About Sandside Bay
Sandside Bay near Reay offers one of the more surreal views on the NC500 — the beach is genuinely lovely with soft pinkish-white sand and clear water, but the decommissioned Dounreay nuclear power station dominates the horizon to the east. Despite its unusual industrial backdrop, the beach is clean, safe for swimming, and often quiet. A memorable and unusual stop.
Highlights
Beautiful sheltered bay
Pink-tinged sand
Dounreay nuclear facility views
Good swimming
Sandside House historic building
🚐 Motorhome Tip
Good car park accessible to motorhomes. Thurso is 8 miles east with all facilities. An unusual and memorable stop — Dounreay silhouetted at sunset makes for a remarkable photograph.
Getting There
On the A836 at Reay, between Melvich and Thurso. Turn north through the village to the beach car park.
Best Time to Visit
Year round. Sheltered enough to swim in good summer conditions.