach is enjoyable all year round and it stretches over six miles to Machrihanish. Machrihanish Dunes is a Site of Scientific Interest and are the biggest sand dunes beaches in Argyll. 

Westport is a magical peaceful place to walk as it is very clean and calm. The beach is popular with surfers, beachcombers and walkers.

There are toilet facilities, a good car park and it is a good place for a picnic.

Nearby Accommodation: Midcraigs

Machrihanish Bay 

Location: Machrihanish Bay

Machrihanish Bay is a gorgeous five kilometre unique beach in the Kintyre Peninsula.

The award-winning beach is located by the quiet village of Machrihanish just a few miles from the town of Campbeltown and is well known for some of the best surfing in the United Kingdom.

Due to the rural location, the beach is hardly busy therefore it is the perfect place to go and relax. There is plenty of car parking near the village of Machrihanish.

Also, opposite the Machrihanish Golf Club is where you can find the gate to access the beach. Machrihanish village is part of the Kintyre Way which runs from Tarbet to Campbeltown.

Nearby Accommodation: Machrihanish Holiday Park

Carskey Bay

Location: Carskey Bay

Carskey Beach is Scotland’s closest beach to Ireland. The stunning beach is backed by sand dunes and stretches west from red sandstone cliffs at Keil Point to the mouth of the Strone and Breackerie Waters. 

Also, towards the east of the car park, you can visit Keil Caves. A set of footprints can be found carved into the rock which is a reminder of where St Columba first landed in Scotland. 

Nearby Accommodation: Osborne Cottage

Isle of Gigha

The Isle of Gigha is a small Hebridean Island located just off the coast of the Kintyre Peninsula.

To get to Gigha you can jump on a CalMac Ferry from Tayinloan. The ferry journey only takes twenty minutes. 

Gigha is absolutely stunning – with sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas. In addition, the island is a hidden gem and it is not well known.

Also, there are many archaeological and historic sites waiting to be discovered. 

The Twin Beaches, Isle of Gigha

Location: The Twin Beaches

The Twin Beaches is located on the north end of Gigha and is on the west coast. Also, the beach is known as Bagh na Doirlinnhe and one of the lovely beaches in Argyll.

The beach is technically two beaches which have been split in half by a tombolo which reaches out to Eilean Garbh which easily makes it the most idyllic beach in Scotland.

Also, the location is full of peace and tranquillity with its stunning white sand and clear blue water. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Yurt

Isle of Bute

The Isle of Bute has a diverse choice of beaches in Argyll. Also, the Isle of Bute is one of the more accessible islands with close proximity to Glasgow and it is not long on the ferry.

To get to the Isle of Bute you can get a ferry from Wemyss Bay and the crossing takes thirty-five minutes. 

Kerrycroy Bay, Isle of Bute

Location: Kerrycroy Bay

Kerrycroy is a tiny picturesque village that you will come across as you drive south on the Isle of Bute towards Mount Stuart.

You will notice that the small settlement matches the perfect archetypal English village. Also, it is an amazing spot to take photos and relax on the tiny beach.  

Kilchattan Bay, Isle of Bute 

Location: Kilchattan Bay

Kilchattan Bay is a large east facing bay with a mile-wide mouth offering views of Great Cumbrae. The bay is at the foot of Suidhe Chattan and is part of the West Island Way walking route.

Kilchattan Bay is an attractive bay of pink sands and the start of a fine walk down to Glencallum Bay, in the southeastern corner of the island. 

Also, there are picnic tables and benches along the seafront make a great area to enjoy the laid back ambience. This is a well-preserved site with a glimpse into the past.

Some remains date back to the 12th century also, it is one of the earliest Christian settlements on the island.    

Nearby Accommodation: Dykenamar

Stravanan Bay, Isle of Bute 

Location: Stravanan Bay

Stravanan Bay is a fine sandy beach, which offers amazing views out towards the Isle of Arran. There is an opportunity to bag two beaches at once as you can walk from Kilchattan Bay.

In addition, on the way back from the walk you can visit the remains of the prehistoric stone circle. Also, the beach is more secluded than many of the well known beaches further up the west coast of the isle. 

Scalpsie Bay, Isle of Bute

Location: Scalpsie Bay

This bay is also found on the coast of Isle of Bute. Scalpsie Bay is a beautiful secluded stretch of reddish sand.

During the winter the beach is the main attraction due to the colony of seals that settle there. At Scalpsie you can sit and watch the seals splash and play away just off the coastline. 

St Ninians Bay, Isle of Bute

Location: St Ninians Bay

St Ninians Bay is also known as The Straad. The small bay is located on the west coast of the Isle of Bute and is one of the nicest beaches in Argyll.

In addition, the bay offers a magnificent wide stretch of sand when the tide is out. Also, when the tide is out to the spit of land known as St Ninian’s Point. 

However, the road to the car park is quite rough. Or, alternatively, you can park in the small settlement of Straad. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Coach House at Stewart Hall

Ettrick Bay, Isle of Bute

Location: Ettrick Bay

Ettrick Bay is the most stunning beach on the Isle of Bute. The beach is located on the north end of the island and faces west outwards toward the Kyles of Bute where you can admire the Isle of Arran.

Also, you can go to the Ettrick Bay Tearoom which serves delicious cakes. Ettrick Bay Stone Circle is also worth seeing which is further up the valley.  

Nearby Accommodation: Port Bannatyne House

Final Note

This post details some of the best beaches on the west coast of mainland Scotland. The beaches in Argyll are so special as they have the whitest sands and the most beautiful turquoise waters in the whole country.

If you are lucky enough to get a stunning sunny day when you visit the beach you are in for a treat. Also, make sure you are dressed appropriately, have packed your sunscreen and have plenty of water packed with you.

Scotland has lots of outstanding coastlines with many beaches dotted around the country. There are many beaches on the islands, on the west coast and on the east coast.