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Discover the Best Surfing Spots in Scotland
Scotland has long coastlines, stunningly clear waters and generous waves, making it one of the best surfing spots on the continent.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll surely find a favourite surfing destination in Scotland. Here are our top picks!
Belhaven Bay
Best For: Beginners
Address: Edinburgh Rd, West Barns, Dunbar, EH42 1TU, UK
Located near Dunbar, Belhaven Bay is a wide and flat sandy beach is a beginner-friendly surfing spot since there are no rocks and the water is shallow.
Although this site is easily accessible with easy parking and a surfing school close by, it’s not usually crowded so you can visit whenever you want.
Pro tip:
If you want to turn the level up a notch, there’s a reef section that has a more consistent break. You can hire boards at Coast to Coast Surf School which offers lessons as well.
Dunnet Bay
Best For: Intermediate Surfers
Address: Thurso, KW14 8XD, UK
Dunnet Bay is found on the north coast of Scotland, stretching for three miles with white sands and rolling dunes. Locals deem it a surfer’s haven because of the dramatic waves that fit intermediate and advanced surfers.
Also, it’s a famous spot for bird watching since several species like oystercatchers, curlew, eider ducks and more flock to the area.
Pro tip:
There is a visitor centre near the beach which has toilets and parking.
Thurso East Beach
Best For: Advanced Surfers
Address: KW14 8HW, UK
Dubbed the surfing capital of Scotland, Thurso East’s beach is found at the mouth of the River Thurso with a delightful view of Thurso Castle from afar. It’s a right-hand reef break with waves measuring two to fifteen feet.
Ideally, you should visit around October to April for the best waves – but fair warning, there’s bound to be lots of people during this time.
Pro tip:
If you want to test your skills, the six-star O’Neill Highland Open WQS surfing competition is often held here.
Machrihanish Beach
Best For: Intermediate Surfers
Address: Campbeltown, PA28, 6PZ, UK
Although not many people know about it, the Machrihanish is a great surfing spot in Scotland with good river mouth peaks.
It’s suitable for intermediate surfers and above since the waves are difficult to manage, especially when the wind is too strong.
Pro tip:
Bring all your essentials, gear and food since there are no shops or facilities near the beach.
Pease Bay
Best For: Advanced Surfers
Address: Pease Bay, UK
Since it’s the closest beach to Edinburgh, many love to surf at Pease Bay which has consistent waves, especially when the south-westerly winds pick up.
Although it has slow waves, it’s most suitable for advanced surfers since it can be tricky to balance those right-hand waves.
Pro tip:
There’s a campsite near the area where you can stay for the night. They have static caravans (Best Caravan Parks Scotland) for hire that have all the essentials.
Westport Beach
Best For: Intermediate Surfer
Address: A83, Campbeltown, PA28 6QD, UK
Found at the northern tip of Machrihanish Bay, Westport Beach is notorious for its fickle waves. But if you get lucky, it’s a delight to surf here.
If you require professional help, there’s a surf school near the beach that also has equipment for hire.
Pro tip:
The best time to visit Westport is during spring, particularly in April, for the most consistent and rideable clean waves.
Coldingham Bay
Best For: Beginners
Address: Eyemouth, UK
Situated on the east coast of the Scottish Borders, Coldingham Bay is a lovely spot for swimming, surfing and wildlife watching. It has no big waves unless there’s a large north-easterly swell so it’s a good site for beginners to learn how to surf.
Although it’s not mainly known for surfing, many love visiting the bay of its nearby village pubs, which get very lively during weekends.
Pro tip:
If you’re going here by car, there’s free parking near the bay.
St Andrews Beach
Best For: Beginner Surfers
Address: St Andrews, KY16 8LA, UK
St Andrews, a.k.a. West Sands, is a great surfing spot for beginners, with has mellow and slow-breaking peaks. It’s also a good place to go longboarding, swimming and wakeboarding.
The beach is a 15-minute walk from the historic town of St Andrews, stretching for two miles with a grassy border.
Pro tip:
There’s a world-famous golf course nearby where you can play with your family or friends.
Aberdeen Beach
Best For: Intermediate Surfers
Address: Esplanade, Aberdeen, AB24 5QA, UK
With its long stretch of sand and generous waves, Aberdeen Beach is a great spot for intermediate surfers. From 1993 up to the present, many visit this area to test their skills.
If you want to review the basics, there’s a surfing school nearby that’s known as one of the best in Scotland.
Pro tip:
The beach is only a 20-minute walk from Castlegate/Union Street.
Banff Beach
Best For: Beginners
Address: Bridge St, Banff, AB45 1HE, UK
Banff Beach is found at the mouth of the River Deveron as it enters Moray Firth. Since it has an exposed area, the waves can be fickle but if you’re lucky, there are good waves during low tide that are perfect for beginners.
You can even spot a few dolphins and porpoises while you’re catching some waves.
Pro tip:
Although you can surf in Banff all year round, there are more consistent waves with light/offshore winds during winter, particularly in January.
Staffin Bay
Best For: Beginners
Address: Staffin Bay, UK
Situated on the north end of the Isle of Skye, Staffin Bay has the best waves during mid to low tide.
Pro tip:
For the best chances of catching good waves, go here around early morning (on or before sunrise) or late evening (on or before sunset) when there is a good swell of water.
Balnakeil Bay
Best For: Beginners
Address: Balnakeil Bay, UK
Since Balnakeil Bay is not always affected by the strong northerly winds, it has average-sized waves that are ideal for beginners. It can be quite chilly though, so make sure to suit up properly.
Pro tip:
Be on the lookout for any clear jellyfish on the beach since its sting could be lethal.
