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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Advanced ridersKitesurfing freestyle
What's great
  • Exposed beach-and-reef break with multiple peaks.
  • Works best around high tide.
  • Rarely crowded.
Heads up
  • Rocky/reef environment makes it not beginner-friendly.
  • Cold-water conditions and exposure.
  • Currents/rip risk can increase during larger swells.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay–Dec: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded; most popular during weekends with good swell

Storm/Rain Season

Autumn and winter see frequent storms and high rainfall; Atlantic storms most significant between November and March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach and reef break with rocky conditions and multiple peaks. Typically works with west to northwest swells and is best at high tide.

Reef breakBeach break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestWetsuitHoodBootsGlovesLeash

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Saddell Abbey15 miles

Ruined Cistercian monastery known for its collection of carved medieval grave slabs.

Campbeltown Heritage Centre10 miles

Museum detailing the local maritime and social history of the Kintyre peninsula.

Kintyre Way1 mile

A long-distance hiking trail crossing the peninsula with stunning coastal views.

Bellochantuy Bay Hotel Restaurant0 miles

Beachfront dining offering local seafood and views of the Atlantic islands.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.