Achmelvich

Achmelvich is a settlement situated in the Highland region of Scotland. The name comes the Gaelic "Ach" - a plain or meadow and "mealvaich" - sandy dunes. (An unsurprising name as the beach is dominated by sandy dunes and machair.)

Achmelvich lies just three miles north west of Lochinver in the north west of the country, accessed by single track road which leads from the B869 coastal route. Despite the difficult road, the area is popular with tourists, many of whom have been regular visitors for over 20 years.

As a settlement, Achmelvich is spread over the surrounding hillsides, with the focal point being the Yellow Flag award-winning beach. Two camping & caravan parks and a youth hostel, all of which are essential to the local economy of both Achmelvich and Lochinver, are located on the shores of this beach and a Ranger Hut with information of the local wildlife and geology can be found at the main beach car park.

The white sandy beach and clean water quality attract those interested in the outdoors and watersports, and there can be a conflict of interest between those that see Achmelvich as a sanctuary and those that see the area as an outdoor playground. Water-skiing, windsurfing and coasteering are popular pursuits on the beach, while there are many nearby climbs for those interested in hiking and plenty of fishing to be had both in the sea or in the local lochs (subject to permit of course).

The production of a beach management guide in 2004 led to dogs being banned from the beach during the peak tourist season and neither of the camping & caravans sites allow dogs.