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 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, Cheese n Toasted food van
Sleep: Windhaven campsite on the far east and Sango Sands campsite are two very scenic places to stay the night. 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 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 play golf at the my favourite course ever, Durness Golf Club and go fishing at Dwarwick Pier. I'd then 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 quaint harbour towns and on flat days enjoying the stunning Cairngorms and Moray whiskey distilleries. For surfing, 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: Highlander Inn, Mash Tun Hotel, Cullen golf club car park food van, Cullen fish and chips
Sleep: I’d camp at Sandend campsite or stay at a airbnb 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 head to Aberlour and check out some of the whiskey distilleries- I love the tour at Speyburn. Or I would head to Aviemore and camp 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. 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.
I recommend visiting Scotland in April-August as 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- although over 10 days we only had a couple days of surf, 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, swimming in the clearest turquoise water, saying hi to highland coos, picnicking at harbours and playing golf and tennis at some of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever seen. And we got to enjoy it all in shorts and fleeces, it made all the difference!
It's worth visiting a couple of events while you're here, in particular I can recommend visiting a highland games and if you can- a ceilidh. Want to know which are the best events to visit in Scotland while on your trip? I have a monthly newsletter for outdoorsy events happening across Scotland. Subscribe here
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!
