The Silver Sands of Morar are a series of celebrated beaches on the Morar Peninsula, south of Mallaig in the Highlands. These stunning white-sand beaches are a favourite spot for tourists due to the crystal-clear sea along this stretch of coastline, as well as the stunning views of the Small Isles.
Two popular beaches south of Morar are Camusdarach and Back of Keppoch, but a short walk along the coastline takes visitors to a number of smaller beaches that are just as scenic and less frequently visited.
| Address: | Morar Beach car park, B8008, Mallaig, PH40, UK |
| Opening Hours: | 24/7 |
| Admission Price: | Free |
| Parking: | Free on-site car park. Parking spaces on the roadside. |
| Contact: | N/A |
| Facilities: | Toilets in the car park. |
| Photos: | Virtual Tour YouTube Video |
Overview
The Silver Sands of Morar are a stunning stretch of beaches in the Morar region of the Scottish Highlands, renowned for their pristine, golden sand. This natural spectacle is framed by turquoise waters and offers mesmerising views of the islands of the Inner Hebrides. The shallow waters of the ‘Silver Sands’ are perfect for younger visitors, making it an ideal destination for families.
I have to start by saying the Morar Peninsula and the area surrounding it are two of my favourite places in Scotland for a summer holiday. The region is home to some of the most scenic lochs in Scotland (Morar, Nevis, and Shiel spring immediately come to mind); there are hill walks galore; exceptional trails along the coast; easy access to the Small Isles and Skye from Mallaig; and the coastline includes the superb Silver Sands of Morar.
The village of Morar lies at the head of Loch Morar, where it overlooks Morar Bay, a wide, shallow estuary that joins the River Morar on its eastern side and the sea on its western edge. This bay is the start of the’silversands’, which are a string of golden sand beaches that pepper the coastline for several miles south to the remote village of Back of Keppoch.
Admittedly they’re not the biggest beaches in the world, but what they lack in size they more than make up for with their clean sand, even cleaner sea, and the stunning views of Eigg and Rum located just a few miles offshore.
This stretch of coastline has been carved into a series of shallow bays so they’re a favourite spot for water sports, and because they’re so sheltered they’re perfect for swimming. If you’re a little apprehensive about swimming outdoors, Morar Bay is a great place to try it out because the sea is frequently only waist-high.
The sand on each beach is remarkably clean so kids can be left to go romping about without having to keep a constant eye on them, and they’re remote enough that you can usually find a secluded spot somewhere. That last point is one of the best reasons to visit the Silver Sands of Morar, as there are several hidden gems around the Morar Bay headland that are rather awkward to get to, which in turn means they’re rarely visited.
That doesn’t mean the Silver Sands are completely tourist-free, though, as some beaches like Camusdarach are always busy in the summer. Still, if you can locate a beach that’s away from the main ones, there’s every possibility you’ll arrive and find you’ve got the entire place to yourself.
The Highlights
1: There aren’t many beaches in this part of Scotland, so if it’s a sunny day and you’re looking for a day out, the Silver Sands of Morar is a good option. These beaches are some of the nicest on the west coast, with fine, golden sand that is very clean and sea that is entirely unpolluted.
2: Because the beaches are set inside natural bays they’re well protected from the waves, making the Silver Sands ideal for swimming. Alternatively, you can head a couple of miles inland to Loch Morar.
3: Morar Bay is a fantastic place to spend the day. The beach is long, the views are lovely, and the sea is shallow enough to let the kids go wild without having to keep a constant eye on them. When the tide goes out, you can even walk across to the other side, where you’ll find another, very rarely used beach (note that alternative access can be found behind the Morar Hotel).
Visiting Tips
1: The beach at the mouth of the River Morar has an easily accessible free car park complete with a toilet block which is situated very close to the beach. If the car park is full, there are several spaces on the side of the road on the B8008 (although they tend to fill up by mid-morning). Additionally, Camusdarach Beach has a sizable, free parking lot that is reachable by following the B8008.
2: There are no facilities in the area so you’ll have to take your own food and drink with you. Toilet blocks are few and far between as well and the only ones I found were at the Morar Bay car park and the Morar Hotel.
3: If you want to sit on a beach that’s away from other tourists you’ll find a couple of small bays around the headland from Morar Bay. It’s a bit tricky getting there over land as the ground is very rough, but when the tide retreats it’s possible to walk around on the seaward side – just don’t get caught out when the tide comes back in.
Tourist Information
There are three main options for getting to the Silver Sands of Morar. The first is to drive the A830 and then take the junction to the B8008 where you’ll find a car park a couple of miles further down that will give you easy access to Morar Bay. The second option is to continue driving down the winding B8008 till you get to another car park signposted for Camusdarach Beach, and the third is to continue even further to the Traigh Beach car park.
Having visited all three in 2021 I have to say each beach is as good as the next so if you arrive and find there’s nowhere to park you won’t miss out by getting back in the car and heading to the next one. Traigh Beach offers the best opportunity to find a secluded spot, as it comprises several stretches of sand set inside small crescent-shaped bays.
I highly rate this part of the Silver Sands as there are islands close to the shoreline that offer protection from the waves, so it’s possible to safely paddle around on an inflatable and those islands will keep kids busy for hours while they poke and prod the many rock pools left behind by the retreating tide.
The only negative I have is that the car park is quite small with maybe enough space for a dozen cars, but on the other hand that also means there are fewer people around.
Heading a wee bit further north, Camusdarach is frequently rated as one of Scotland’s top-ten beaches, and it was used as a set for the cult film Local Hero, so it’s very popular with tourists, but unfortunately, you’re unlikely to get much seclusion in the height of summer. That being said, the beach is long, clean, and golden, and the sea has a lovely aquamarine colour due to the very shallow water of this particular bay.
There’s not much else to comment about Camusdarach Beach, but I do have to point out that the car park is set quite a way inland (a third of a mile) so it’s a pain to get to if you’ve got a family’s-worth of tents, picnics, and kids toys clutched underarm.
If that sounds like you then the Silver Sands at Morar Bay will be your best option. This is the only beach with a toilet block (located in the car park), and it’s the only one where it’s practical to park a motorhome.
Morar Bay is set inland a half-mile from the sea so you won’t be able to look across to the Small Isles and soak up those fabulous views while you’re sunbathing, but at least there’s the River Morar to look at which is officially Britain’s shortest river. An added bonus is that, as it’s so sheltered, it’s also the best beach to visit if it’s windy (this is Scotland, after all).
When the tide retreats you can walk around the headland to reach a couple of other small and secluded beaches, or you can wade across to the other side of the river which has a quiet beach backed by woodland – but bear in mind the bay is very shallow so the tide returns surprisingly fast.
Things to Do
Beach Exploration: The Silver Sands of Morar are known for their beautiful white sand beaches. Take leisurely walks along the coastline, feel the soft sand under your feet, and enjoy the serene views of the turquoise sea with the Small Isles in the distance.
Wildlife Spotting: The area around Morar is teeming with wildlife. Take a quiet walk along the coastline near the Silver Sands and you might spot otters, seals, and a variety of seabirds. It’s a great opportunity for photography or simply enjoying the spectacle of nature.
Swimming: Morar Bay and the River Morar (Scotland’s shortest river) offer a fantastic swimming experience thanks to a wide and shallow sea inlet that’s well-protected from the west coast waves. As the water is so shallow it’s ideal for younger children and the beach is long enough that there’s always a secluded spot somewhere along it.
Picnicking: Pack a picnic and find a nice spot on the beach. The peaceful surroundings combined with the sound of the waves and the spectacular views make for a perfect picnic setting.
Visit Morar Village: A short distance from the sands, the wee village of Morar is well worth exploring. The Morar Hotel serves delicious food and the village also has a railway station which is considered one of the most picturesque in the country.
Things to Do Nearby
Loch Morar. Morar, PH40 4PB. 5-minute drive.
Loch Morar is one of the most beautiful freshwater lochs in Scotland. The loch is located a couple of miles inland from Morar village and is easily accessed, though parking is limited. The loch features a number of islands at its western end which are popular destinations for kayakers.
Mallaig. Mallaig, PH41 4PY. 8-minute drive.
Mallaig is a small fishing village located three miles north of Morar. The village is the ferry departure point for sailings to the Small Isles and Skye, and it is also the last stop for the renowned Jacobite Steam train.
Mallaig Heritage Centre. Station Rd, Mallaig, PH41 4PY. 8-minute drive.
The Mallaig Heritage Centre is located next to the Mallaig train station. The centre houses a number of exhibits that depict Lochaber’s rich history including the region’s industrial and fishing heritage, its turbulent times of war, and how people farmed this incredibly remote part of the British Isles.
Larachmhor Garden. Arisaig, PH39 4NX. 10-minute drive.
A wild woodland garden that has been carefully tended for over 150 years. The garden houses more than 1,200 different plant species, including nearly 200 different types of rhododendron. Parking is via a roadside layby located 50 metres beyond the entrance. Entry is free.
The Prince’s Cairn. 120 A830, Lochailort, PH38 4NA. 13-minute drive.
The Prince’s Cairn marks the point where Bonnie Prince Charlie left the Scottish mainland for good after his defeat at Culloden. There is a large layby on the left-hand side of the road that allows access to the cairn which is also a scenic viewpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Silver Sands of Morar?
The silver and white sands of Morar are located 1/2 mile south of Morar village, west of Loch Morar.
Postcode: Mallaig, PH40 4PD.
Parking: B8008, Mallaig, PH40, UK.
Is Silver Sands Beach open to the public?
Silver Sands Beach is free to visit and open to the public year-round. There is no entry fee to visit the Silver Sands of Morar.
Can you wild camp on Morar beach?
Silver Sands of Morar wild camping: Wild camping is allowed around Morar thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. However, there are a number of very good campsites in the area so wild camping is purely optional.
Silver Sands of Morar camping on the beach: Beach camping is permissible but disruption to other visitors must be kept to a minimum.
What visitor facilities are there at the Silver Sands of Morar?
The Silver Sands of Morar has a small car park and a toilet block. Roadside parking is possible in some areas of the B8008.
Is Morar worth visiting?
Morar and the Morar peninsula are definitely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy nature and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or birdwatching.
