Being next to the sea is our happy place and Scottish beaches are every bit as stunning as those we’ve visited abroad even if you do have to layer up just a teeny bit more!
Scotland’s many beaches offer long stretches of glorious sand, glistening sea and beautiful surrounding countryside. Over the years we’ve discovered many little hidden gems that may not be known by the masses, so if you’re looking for a fabulous beach to visit without the crowds, check out our secret Scottish selection below.
(Btw we at BB would love these beaches to remain secret forever so we’re trusting our secret is safe with you😊!)
Singing Sands Beach
Port Ellen, Strathclyde
Singing Sands also known as Camas an Lighe, gets its name from the sound the wind makes when visitors walk over the sand. This gorgeous expanse of gold is perfect for people looking for rugged landscape and solitude. Bliss!
Look out for: Cram-packed rockpools
Perfect for: Families and walkers – there’s a lovely 6-mile return walk from nearby Arivegaig.
Postcode: PA42 7DU
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: You’re on your own
Machrihanish Beach
Campbeltown, Strathclyde
Sitting on the Mull of Kintyre Peninsula and snuggled between the little village of Machrihanish and Westport, this long, rustic beach is 3 miles of soft, golden sand.
Look out for: Seals and sea otters
Perfect for: Beachcombers (shells and sea glass abound), ramblers and golf at the Machrihanish Golf Club.
Postcode: PA28 6TJ
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Shop
Seacliff Beach
North Berwick, Lothian
This is our secret-beach favourite! Lying at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, it’s a private beach so there is a small charge for the car park, but WOW is it worth it! The views are simply breath-taking, and the beach is a wide expanse of clean, golden sand.
What makes this beach extra-special are the many interesting ruins scattered about. There are the remains of 16th century Auldhame Castle, 18th century Seacliff House and the magnificent ruins of Tantallon Castle.
Look out for: Bustling rock-pools filled with marine-life
Perfect for: Dog walkers, surfers and families
Postcode: EH39 5PP
Dogs allowed: Absolutely!
Facilities: Toilets
Coral Beach
Dunvegan, Hebrides
Coral Beach is located on the Isle of Skye just a few miles long from the village of Dunvegan. Crystaline water and white sands stretching as far as the eye can see. This beach is simply perfect!
Btw – the name coral comes from ‘red coralline’ which is a type of seaweed that grows on the reef offshore.
Look out for: The ultimate beach photo opportunity
Perfect for: Families and dog walkers
Nearest town: Uig
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: You’re on your own!
Big Sand Beach
Gairloch, Highland
Sheltered by Longa Island, this beach is a golden stretch of sand and shingle. It’s not easy to get to (this is its beauty!!) and you’ll need to navigate over an extensive network of sand dunes to get to the beach but MY, is it worth it!
Look out for: Unforgettable sunsets over the Hebrides
Perfect for: Walks around Flowerdale Falls
Postcode: IV21 2DL
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Small shop, toilets & shower
Strathy Bay
Melvich, Highland
A gloriously remote, wild, romantic sandy beach sitting on the very northern Scottish coast. It has a river at one side, great sand dunes and fabulous rocks. Particularly gorgeous late May when cowslips and northern marsh orchids are on full display just behind the beach.
Look out for: Rare wildflowers
Perfect for: Walkers and families
Postcode: KW14 7SB
Dogs allowed: Not in the summer months
Facilities: Toilets
Gruinard Beach
Gairloch, Highland
Delightfully secluded with magnificent scenery, this unspoilt, sheltered, sandy beach is an absolute hidden gem.
Gruinard beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, rock pools and golden sands. Popular with ramblers (in the know!) there are a plethora of paths along the hills and surrounding hills.
Look out for: Rock pools, marine life
Perfect for: geologist fans (lots of rare and interesting rocks and stones)
Postcode: IV22 2NG
Dogs: Yes
Facilities: You’re on your own!
Achmelvich Bay
Lochinver, Highland
Achmelvich is 3 miles north west of Lochinver and 40 miles north of Ullapool. The bay is a beautiful sheltered beach with a large expanse of stunning white sand. Perfect for water sports including kayaking, canoeing, fishing and sailing.
Look out for: Porpoises, dolphins and even the occasional minke whale!
Perfect for: water sport enthusiasts
Postcode: IV27 4JB
Dogs allowed: Not during summer months
Facilities: Toilets
Lunan Bay
Montrose, Tayside
Lunan Bay is a mile-long, beautiful, sandy beach backed by dunes and framed by low cliffs to the north and south. The crumbling ruin of 12th century Red Castle stands on elevated ground overlooking the bay and makes for a fantastic visit!
A wonderful place to walk and rich in wildflowers, butterflies and moths. There’s even a cave and arch to explore at the northern end of the bay.
Look out for: Sparkly gemstones and wildflowers.
Perfect for: Geologists, walkers and families
Postcode: D11 5ST
Dogs allowed: Yes
Facilities: Café!
Please do keep up to date with the latest travel advice in relation to COVID-19 and check with travel and accommodation providers before travelling.
Get the most up to date info on COVID-19 in Scotland here:
https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Stay safe!
Bensbeach
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