Melvich Bay

 

 

 
Location: 15 miles west of Thurso. OS map 10; grid reference NC891648  
Directions:  Take the A836 West from Thurso.  A single track road to the right leads off to the beach before crossing the River Halladale. Follow the road to the house and drive into the “private” road, turn left and park at the bridge. A walk over the bridge and the sand dunes take leads to the beach, alternatively paddle down the river.  
Break(s):   Faces North. There are peaks all over the bay on shifting sand banks. The beach has sandbars, which work, but not at all on high tide. There are good right and lefts breaking over a boulder reef by the mouth of the Halladale. These are not too fast but is a long “fun” wave. There is also a right hand break at the river mouth during low tide.  The river provides an easy paddle out watch for a strong rip after heavy rain.