Salmon Rock Beach, in the seaside village of Portballintrae, is a small sandy beach under 200 metres long, sheltered at both ends by rocky headlands reaching into the Atlantic - one of three beaches near the village, alongside Runkerry Beach/Bushfoot Strand and Whiterocks Beach.
The Beach
Reached via Beach Road, past Portballintrae’s horseshoe-shaped harbour bay. The rocky shoreline has genuinely interesting pools popular for exploring. Swimming and surfing aren’t recommended here due to strong currents, and no lifeguard is present. Dogs are welcome, with seasonal restrictions.
Facilities
A large free car park, picnic tables, and toilets are available at the headland. The newer Portballintrae Village Hall, next to the car park, includes a play park and adjacent village shop, and hosts concerts, classes, and markets through the summer.
The View
From the headland, sweeping views take in the basalt cliffs to the northeast, Runkerry Point and the mouth of the River Bush to the southwest, and Runkerry Strand’s dunes beyond - with Runkerry House, a striking Scottish Baronial-style stately home built in 1883 (now private apartments), visible across the water.
