I love watching my toddler’s small boots leave prints in wet sand while the Atlantic wind teases their hood. If you’re visiting Durness with little ones, you don’t have to give up dramatic cliffs and hidden coves—just choose routes and rhythms that keep everyone safe and happy. Below I share the family-friendly beach walks I return to again and again: toddler-tested, picnic-approved and written from the sort of practical, on-the-ground experience I publish at Hillside Durness Co (hillside-durness.co.uk).
What I look for in toddler-safe beach walks
Before listing routes, here are the things I always check when planning a walk with a small child. These are my rules of thumb and they’ve saved us more than once:
With those in mind, here are the best family-friendly beach walks near Durness.
Balnakeil Beach (Balnakeil Bay) — gentle sand, dunes and bothy vibes
Balnakeil is my go-to for an easy beach day. The car park and grassy picnic area are a short, stroller-friendly stroll from wide sands. There’s a lovely crescent of sand, dunes to explore and tidal pools that fascinate toddlers. I’ve spent afternoons here building sandcastles while keeping one eye on seals bobbing just offshore.
Why I recommend it:
Tips:
Sango Sands (Sango Sands Oasis) — dramatic rocks with safe sandy stretches
Sango Sands is famous for its striking coastline and rock formations, but there are also calm sandy stretches perfect for toddlers. The walk from the car park is short and well-trodden. I like to take a picnic and set up on a sheltered patch of sand near the rock pools—the kids can splash while the adults keep an eagle eye from a comfortable distance.
Why I recommend it:
Tips:
Sangobeg Bay and Croc well area — small coves, big views
Sangobeg is slightly quieter and feels like a proper find, with a small car park right by the coastal path. The bay is relatively sheltered and the path down to the sand is short. I take this route when I want a gentler option with fewer people but equally stunning views.
Why I recommend it:
Tips:
Practical safety and comfort tips
Family beach days in the Highlands need a little more planning than a city park trip. These are the practical things I never leave without:
Picnic spots that work with toddlers
Kids get hangry quickly; pick a spot that’s sheltered, has a solid place to sit and enough distraction to keep them engaged while you eat.
I bring a roll-up picnic blanket, a simple cutlery set, and reusable, sealable bags. Plastic-free packing keeps sand from sticking to everything.
Quick route summary
| Route | Access | Pushchair-friendly? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balnakeil Beach | Large car park, short walk | Mostly yes | Wide sands, dunes, picnic |
| Sango Sands | Car park, clear path | Partially (chunky wheels preferred) | Rock pools, dramatic views |
| Sangobeg Bay | Small car park near path | No (short path down) | Quiet coves, birdwatching |
Keeping it relaxed and fun
My final piece of advice is to set expectations: little legs don’t walk far, and toddlers love repetition. Plan a short main walk, two or three mini-explorations (a rock pool, a dune, a driftwood hideout), and plenty of time for snacks and discovery. Bring a simple treasure hunt list—“find a smooth pebble, a feather, and a shell”—and you’ll be amazed how focused a toddler can become.
If you’d like a tailored suggestion—say a sheltered cove for a rainy day or a flat beach for a buggy—I’m happy to map a route for your family. You can find more routes, photos and tide-aware tips on Hillside Durness Co at hillside-durness.co.uk.
