Approximate Location Map
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The Singing Sands beach is situated on the Oa peninsula, facing across the bay to Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay. The beach is located behind the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse and can be accessed on foot from the nearest parking at Kilnaughton Beach, as there is no road access.
The beach is characterised by clean white sands and spectacular black volcanic rocks. It is a beautiful secluded beach of fine golden sand and crystal clear blue water. The beach gets its name from the fact that under the right conditions, the sand will make a sound like singing when walked upon. This phenomenon is caused by the size of the grains of sand and the silica they contain, but it also requires the right humidity.
The beach is quiet and undeveloped, with limited amenities. Swimming is not advised due to the presence of strong undercurrents. However, for those looking to get more active, a short drive away across the Oa peninsula finds the great sweep of Laggan Sands, ideal for windsurfing, walking, and jogging.
At the eastern end of the beach is the Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, a unique building with twin square towers. The lighthouse was commissioned in 1832 by local politician Walter Frederick Campbell in memory of his wife, Lady Eleanor Campbell.
For those looking to explore the area, the nearby town of Ballycastle is located in Strathclyde, and Port Ellen, a town also named after Lady Eleanor Campbell, can be seen across the bay.
Bay Sand
| Today |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 55% |
| Max temperature | 15°C |
| feels like | 15°C |
| Wind 17mph |  |
| Max UV Index |  |
| Tonight |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 99% |
| Min temperature | 13°C |
| feels like | 13°C |
| Wind 23mph |  |
The tide at Singing Sands is currently rising. High tide will be at approximately 5:48 AM, and the next low tide will be at approximately 12:37 PM.
Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low
Local parking available with a walk to the beach.
No lifeguard cover at this beach
Water quality not measured here
around 23 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 88 miles by road.
around 30 miles east as the seagull flies, around 70 miles by road.
Location: Port Eilein (Port Ellen)
Location type: Rural
OS Grid: NR346440
Coordinates: 55°37'4"N 6°12'59"W
Mapcode: GBR CF1V.TKG
What 3 Words: ounce.backup.cheaply
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: Argyll and Bute
Nearest postcode: PA42 7AZ
(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.
