Camas Mòr Beach
Skye's secret shore hidden below a clifftop hotel
About
Camas Mòr sits on the northeast tip of the Trotternish peninsula, tucked below Flodigarry Hotel on the island of Eilean Flodigarry. It's a quiet, sheltered cove where golden sand meets blue water and dramatic basalt stacks rise from the shoreline like sentinels. On a clear day, the Outer Hebrides stretch across the horizon — a view that earns its reputation. There's no signposting to find it, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and the beach genuinely peaceful. The sheltered aspect softens the Atlantic wind, making it one of the more comfortable spots on this exposed northern coast.
How to get there
Reach Camas Mòr on foot from the car park near Flodigarry Hotel — the descent takes roughly 15 minutes. Roadside parking near the hotel is free but limited, so arrive early in summer. There is no signposting to the beach, so pay attention as you descend. The path is steep and unmarked; the beach is not accessible for wheelchairs.
Who it's for
For couples
The lack of signposting and the quiet atmosphere make Camas Mòr feel genuinely private — a sheltered cove with big horizon views and almost no one else around, which is rare on Skye in summer.
For families
Dogs are welcome on the beach, so it works well for families with pets; children will enjoy exploring the basalt stacks at low tide, but keep a close eye near the water given the cold temperatures and absence of a lifeguard.
Our take
Camas Mòr is the kind of place that rewards effort and punishes impatience. The unmarked path, the absent signposts, the limited parking — all of it filters out casual visitors, and that's exactly the point. Cold water year-round and no lifeguard mean you should think carefully before swimming, not just wade in because the blue water looks inviting. But if you come prepared — grippy boots, a packed lunch, a decent weather window between June and September — you'll find a sheltered golden-sand cove with basalt stacks and Outer Hebrides views that feel completely out of proportion to the effort it took to get here. Pair it with the Quiraing and Kilt Rock and you have one of the strongest day routes on Trotternish. Worth the detour.
What to do
The Quiraing is just 8km away — one of Scotland's most dramatic landslip landscapes, with rock formations that look like another planet, and the Quiraing Vista walk is accessible from 4.6km out. Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, about 12km south, offers columnar basalt sea cliffs with a waterfall dropping straight into the sea — a strong pairing with a beach day here. If you're curious about the prehistoric past of this coastline, the Staffin Dinosaur Museum at 6km displays actual dinosaur footprints and fossils found nearby. The Cave Of Gold is another local curiosity worth the 9.3km detour.
The basalt stacks at the shoreline are the standout shot — frame them with the blue water and, on clear days, the Outer Hebrides silhouette behind.
From the descent path above the beach, you get a rare elevated view of the golden sand cove that captures the full sheltered sweep of Camas Mòr.
Where to eat
The nearest dining option is The Pier Restaurant, about 11.4km from the beach — worth planning around if you want a proper meal after your walk. Pack your own lunch for the beach itself; there are no food vendors or cafés on site.
Where to stay
The Uig Hotel, roughly 10.8km away, is the closest listed accommodation and a practical base for exploring the northern Trotternish. If you want to stay closer to the beach, Flodigarry Hotel sits directly above the cove.
Photography
The basalt stacks frame beautifully against the blue water at low tide — position yourself at the water's edge looking north for the Outer Hebrides on the horizon. Morning light from the east catches the golden sand well; overcast days give the stacks a moody, textured quality that suits wide-angle shots.
Good to know
Please respect hotel property on the descent path — it passes through private grounds and your access depends on that goodwill. There is no lifeguard on duty, and the water stays cold year-round, so swim with real caution and never alone. The path down can be slippery, especially after rain, so wear grippy footwear. Avoid visiting in November through February: daylight is short, storms roll in fast, and the wet path becomes genuinely hazardous.
Map
Nearby places
The Pier Restaurant
Uig Hotel
Things to see around Staffin
Quiraing
Dramatic landslip landscape on the Trotternish ridge with unique rock formations.
Staffin Dinosaur Museum
Small museum displaying dinosaur footprints and fossils found on the Trotternish coast.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
Columnar basalt sea cliff with a waterfall dropping directly into the sea.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Nicholas Mutton · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — Nico Kaiser · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — Brian Joyce · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Russel Wills · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — Russel Wills · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 6 — Yssso · source · CC BY-SA 2.0