Crakaig, Sutherland

Crakaig Beach and camping site. "Official" naturist beach.

The red circle on the map is where the official naturist section of the beach is. Map reference NC 959 095.

Access by road from the A9. From the south, proceed from Inverness north up the A9 and simply follow the A9 until you pass Brora, paying careful attention to keep your speed under 30 through the villages as there are a lot of speed traps about.

After you have passed Brora going north, look out for a sign saying Crakaig (it has a "T" no-through-road on the sign). Take that road and follow it. You will pass under a railway bridge. The gap is quite narrow, but my big van still fitted through. If the gate at the bridge is closed, please open it and close it again after you. Follow the road round (by this time it has become a track) taking what looks the best road surface. There are two ways down to the beach on the right. Don't take the first; that is for coming back up from the beach. Once you start heading downhill, you come to a fork. Take the right fork and follow the road. You will see the ablutions hut (white building) on your right. There are 2 toilet cubicles and one shower for Women at one side, and the same for men to the rear.

Consult the notice in the toilet block for the site fees. There is usually an on-site warden who will collect any rent due around 8PM.

The official naturist beach: If you approach the beach, the official naturist section is round the point (to the right as you're facing the water) and extends from the big rock outcrop down to the river. There is a secret little river pool ideal for swimming in under the railway bridge that the river runs under. If you haven't just eaten, take a look at the photos below of me swimming in the pool to prove how warm it can be.

The owner is Michael Dudgeon and he is a very nice man, keen to keep the naturist section of the beach open. I have his kind permission to place this article here.

Brian