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A curve of pale sand and seaweed round a blue bay at the Silver Sands of Morar, low rocks and the Small Isles on the horizon.
Lochaber

Silver Sands of Morar

A string of white sand beaches on the coast road between Arisaig and Morar, with views out to Skye, Rum and Eigg.

Welcome

South of Mallaig, the old coast road between Morar and Arisaig winds past one white beach after another, where the sand is so fine and pale that in places it drifts across the road.

These are the Silver Sands of Morar.

At the mouth of the River Morar, where it runs out from Loch Morar to the sea, low tide uncovers great flats of firm, rippled sand, good for a long walk. Further along, the beaches face out to sea, with the Small Isles of Rum and Eigg on the horizon and the mountains of Skye beyond.

Film fans will know Camusdarach, one of the beaches, from Local Hero: the 1983 film shot its beach scenes there, including the rock pools where Mac loses his watch.

There are small car parks along the road and toilets at the Silver Sands. Come at low tide, when the beaches are at their widest.

A short drive awayThe Tea Garden, MallaigA cafe and restaurant with a flower-filled garden terrace by the harbour in Mallaig, serving fish and seafood straight off the boats.6 min by roadSee itThe Tea Garden, Mallaig
Before you go

Open at any hour and free; best explored at low tide.

Where
The B8008 between Morar and Arisaig.
Views
Skye, Rum and Eigg.
Film
Local Hero, at Camusdarach.
Where it is

Along the B8008 coast road south of Morar, towards Arisaig; small car parks by the road, and toilets at the Silver Sands.

Close byMorar.
  1. Loch MorarLoch MorarThe deep loch behind the beaches.4 miles6 min by road
  2. The Mallaig Heritage Centre, a low building under a pitched slate roof beside the railway platform, a brick path and planters in front.Mallaig Heritage CentreA small museum beside Mallaig station telling the story of West Lochaber, its people and landscape, through films, collections and displays.4 miles6 min by road
  3. The white Fisherman and Child statue on a round grassy platform at the end of Mallaig's harbour wall, an anchor beside it and the harbour behind.The Fisherman and Child StatueA white statue of a fisherman and a child on the harbour wall at Mallaig, the fisherman pointing out to sea.4 miles6 min by road
  4. MallaigMallaigThe fishing port to the north.4 miles7 min by road
  5. The Prince's CairnThe Prince's CairnWhere the Prince left Scotland.9 miles13 min by road
Directions
Backpackers Lodge building with The Tea Garden Cafe sign, "Seats insideRestaurantsThe Tea Garden, Mallaig4.0 miles
Picnic tables outside the West Highland Hotel overlooking Mallaig's church and coastlineRestaurantsThe Chlachain Inn4.1 miles
Empty café dining room with pale wooden tables, white chairs and hanging pendant lightsRestaurantsThe Cabin Restaurant and Takeaway4.1 miles
Wild goats stand on a rocky hillside overlooking a misty glenAttractionsMinch Adventures, Mallaig4.2 miles
Minch Adventures boat approaching steep rocky cliffs along a narrow sea lochAttractionsPrivate Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye adventure4.2 miles
White houses along the shoreline at low tide, seaweed-covered rocks in foregroundAttractionsArisaig4.6 miles
Museum interior with fishing nets, an orange buoy and a Cabinet of Local Curiosities displayAttractionsLand, Sea and Islands Centre4.6 miles
Rocky, moss-covered hills rise above a calm loch with distant mountainsAttractionsStatue at Rubha Raonuill6.1 miles
Two silhouetted diners watch a tall ship sail past mountains beyond the windowCafeKnoydart Pottery and Tea Room6.1 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the beaches, and when each is next free.

Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Lochaber
  • 12 miles from the Silver Sands of Morar
Check datesKinloch Lodge, Isle of SkyeKinloch Lodge
  • To stay
  • In Lochaber
  • 15 miles from the Silver Sands of Morar
Check datesA dark timber-clad cabin with a corrugated metal roof sits on a gravel drive amid moorland scrub.Stonechat Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Lochaber
  • 15 miles from the Silver Sands of Morar
Free 2–5 NovBothan Beileag, Isle of SkyeBothan Beileag
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Heast
  • 16 miles from the Silver Sands of Morar
Free 31 Oct – 2 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in LochaberAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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