Am Buachaille, Sandwood Bay

Sandwood bay is one of the most remote beaches on the mainland. A couple of miles of perfect sand, backed by marram dunes and machair, flanked by cliffs at either end. It’s around a 5 mile walk in, and the same again to get out, so when you arrive there you genuinely feel like you’ve arrived in paradise.

One of the most famous features of the bay is Am Buachaille, a small sea stack at the base of the cliffs at the south-western end of the bay. You often see photographs of it online, being the most recognisable feature in a place that’s otherwise mostly about texture and tone and rhythm. Because of that, I tried my best not to spend too much time fixated on it when I arrived, and to focus on the feel of the place.

All that said, I think this remains one of my favourite images from my first visit to Sandwood. I tried to keep the stack small, to give it context in the greater bay, and I like the two opposing lines of rocks: those in the foreground water and the cliffs beyond. It pleases me how the patterns in the sand and water mimic those of the clouds… It’s not going to be everyone’s favourite photograph, but the best thing about photography is that it’s a personal thing. As long as an image does something for you personally, it’s a win.

This image can be viewed, and prints ordered, from my online gallery.