On the other side of the Kyle of Tongue, Melness has amazing views both up the kyle and out to sea, whilst a walk out to Skinnet Beach makes you feel as if you are part of the Kyle itself.
Anyone focussed on completing the NC500, will cross over the Kyle of Tongue causeway and continue on towards Moine House. In doing so, they will never get to appreciate the beauty of Melness and beyond on this piece of headland.
Melness is a small village with enviable views over the Kyle of Tongue, beaches, the sea and the islands. Anyone standing pondering the views across the kyle will not fail to notice the sweeping bank of sand at the base of the Melness that juts out considerably into the kyle at low tide. From Coldbackie it looks appealing but with no obvious access. And now, stood here in Melness, it can still look tantalising, yet impossible to access. However, this tongue of sand is Skinnet Beach and the steps and footpath down is signposted at the side of the road just a little way into Melness.
The way down starts with some wooden steps then passes between fields and then down into the dunes and eventually onto the beach. Compared to some beaches in this area, it is a relatively easy walk down, although it takes 20 minutes or so.
Before taking a step onto the beach please consider the state of the tide as most of this beach does not exist at high tide and it is possible to get cut off, especially at the far extent of its reach into the kyle. Because it is so flat, the tide can come in very quickly and create channels between you and the shore. However, if you have a good grasp of the tide, then it is a fun place to enjoy at low tide and the walk out to the tip of it gives brilliant views up and down the kyle and across to Coldbackie.
There are some unusual shells to be found on this beach and often it is possible to get close to seals hunting in the kyle.
Notes to visitors with limited mobility:
The footpath to the beach is unsuitable for people with mobility issues.