Our Autumn Guide: The Best Beaches on the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye – for us, the name conjures images of craggy mountains, mystical glens, and ancient folklore. But let’s talk about something equally enchanting, and perhaps less heralded: its beaches. We’ve found that The Misty Isle delivers shores so diverse and beautiful, they’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about island getaways. And for those of us exploring by campervan, we’re looking for the very best beaches – our bedside breakfasts require beautiful backdrops, after all!
As autumn transitions into winter, the crowds thin, the light takes on a spectacular quality, and the sense of wild, untamed beauty intensifies. It’s the perfect time to explore these coastal gems at your own pace, with the added comfort of your rolling home. But not all beaches are created equal when you’re navigating by campervan.
So, let’s dive into five of Skye’s best beaches, with a keen eye on accessibility for our beloved on-road abodes, ensuring your journey from road to sand is as smooth as a polished pebble.
Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
1. Coral Beach, Claigan (Near Dunvegan)
Accessibility for Campervans
Excellent. A well-maintained road leads to a dedicated car park a short walk from the beach. While not directly beachfront parking, it’s large enough for campervans and offers easy access to the path. The walk from the car park is gentle, making it ideal for all ages.
The Location
Forget white sand; at Coral Beach, you’ll find a mesmerising expanse of crushed, sun-bleached algae (coralline seaweed) that looks remarkably like coral. The result? A dazzlingly white, almost tropical-feeling beach that’s utterly unique to Skye. Located near Dunvegan, this is a place for serene strolls, paddling in the clear waters, and enjoying breathtaking views across Loch Dunvegan to the Outer Hebrides.
In autumn, the surrounding landscape takes on those classic golden and russet tones, creating a stunning contrast with the iridescent “coral” underfoot and the vibrant blue of the sea. It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic (pack your thermos and some local treats!), beachcombing for interesting shells, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
It’s a genuine slice of paradise, easily reached and utterly unforgettable.
2. Glenbrittle Beach
Accessibility for Campervans
Very good. The road into Glenbrittle is single-track in places with passing places, but generally manageable. There’s a large, dedicated car park right next to the beach, perfect for campervans, often with basic facilities nearby.
The Location
Nestled beneath the majestic peaks of the Cuillin Mountains, Glenbrittle Beach offers a dramatic and wild coastal experience that feels authentically Skye. It is a dark, volcanic sand beach, hinting at the island’s fiery geological past. It’s vast and open, often windswept, and utterly spectacular, especially when the Cuillins become dusted with early snow in the autumn.
While the famous Fairy Pools draw many to Glenbrittle, the beach itself is a destination not to be missed. Surfers occasionally brave the waters here, but for most, it’s about the sheer scale and raw beauty of the landscape.
The ample parking means you can literally drive your campervan almost onto the sand (well, to the car park right by it!), making it super convenient for a spontaneous beach picnic, changing into your hiking gear for a Cuillin adventure, or simply enjoying the unparalleled seascapes from your vehicle. It’s rugged, remote, and utterly captivating – Skye in a nutshell (or a seashell?)
3. Staffin Beach (The One with Dinosaur Footprints!)
Accessibility for Campervans
Good. A small road leads down to Staffin Beach from the main Trotternish loop. There’s a reasonable parking area right by the beach, which can accommodate several campervans, though it can get busy.
The Location
Staffin Beach offers a double whammy: a charming stretch of shingle and sand, and a journey back in time. Here you can hunt for real dinosaur footprints, left by the ancient giants millions of years ago! It’s a relatively sheltered beach, with views across the Inner Sound to the mainland. In autumn, the surrounding cliffs of the Trotternish Ridge glow with golden light, creating a stunning backdrop.
While the dinosaur footprints (best seen at low tide, so check tide times!) are a significant draw, the beach itself is lovely for a stroll, collecting interesting stones, and simply enjoying the coastal air.
The parking, conveniently located right next to the beach, is ideal for campervan travellers. Imagine waking up in your van, brewing coffee, and then stepping out to search for prehistoric relics just a few metres away! It’s a fantastic spot for families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates a beach with a truly unique story to tell.
Combine it with a trip to the nearby Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls for a full day of Trotternish wonders!
4. Talisker Bay
Accessibility for Campervans
Moderate. The road down to Talisker Bay is single-track for a significant stretch, with passing places. The car park at the end is small and can fill up quickly, especially with larger vehicles. Patience and careful driving are required, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.
The Location
Talisker Bay is less about soft sand and more about dramatic, rugged beauty. A wild, west-facing beach known for its dark sand, impressive cliffs, and the stunning Talisker Waterfall that cascades directly onto the shore (especially after rain). It feels remote and untamed, offering a truly immersive experience of Skye’s raw power.
The walk from the small car park to the beach is relatively easy, passing through fields and along a river. Once you reach the bay, you’re greeted by a vast expanse of dark sand and pebbles, often pounded by impressive waves.
In autumn, the sunsets here are legendary, with glowing skies turning the wet sand afire. It’s a photographer’s dream and a soul-soothing spot for anyone seeking solitude and dramatic vistas. While the drive requires a bit more navigation in a campervan, the reward is a truly epic beach experience that feels far from the madding crowd.
Pack your waterproofs, embrace the elements, and prepare to be awe-struck.
5. Camasdarach Beach, Sleat (Near Armadale)
Accessibility for Campervans
Moderate. Located in the south of Skye, the roads in Sleat are generally good; however, the final approach to Camasdarach (or nearby beaches in the area) may involve narrower roads and limited parking directly at some access points. However, with a bit of exploration, you can find suitable spots to park your campervan and enjoy the area. (Note: There is also a famous Camasdarach Beach near Morar on the mainland, so ensure you’re navigating to the one on Skye!)
The Location
For those seeking a quieter, more sheltered beach experience, Camasdarach (or nearby comparable bays in the Sleat peninsula, like the beautiful beach at Point of Sleat) offers a taste of the “Garden of Skye.” We think this is one of the best beaches in Scotland!
Sleat is known for its milder climate and lush greenery, providing a different flavour of Skye’s beauty. The beaches here are often smaller, with softer sand and more sheltered waters, making them perfect for a relaxed afternoon, with stunning views across to the mainland and the Small Isles.
In autumn, the deciduous trees in Sleat add a splash of vibrant colour to the coastal scenery, making for a picturesque backdrop. While specific large campervan parks are not directly accessible at every access point, as is the case at Glenbrittle, the general area offers numerous scenic spots where you can comfortably park and enjoy walks down to these charming bays. It’s an excellent choice for a less strenuous beach day, after visiting Armadale Castle or exploring the distilleries in the south.
The gentle lapping of the waves and the feeling of peaceful seclusion make these southern Skye beaches a delightful campervan-friendly escape.
The Isle of Skye: Why Use a Campervan?
Whether you’re a wild swimming fanatic, keen for a picnic spot or just in search of a good stroll, nothing beats a beach day with your bed and kitchen seconds away from the sand!
With a campervan, your itinerary is your own. No more sacrificing scenic stops or rushing a local tour to make your hotel check-in – your schedule and comfort belong to you. Isn’t that what we truly want from an island getaway – true freedom?
Brew your morning coffee in the shadow of an ancient citadel, whip up your evening meal before sun-kissed cliffs, or cosy up with a good book and some snacks to the gentle, reassuring sounds of surf and seabirds.
On Skye, your campervan is your sanctuary, your safety net, and most importantly, your springboard – whether its adventure or solitude you desire, the whole island is waiting at your door!
If you are looking to rent a campervan or motorhome then check out our fleet of vans at Scotland Escape, Scotland’s best service for campervan and motorhome hire.
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The Isle of Skye: Brave the Best Beaches!
Autumn on Skye’s beaches is a truly magical time. The light is incredible, the air is invigorating, and the sense of wild adventure is palpable. With your campervan as your base, these coastal wonders are not just destinations, but easily accessible havens for relaxation, exploration, and making unforgettable memories.
Pack for all weather and all activities – you never know how you’ll feel (or what you’ll face) on the day! So, grab your fluffiest towel, your wellies (and your wetsuit!) and let Skye’s incredible beaches welcome you home, even if it’s just for a day.
Safe travels!
Useful Links
- Isle of Skye – for local info!
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Traffic Scotland – for route changes and updates.
- WalkHighlands – the best hiking trails and tips.
- Highlands2Hammocks (That’s us!) – for our online shop, other blogs, and brand-new campervan rental service.
