Ledaig (Benderloch)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ledaig (Benderloch) is a clean, small-wave sandy spot where west-to-northwest winds (W, WNW, NW) are typically the key to good sessions. The main wind season is reported from April through October, with conditions described as best during this window for riders looking for freeride and foil opportunities. The bay is strongly affected by the tide. The beach can be wide at lower tides for easier launching, but it narrows significantly at higher tide—so mid-to-low tide is generally favored to ensure enough beach for safe access and setup. Tidal currents are present near the mouth of the bay, but are described as manageable for intermediate riders when conditions and launch timing are respected. Safety is dominated by access/airspace constraints and cold, wet conditions. The adjacent airport flight path creates a required exclusion area (including directly in front of the runway), and you should strictly avoid that zone and check the latest local boundary rules before kiting. In addition, the spot is described as always wetsuit weather, with cold water temperatures year-round. Overall, Ledaig is best suited to intermediate riders who are comfortable managing variable depth and tidal logistics, and who plan specifically around the combination of west/NW wind and safe launch windows.
- Clean water and small-wave environment
- W to NW wind directions with best season April–October
- Large tidal range strongly affects beach access and depth
- Clean small-wave conditions and generally spacious sandy bay.
- Strong west-to-northwest wind window in the main season (April–October).
- Suitable for intermediate riders across freeride and foil disciplines.
- Highly tidal—launching and water depth change substantially with tide.
- Follow strict airport flight-path/exclusion-zone rules.
- Cold water year-round; expect full wetsuit conditions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Regional winds can be frontal/gradient with Atlantic influence; spot wind is reported strongest from W to NW.
- Reliability
- Moderate, dependent on Atlantic low-pressure systems.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gustiness.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bay.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Small-wave conditions reported.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach at lower tides; narrowing at high tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch described as easy when timed to available beach width.
Through the year
Generally quiet, though the beach sees more walkers and tourists during July and August.
October to February (autumn and winter months)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Small-wave kitesurfing in a sheltered, scenic bay area with room to freeride and foil at mid-to-low tide. Best wind directions are W, WNW, and NW; typical best season runs from April through October. Wetsuit is required year-round.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
Suitable for freeride and slalom, with the caveat that walking at low tide can be long with heavy gear.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Excellent foiling potential due to sandy bottom and generally clean water, but depth must be monitored at low tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ledaig (Benderloch) in the full forecast view.
Ledaig (Benderloch) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–30 ktsGusts 56 kts
- Direction
- SSW210°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2430 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.4 m2s period
- Temperature
- 6–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ledaig (Benderloch) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–30 kts, peaking around 30 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 56 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.1–0.4 m with a period of about 2s. 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
- Airport flight path
- Large tidal range affecting beach width and water depth
- Offshore winds
- Power lines near road access
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue services are provided by HM Coastguard and RNLI; nearest lifeboat station is in Oban.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is Lorn and Islands Hospital in Oban. Emergency contact number for all services is 999 or 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No stated localism/friction.
Rules of the spot
Strictly avoid the adjacent airport flight path/exclusion zone directly in front of the runway; check up-to-date boundary rules with local riders. Pay close attention to the large tidal range when planning launch timing and safe walking routes.
- Airport exclusion zone
- Seasonal bird nesting considerations
- Best at mid-to-low tide to ensure enough beach for safe launching.
- Check with local riders regarding the latest airport boundary rules.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Oban
- Nearest Town
- Benderloch
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach access point; avoid blocking residential or campsite access.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via local bus services from Oban (West Coast Motors)
- Access
- Access is via the village of Benderloch, following the road toward Tralee Beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several caravan parks and holiday lodges are located in Benderloch and near Tralee Beach.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and a convenience store are available in Benderloch village.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental on the beach; gear must be brought from Oban or elsewhere.
- Gear Storage
- Limited gear storage reported/unavailable.
- Gear Repair
- Limited gear repair services available in nearby Oban.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ledaig (Benderloch)?
The best overall months at Ledaig (Benderloch) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Ledaig (Benderloch)?
Ledaig (Benderloch) works with W, WNW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ledaig (Benderloch)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ledaig (Benderloch): Kitesurfing: 9–15 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Ledaig (Benderloch) suitable for?
Ledaig (Benderloch) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.