Wild Swimming
Camusdarach Beach
Camusdarach is one of the Road to the Isles' finest beaches — pale sand, views out to Eigg, Muck and Rùm, and the gentle west-facing exposure that makes western Highland beaches feel almost tropical on a sunny August day. This was the filming location for the 1983 film Local Hero. The water is cold but the setting is perfect. A short walk through coastal woodland from the car park makes arrival feel like a discovery.
Quick facts
- Type
- Beach
- Region
- Lochaber
- Grid ref
- NM 659 919
- Entry
- Sandy shore
- Depth
- Shallow (wading depth)
- Midges
- Very high
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold water shock
- midges
- tidal currents off the headlands
Getting there
Small Highland Council car park off the B8008 (room for about 15 vehicles), with a short path to the beach. Highland Council does not permit overnight parking for motorhomes or campervans, has said charging will be introduced, and has added double yellow lines on the B8008 — do not park on the road. The Small Isles are reached by ferry from Mallaig, a few miles north. Access rights apply.
Safety
Not a designated bathing water. Tidal currents can run off the headlands — stay in the central beach area. No lifeguard. Midges are fierce on calm summer evenings.
Best for
- Local Hero film location
- Small Isles view photography
- Road to the Isles tour
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 07:31
- Sunset
- 16:43
- Civil dawn
- 06:50
- Civil dusk
- 17:24
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 October 2026
Common questions
- Is Camusdarach the Local Hero beach?
- Yes — the 1983 Bill Forsyth film Local Hero was largely filmed here and at nearby Pennan in Aberdeenshire. The beach looks much the same today as it did in the film.
More wild swims by email
One email a week — new swim spots, water-quality notes and seasonal conditions. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.
Share your experience
Been to Camusdarach Beach? Help other swimmers plan their visit.
Around Camusdarach Beach on the SCOT network
Travel context for the area on TripSCOT.