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West Sandwick Beach

Shetland Islands, Scotland

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West Sandwick Beach, located on the west coast of Yell in the Shetland Isles, is a hidden gem that offers stunning views and unique features.

West Sandwick Beach is a quaint white sand beach that is nestled amongst softly sloping dunes, providing a secluded spot for visitors. The beach boasts amazing views of rocky outcrops towards the northern mainland of Shetland, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Shetland Isles.

The beach has several unique features, including the presence of *carex maritima*, a rare curved sedge that grows near an exit stream on the beach. Additionally, the area to the south of Southladie Flo serves as an important feeding locale for red-throated diver birds, which breed in the nearby area.

West Sandwick Beach is a popular spot for water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and wind surfing. Visitors should be aware that there is no lifeguard service on the beach. The beach is accessible via a single-track road, and there is a bus route to the nearby town of West Sandwick.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, making it a great destination for pet owners. The beach has also received a regional Seaside Award, recognising its cleanliness and quality.

Bay Cove Sand

Weather and tides for Sunday 27 September

Today
Chance of rain 83%
Max temperature 14°C
feels like 13°C
Wind 27mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 100%
Min temperature 10°C
feels like 11°C
Wind 25mph

The tide at West Sandwick Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 5:22 AM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 11:42 AM.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Detailed weather and tides »

Other beaches nearby

Location: West Sandwick

Location type: Rural

OS Grid: HU446890

Coordinates: 60°34'56"N 1°11'14"W

Mapcode: GBR R0FR.SQY

What 3 Words: baseballs.number.vineyard

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: Shetland Islands

Nearest postcode: ZE2 9BH

(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 West Sandwick Beach, Shetland Islands, Scotland. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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216.73.216.158 Sun, 27 Sep 2026 04:06:53 +0100