Graveyards 5
- Advanced riders, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Graveyards 5 is an exposed beach and reef break near Bellochantuy on the Kintyre coastline, with rocky conditions and multiple peaks. The break is generally suited to experienced surfers rather than beginners due to the reef and rock hazards. Surf performance is most reliably associated with west to northwest swells, and conditions are reported as best at high tide (helping avoid the shallowest parts of the reef). With the right swell angle, waves can offer decent sections across the reef, and the break can produce both left- and right-handers. Cold-water and exposure are key considerations: winter conditions typically require a winter wetsuit, neoprene hood, gloves, and boots, along with an impact-vest and leash. During larger swells, the spot can become heavy and challenging, with wash-throughs and potential for strong rip currents. Crowd levels are typically low, and the spot is described as rarely crowded year-round. Wind is largely driven by frontal Atlantic systems, with wind patterns most often aligning with easterly/offshore flow for cleaner surf, while northerly winds may place parts of the shoreline in shadow behind headlands or cliffs.
- Exposed beach and reef break with multiple peaks
- Best at high tide
- Rarely crowded sessions
- Winter gear strongly required
- Exposed beach-and-reef break with multiple peaks.
- Works best around high tide.
- Rarely crowded.
- Rocky/reef environment makes it not beginner-friendly.
- Cold-water conditions and exposure.
- Currents/rip risk can increase during larger swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, ENE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, ENE
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Atlantic weather systems (frontal patterns) are the dominant wind driver in the area.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness reported as moderate.
- Best Months
- April, September, October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Under the cliffs or headlands if wind is too northerly
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Rocks/reef-dominated bottom with rocky beachbreak sections.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium in other reports; rocky reef breaks can vary by peak and swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach and rocky outcrops.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Rarely crowded; most popular during weekends with good swell
Autumn and winter see frequent storms and high rainfall; Atlantic storms most significant between November and March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach and reef break with rocky conditions and multiple peaks. Typically works with west to northwest swells and is best at high tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.6–1.8 m
- Optimal Tide
- High
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Cleaned up significantly by offshore easterly winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and challenging with significant wash-throughs.
- Wave Quality
- Reported as good, with multiple peaks that can produce a mix of left- and right-handers.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Waves can offer decent sections across the reef depending on swell angle.
- Ride Length Details
- Decent sections across the reef depending on swell angle.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Graveyards 5 in the full forecast view.
Graveyards 5 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–37 ktsGusts 62 kts
- Direction
- SW220°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2537 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–6.1 m8s period
- Temperature
- 8–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Graveyards 5 is forecast for daytime winds of 8–37 kts, peaking around 37 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 62 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.0–6.1 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Rip currents possible during large swells
- Cold water
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-beach rescue services; nearest professional maritime assistance is provided by the RNLI based in Campbeltown.
- Emergency Info
- In case of emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Nearest facilities are in Campbeltown.
Rules of the spot
Not beginner-friendly due to rocky nature; best for surfers with experience.
- Best surfed at higher tides to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef.
- Full winter gear is mandatory for most of the year.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Campbeltown
- Nearest Town
- Bellochantuy
- Nearest Airport
- Campbeltown Airport (CAL)
- Parking
- Parking is available above the beach.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is limited to regional bus services along the A83; a private vehicle is highly recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- Accessible via the A83 road; look for laybys or designated parking areas near Bellochantuy.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation around Campbeltown/Kintyre, with options in and near Bellochantuy.
- Food & Drink
- Local pub and restaurant in Bellochantuy.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available from local providers in nearby areas, but not directly at the spot.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated public gear storage facilities are not available in the region.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite or sail repair shops in the immediate vicinity; major repairs typically require traveling.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ruined Cistercian monastery known for its collection of carved medieval grave slabs.
Museum detailing the local maritime and social history of the Kintyre peninsula.
A long-distance hiking trail crossing the peninsula with stunning coastal views.
Beachfront dining offering local seafood and views of the Atlantic islands.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Graveyards 5?
The best overall months at Graveyards 5 are April, September, October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Graveyards 5?
Graveyards 5 works with E, ESE, ENE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, ENE.
What skill level is Graveyards 5 suitable for?
Graveyards 5 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.