Achmelvich Beach photos of blue skies and golden sands

Stunning blue skies and golden sands at Achmelvich Beach

A recent trip to the breathtaking North West Highlands of Scotland gave me the perfect opportunity to indulge in one of my favourite activities—landscape photography. After spending a few peaceful days in the charming village of Lochinver, I had one clear goal in mind: to capture a series of striking images of Achmelvich Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the famous NC500 route.

When the weather forecast hinted at a break in the clouds and a promise of crisp blue skies, I packed up my gear and made my way to Achmelvich Beach with high hopes. Even after seeing countless photos online, nothing quite prepares you for the real thing. The beach is a true photographer’s paradise, boasting impossibly clear turquoise waters and pristine, golden-white sand. The contrast between the rugged Highland landscape and the bright, Caribbean-like colours of the bay makes this location feel almost unreal.

One of the best things about visiting Achmelvich Beach during the quieter winter months is the solitude. With fewer travellers on the NC500, you can often enjoy the entire beach in peaceful silence—exactly the experience I was lucky enough to have. I spent a while wandering along the shoreline, scouting for unique angles and potential compositions. Every direction offered something different: gentle waves rolling across the sand, rocky outcrops catching the light, and wide open views toward the horizon.

Eventually, I settled on a spot right at the water’s edge. I set up my camera with a wide-angle lens and attached a polarising filter to intensify the rich blues of the sky and cut through reflections on the water. Using slow shutter speeds, I worked to capture the graceful movement of the tide as it washed in and out. Out of the series of images I took, one photograph stood out immediately. The sea aligned perfectly with the composition, the colours were beautifully vivid, and the sky looked nothing short of spectacular.

For any landscape photographer—or anyone simply seeking natural beauty—Achmelvich Beach is an unforgettable location. This visit reminded me once again why the Scottish Highlands remain one of my favourite places in the world to photograph.