Scotland Surf + Travel
Which coast I enjoy surfing on depends on the swell direction. If it’s a good Western swell, I’d go to the Outer Hebrides. If it was good Northern/North Western swell I’d go to the North coast. For a nice Northern swell, I’d go to the North East coast. In general you can get Western swell all year round, Northern swell however, is less consistent especially in Summer.
You need a ferry to get to the Outer Hebrides however if it’s a decent Western swell it’s worth it. Especially if you take the ferry from Uig on Skye to Harris, the journey is spectacular.
Surf: My favourite spots are Eoropie, Cliff, Mangersta, Barvas and Scarista.
Eat: Welcome In Barvas bacon/black pudding roll, Java coffee Stornoway, Carloway community centre shop, Good food boutique
Sleep: Laxdale campsite is a decent hub while surfing around Lewis as it’s close to all the essentials in Stornoway. Horgabost campsite is a must for Harris, you can pitch a tent overlooking the ocean and enjoy the best sunsets.
Beginners: If you’re a beginner, you could head out with Surf Lewis who offer surf lessons.
Extras: If there’s no surf I’d probably enjoy walking to Eileen Glad Lighthouse, playing golf at the Isle of Harris golf club or playing tennis at the most isolated court I’ve ever played at, Bunabhainneadar. I’d try catch the sunset at the Callanish stone circle.
North coast:
Unlike the Outer Hebrides, you don’t need a ferry to get to the North coast, however you will need a decent N or NW swell, which is mostly found in autumn/winter/spring. The drive between Melvich and Sango Bay is remote and beautiful and if you’re lucky you can catch some highland coos roaming around on the way to Strathy lighthouse.
Surf: My favourite spots are Shit Pipe, Melvich, Strathy, Farr, Torrisdale and Sango Bay
Eat: The Store Bistro & Bar, Capilla Tapas Restaurant
Sleep: Windhaven campsite has a great view albeit it’s a bit far out from many spots. We normally stay at Melvich campsite which is less scenic but convenient and central. Forss House Hotel and the Airbnb in the lighthouse at Strathy are both a great treat.
Beginners: If you’re a beginner, you could head out with North Coast Watersports who offer surf lessons.
Extras: If there’s no surf I’d probably cut my losses and head straight for the West Coast to enjoy some awe-inspiring scenery. I’d visit every cafe, gallery and viewpoint along the NC500, in particular checking out Plockton, Applecross via Bealach na Bà, Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen and Achmelvich.
North East coast:
I love the North East coast for surfing amongst the quaint seaside towns and exploring harbours. You’ll need a Northern swell that’s not too big, the waves you see on my page are mostly 0.5 - 1 metre forecast and around 10 seconds period.
Surf: My favourite spots are Hopeman, Lossiemouth, Cullen, Sandend and Banff.
Eat: Cullen golf club car park food van, Cullen fish and chips, Lossiemouth ice cream
Sleep: I’d camp at Sandend campsite or stay at a bnb in Cullen somewhere.
Beginners: If you’re a beginner, you could head out with Suds Surf School or New Wave Surf School who offer surf lessons.
Extras: If there’s no surf I’d probably head to Aberlour and check out some of the nearby distilleries, perhaps Macallan and the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre. Or I would head to Aviemore and stay at Loch Morlich and do some hiking and bike trails.
Lost Shore:
Edinburgh has a new wave pool which is a fun place to check out. They offer a variety of waves as well as lessons. I’m often asked if there’s anywhere to pick up one of my fleeces in person- I have a few fleeces stocked in the surf shop there. It’s a great place to catch some guaranteed waves and try on a cosy handmade fleece :)
Other thoughts:
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 can, it’s best to travel with your own surfboards as there isn’t a large amount of surfboard hire like you’d find in say, Portugal or Morocco. If you’re heading to Scotland in summer you will want to grab some midgey candles or Skin So Soft to combat the midges who can be bad if there’s no wind.
It’s hard for me to recommend which time exactly to visit for surf as I reckon (if you surf the kind of waves we surf on our page) the Outer Hebrides is good 20-30% of the time, the North coast is good 10-20% of the time and the North East coast is good 5-10% of the time. I recommend visiting Scotland in April/May or August/September as at least the weather will be less of a dice roll and you can enjoy an itinerary of activities including but not limited to surfing. One of my favourite trips in Scotland was in July- over 10 days we only had one day of surf in the Outer Hebrides and one day on the North coast. Although the surf wasn’t abundant, it was the most magical trip of driving through spectacular landscapes, eating amazing seafood, enjoying whiskeys at sunset, hiking to lighthouses, camping on beaches, spotting otters, playing cards in our tent, swimming in the clearest turquoise water in our wetsuits, saying hi to highland coos, picnicking at harbours and playing golf and tennis at some of the most beautiful spots I’ve seen. And we got to enjoy it all in shorts and fleeces, it made all the difference!
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!
