It takes a lot of effort to find this remote and secluded Scottish nude beach, but if you can find it, frankly, you’ve probably earned the right to strip down and enjoy this beautiful natural setting. South-facing Loch Shiel Beach at the mouth of the Glenaladale River is seen by mountains and the occasional eagle but little else.
Fun fact: Loch Shiel was the stand-in for Hogwarts Lake in Harry Potter. The lake’s other claim of fame is The Green Isle, an ancient Celtic burial site that may be the burial site of St. Finnan, also known as Eilean Fhianain. The connection to St. Finnan, the second Bishop of Lindisfarne is more legend and tradition than verifiable history, so you don’t have to worry about going to a holy place. But be discreet because Scottish customs regarding public nudity are much stricter than English customs.
Essentials
- Description: Small south-facing beach on a freshwater lake in the western highlands. It is unofficial but it is very remote and unlikely to be disturbed or overlooked. It is backed by forests and mountains that are rarely climbed or hiked.
- Facilities: Bring everything you need, including food and water, because there are no facilities. Small boats or canoes can be rented at Dalilea Farm, a small guest house several miles away.
- Caveats: Anglers and eagle watchers occasionally cruise the lake in rented boats and the MV Sileas has regular cruises, often with a band. You are unlikely to be disturbed, or even noticed, but, since this is an unofficial nude beach, it’s a good idea to have a quick cover-up on hand. And choose your spot carefully because the shores of Loch Shiel have recently become popular with walkers.
- Sunscreen? It might seem counter-intuitive, but when it does come out, the strong northern sun through the clear, uncontaminated air of Highland can cause the most sunburns you could get on a ski trip in the Alps. In other words, quite a bit. Combine that with the fact that you’ll probably spend more time sunbathing than soaking in the cold waters of the lake and having some sun protection makes perfect sense.
Get there
Now for the challenge. The beach, on the banks of the Glenaladale River, can be reached via a pleasant but long path from Glenfinnan, just off the A830 at the north end of Loch Shiel. Glenfinnan is where Bonnie Prince Charlie first brought her clan members together to support her claim to the British throne at the beginning of the Jacobite uprising in 1745. A monument to the head of Loch Shiel marks the site.
Or stay at the almost equally remote Casa Dalilea and charter a boat from there, heading north along the north shore of the lake to the glen and mouth of the river. To get to Dalilea, cross Loch Linnhe on the Corran Ferry, 9 miles south of Fort William. Then take the A861 south, towards Strontian and continue on this road (bordering the shores of Lake Sunart) through Acharacle. Turn off the A861 at the sign for Dalilea and follow the road to the lakeside.
What’s near?
Certainly there are easier nudist beaches to navigate in Britain and many that are officially sanctioned. But this area is particularly picturesque and well located for day trips, by ferry or by boat excursions from Dalilea to Skye, Mull, Ardnamurchan and Fort William. There are regular boat trips from nearby Mallaig and Arisaig to the small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. You can also organize guided sea kayak tours, led by local experts, of nearby Lake Moidart or Glenmuig. Wildlife viewing opportunities include all kinds of seabirds, basking sharks, minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
And, if you’re a fan of the steam train, the Mallaig Jacobite Railway takes an 84-mile round-trip through some of the most scenic spots on Scotland’s west coast. Put on some clothes, of course.
