The Surf Window

Machrihanish

Argyll, Scotland

Beach breakIntermediate

A remote beach on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll, Machrihanish is a long, beautiful Scottish links golf coast with a consistent beach break that fires on Atlantic swells funnelling through the North Channel between Scotland and Ireland.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)

Wind

SE

Offshore

Tide

mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

October–November

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Variable, powerful beach break, the beach faces west across the North Channel and receives consistent Atlantic swell energy

Length

40–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: Real Atlantic power on an exposed beach in cold, remote Scottish conditions, ocean experience required.

Hazards

  • •Cold water (8–13°C)
  • •Exposed beach, conditions change rapidly
  • •Nearest hospital in Campbeltown (30 min drive)

Local Tips

  • •Machrihanish is a 45-minute drive from Campbeltown on the Kintyre Peninsula, one of Scotland's most scenic drives.
  • •Paul McCartney's "Mull of Kintyre" was written about this area, the Mull itself is just south and worth visiting.

Location

Map showing the location of Machrihanish in Argyll, Scotland

55.4243, -5.7305