Scotland Surf + Travel
I’m often asked for recommendations by people who want to visit Scotland and surf. Here are some of my favourite places and a couple of tips, I hope you find them helpful!
My favourite trip to do in Scotland is to visit the Outer Hebrides. When travelling there, I’d especially recommend getting the ferry from Uig on Skye - the drive to the ferry port is pure magic. My favourite surf beaches are Eoropie, Cliff, Mangersta, Barvas and Scarista. As well as surfing on the island, I love doing the walk to Eileen Glad Lighthouse (inside was the cutest, most random cafe ran by an elderly couple who live there each Summer). Playing golf at the Isle of Harris golf club was a lot of fun and Bunabhainneadar is the most isolated, spectacular tennis court I've ever played at! Horgabost is a the most scenic campsite, you can pitch a tent overlooking the ocean and enjoy the best sunsets.
My favourite trip to do in Scotland is to visit the Outer Hebrides. When travelling there, I’d especially recommend getting the ferry from Uig on Skye - the drive to the ferry port is pure magic. My favourite surf beaches are Eoropie, Cliff, Mangersta, Barvas and Scarista. As well as surfing on the island, I love doing the walk to Eileen Glad Lighthouse (inside was the cutest, most random cafe ran by an elderly couple who live there each Summer). Playing golf at the Isle of Harris golf club was a lot of fun and Bunabhainneadar is the most isolated, spectacular tennis court I've ever played at! Horgabost is a the most scenic campsite, you can pitch a tent overlooking the ocean and enjoy the best sunsets.
Another favourite trip of mine is to drive the NC500. The roads are breathtaking- over mountains, passed stunning beaches and cute harbours. As the route is popular, there are many delightful cafes, galleries and well maintained campsites along the way. My highlights are Glencoe, Glenfinnan viaduct, Eilean Donan, the ferry to Skye from Mallaig, Plockton, Applecross via Bealach na Bà, Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen, Achmelvich and Bettyhill Store Bistro & Bar. My favourite surf spots along the NC500 are Strathy, Torrisdale and Melvich.
The most important tool for a surf trip to Scotland (apart from midgey spray haha) is the Stormrider Surf Guide Europe. This guide describes all the info you need for each spot, including the tides and any hazards to watch for.
The most important tool for a surf trip to Scotland (apart from midgey spray haha) is the Stormrider Surf Guide Europe. This guide describes all the info you need for each spot, including the tides and any hazards to watch for.
If you can, it’s best to travel with your own surfboards and wetsuits. In summer I’d bring a 5/4mm wetsuit (you might be able to get away with a 4/3mm) and in winter I’d bring a 6/5mm with hood, boots and gloves. If you are a beginner, you won’t have any problems finding lessons and foam surfboard hire at many popular surf spots like Dunbar, Aberdeen, Sandend and Thurso. However if you’re looking to hire a hard board, they’re pretty difficult to find. I believe North Coast Watersports in Thurso and Surf Lewis on the Outer Hebrides have a wider range of surfboards to hire, it could be worth reaching out to them and seeing what they have.
I’m often asked by lovely people if there’s a shop where it's possible to buy one of my fleeces in Scotland. I’m afraid the sales from my website keep me so busy that I haven't ever had time to sew stock for any shops. However, I’m always happy if people are passing through where I live in Wales to meet up and give you your fleece in person or try on a few sizes :)
I hope some of my recommendations have helped you a little on planning a trip to Scotland! I wish you the best ever time there and only the best weather and waves. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me!
I hope some of my recommendations have helped you a little on planning a trip to Scotland! I wish you the best ever time there and only the best weather and waves. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me!
