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"Fishing boats sail past the shore"

Keiss Beach

(Sinclair's Bay Keiss Beach)

Highland, Scotland

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Keiss Beach, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a wild and windswept stretch of coastline that offers a serene and solitary experience for those who venture to this remote destination.

Keiss Beach is situated at the northern end of Sinclair Bay, approximately 12 miles south of John O'Groats, and is accessible via the A99. The beach is part of a long strip of sand that makes up Sinclair Bay, with the terrain becoming more rocky towards the northern end. At low tide, a lengthy stretch of clean, white sand is revealed, making it an attractive spot for those seeking solitude.

The beach is devoid of facilities, and visitors should be prepared for a rustic experience. The sea is icy cold, even during the summer months, making swimming not recommended. However, the beach is home to a variety of birds, and occasionally, seals and even orca can be spotted out at sea.

The beach has a rich history, with the romantic ruins of 16th-century Keiss Castle standing proudly at the northern end, close to the cliffs. The castle was built by George Sinclair, the 5th Earl of Caithness. During World War II, the beach was heavily fortified, and the remains of pillboxes and other defences are still visible.

Visitors to Keiss Beach can walk for miles, taking in the breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere. On calm, sunny days, the expansive sky and sunlight reflecting off the North Sea create an unforgettable experience. Due to its northern latitude, the sun rises early and sets late during the summer months.

Bay Sand

Weather and tides for Friday 25 September

Today
Chance of rain 8%
Max temperature 14°C
feels like 13°C
Wind 17mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 44%
Min temperature 11°C
feels like 10°C
Wind 16mph

The tide at Keiss Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 5:12 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 11:30 PM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Detailed weather and tides »

Other beaches nearby

  • Reiss Beach, Highland

    around 3 miles south as the seagull flies, around 5 miles by road or 3 miles on foot using coastal paths.

  • Dunnet Bay, Highland

    around 10 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 18 miles by road or 14 miles on foot using coastal paths.

  • Dunnet Beach, Highland

    around 10 miles northwest as the seagull flies, around 21 miles by road or 15 miles on foot using coastal paths.

  • Thurso Beach, Highland

    around 15 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 22 miles by road.

  • Sandside Bay, Highland

    around 24 miles west as the seagull flies, around 33 miles by road.

  • Melvich Bay, Highland

    around 29 miles west as the seagull flies, around 39 miles by road.

Location: Keiss

Location type: Rural

OS Grid: ND344601

Coordinates: 58°31'27"N 3°7'40"W

Mapcode: GBR L6M6.CVL

What 3 Words: onions.guideline.stamp

Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.

Country: Scotland

Local Authority: Highland

Nearest postcode: KW1 4XG

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

Visitor information for Keiss Beach, Highland, Scotland. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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216.73.216.158 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:26:25 +0100