Farr Beach is the closest and easiest beach to access and can make a nice location for a short trip out or somewhere to spend the whole day.
Nestled at the bottom of Bettyhill, Farr Beach is one of the most popular beaches along this stretch of coast, possibly because it is relatively easy to get to.
Even from The Captains, it is a good idea to drive down to it and park in one of the two parking locations. There is parking to the left at the bottom of the hill and a sign pointing the way to the beach. Following this footpath, you will walk along the fence line of the fields on a relatively flat and easy going path. You will arrive on the beach on the west side and there is a wooden footbridge across the stream.
This end of the beach has the attraction of the stream and a few associated pebbles, which can help augment sandcastle building. Indeed, this is where the annual Sandcastle Building Competition is held each year in August as part of the Bettyhill Gala - tourists welcome to join in!
This sandy beach is only gently sloping and at low tide there is an impressive expanse of wet sand, shiny with reflections of the sky. Not too big, it is easy to stroll its length and back again along the edge of the lapping waves. In stronger winds, it is even possible to attempt a bit of body boarding or surfing here.
An alternative parking spot can be found by taking the track towards the Farr Bay Inn, but heading slightly to the right to park outside the walls of its grounds. Here you will see a signpost pointing the way through the dunes, although your exact path through the dunes will be left to your interpretation. Watch your feet through the dunes as rabbits have made their home here so unexpected holes are common.
Scramble down the edge of the dunes and onto the beach and decide which way you want to walk to explore further. Do you head west to the stream and the house with the enviable view, or do you go east to the rocky end? Here at low tide, you can explore rockpools and when the tide is very low, you will find a hidden rock bridge amongst the pools, just remember to keep an eye on the tide!
A scramble up the steep slope at the east end of the beach takes you up to a rough path out onto the headland. Heather moorland is a beautiful purple in summer, with other wildflowers interspersed. A rough rock stack marks the highest point here and it is a good spot to take a moment to look back to the beach, the village and to Ben Loyal beyond.
Notes on accessibility for visitors with limited mobility:
Farr Beach has a wheelchair friendly footpath located towards the bottom of the hill just beyond the campsite. There is a small car park here and the footpath is directly opposite and takes an L-shaped route to the beach via fields. At the end of the footpath, it would be difficult to go onto the beach itself.