OutdoorsEasy30 minutes to half a day
West Sands Beach
Around 3.2km (2 miles) end to end · Flat sand and dunes elevation
← All things to do
About
A two-mile stretch of wide, flat sand running northwest from the Old Course toward the Eden Estuary, backed by dunes and framed on one side by the golf links. It is the beach made famous by the opening scene of Chariots of Fire, still used every year for the Chariots of Fire beach race, and it doubles as the finish line for the University's May Dip tradition further along the coast at East Sands. Free wheelchair-accessible beach wheelchairs can be hired locally for the sand.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The beach used in the opening scene of Chariots of Fire
- ✓Host to the annual Chariots of Fire beach race
- ✓Backed by the Old Course and dunes toward the Eden Estuary
- ✓Free adapted beach wheelchairs available locally
Tips
- →The sand is firm and flat, good for a long walk or run at any tide.
- →North Sea water is cold year-round; swimmers should be prepared for it even in summer.
- →Parking is available at the West Sands car park near the Old Course; it fills on sunny days.
Best Season
SpringSummerAutumn