Whether or not bathed within the mushy gentle of a protracted summer time’s night or shrouded in atmospheric mist, Scotland’s seashores maintain an virtually mystical attraction.
The nation’s shoreline totals an astonishing 12,000 miles, spreading throughout inlets, islands, rugged cliffs, sheltered coves – and expansive stretches of sand. The perfect seashores embody the mushy white sands and turquoise waters of Orkney, the northwest coast and the Hebrides, and the broad windswept golden strands of the east coast. From wildlife watching to invigorating dips within the sea to wind-swept walks, Scotland’s stunning seashores provide an array of pure splendors and adventures.
With a lot shoreline to select from, that are the perfect seashores in Scotland? Learn on to search out out.
Discover Caribbean-like white sand in Sanday, Orkney
The islands of Orkney off Scotland’s north coast are recognized for his or her historic standing stones, prehistoric villages and sandy coves. Of all of the islands within the archipelago, Sanday has the perfect seashores, which characteristic the type of dazzling white sand extra generally related to the Caribbean. Begin the seek for seaside perfection within the north of Sanday at Whitemill Bay, which is peaceable, grass-edged and completely serene. Six miles south lies the spectacular dune-backed peninsula of Tresness, which separates a sheltered bay from the North Sea.
Scotland’s finest metropolis seaside is Aberdeen Seaside
Aberdeen has a spectacular 2-mile sweep of unpolluted, golden sand stretching between the mouths of the Rivers Dee and Don. On a heat summer time’s day, this is a superb seaside for watery thrill-seeking: when the waves are proper, devoted native surfers trip the breaks on the south finish of the sand. For these looking for much less…energetic recreation, the beachfront Esplanade boasts a number of conventional seaside sights, together with Codona’s, an old school amusement park, full with stomach-flipping waltzers, bumper automobiles and a pirate ship.
The perfect seaside tenting in Scotland is at Lengthy Seaside, Knoydart
Within the West Highlands, the beguiling coastal village of Inverie on the wild and distant Knoydart peninsula could be reached solely by ferry (from Mallaig) or by foot. Right here, the grassy plots on the community-run Lengthy Seaside campsite are amongst Scotland’s most stunning and atmospheric locations to pitch a tent. Wooden is supplied for campfires and views prolong up Loch Nevis towards the Isle of Rum. The seaside is a brief stroll from the Previous Forge, a community-owned pub that’s recognized for its ceilidhs (casual gatherings with people music and dancing) and domestically brewed ale.
Take wild walks at Sandwood Bay, Kinlochbervie
South of Cape Wrath in northwest Scotland, Sandwood Bay is one among Scotland’s finest and most remoted seashores, guarded at one finish by the spectacular rock pinnacle often called Am Buachaille (“The Shepherd”). A 9-mile round-trip hike from the Blairmore parking space (northwest of Kinlochbervie) follows a former peat observe throughout bleak moorland puddled with lochans (small swimming pools) earlier than arriving, virtually unexpectedly, at an expanse of pink-hued sand that meets the North Atlantic ocean. Few individuals stroll all the best way to the seaside’s northern finish, so if you happen to’ve packed a picnic, that’s the spot to go to for complete privateness.
Absorb uplifting views at Dunnet Bay, Dunnet Head
Eight miles east of Thurso, a minor highway results in dramatic Dunnet Head, probably the most northerly level on the British mainland. Right here, majestic cliffs drop into the turbulent Pentland Firth, revealing inspiring views of Orkney to the north. Beneath are basking seals and nesting seabirds, in addition to a lighthouse constructed by Robert Louis Stevenson’s grandfather. Simply south, the wonderful curving strand of Dunnet Bay is one among Scotland’s best seashores. That includes excessive dunes, a campsite and a dog-friendly coverage, this seaside is a motive to go to this stretch of coast all by itself.
The perfect seaside in Central Scotland is Portobello Seaside, Edinburgh
There are a number of interesting seashores in Edinburgh’s suburbs in Central Scotland. Among the finest is Portobello Seaside, dwelling to a kayaking and crusing membership, in addition to a preferred sandy seaside. Native swimmers courageous the waters right here year-round. Seaside wheelchairs for adults and kids can be found to borrow freed from cost.
Take pleasure in chic sunsets at Morar Sands, West Highlands
The stretch of coast between the tiny villages of Arisaig and Morar within the West Highlands is stuffed with rocky islets, inlets and lovely silver-sand seashores backed by dunes and machair (coastal grassland), with gorgeous sundown views throughout the ocean to the silhouetted peaks of close by islands Eigg and Rum. The Silver Sands of Morar, as they’re recognized, draw crowds in July and August, when the numerous campsites scattered alongside the coast refill. One of the crucial scenic spots is Camusdarach Seaside, simply south of Morar, which was used as a filming location for the film Native Hero (1983). The sheltered waters listed here are good for swimming – if you happen to like your water further chilly.
Escape the vacationer path at Kiloran Bay, Colonsay, South Argyll
Accessible by ferry from Oban, the Internal Hebridian island of Colonsay boasts a number of fairly sandy seashores. Within the northwest, Kiloran Bay is excellent, and widespread with surfers when the waves are good. Going through west, the scimitar-shaped strand of darkish golden sand can be a really perfect vantage level for watching the sundown.
Film buffs will love West Sands Seaside, St Andrews
St Andrews, the official dwelling of the sport of golf, is a beautiful place to go to even if you happen to’ve little interest in hitting little white balls with golf equipment. A number of stunning sandy seashores lie close by, with the perfect one the magnificent 2-mile lengthy West Sands seaside, made well-known by the movie Chariots of Hearth (1981), because the setting for an epic working race accompanied by the rousing music of Vangelis. Canine are permitted to affix you in your run.
Scotland’s finest inland freshwater seaside is at Loch Morlich, Glenmore, Cairngorms
On the foot of Cairngorm Mountain, Loch Morlich is a freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and bushes and fringed with sandy seashores, with a water-sports middle and beachside tenting. Probably the most picturesque solution to get right here is through the previous logging from the Rothiemurchus Property, as we speak a strolling and biking path by way of an old-growth Caledonian Scots pine forest carpeted with vibrant purple heather.
The inexperienced water mesmerizes at Luskentyre Sands, Harris, Outer Hebrides
On the west coast of the island of Harris, Luskentyre is likely one of the greatest and most stunning seashores in Scotland. Well-known for its acres of blinding-white sands and cat-eye-green waters at low tide, this seaside could be a heaving vacation resort had been the local weather slightly hotter; as issues stand, it’s typically blissfully abandoned. Stroll west alongside the seaside for beautiful views throughout the ocean to the island of Taransay.
The perfect seaside for seaside actions is Coldingham Bay, Borders
Simply an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, the picturesque shoreline north of Berwick-Upon-Tweed is incredible for individuals who love the good open air. A few of Scotland’s finest diving and snorkeling spots are discovered right here, in addition to glorious biking, strolling, angling and bird-watching. In Coldingham, about 12 miles north of Berwick, a signposted turn-off leads all the way down to secluded Coldingham Bay, which has a tremendous sandy seaside and a clifftop strolling path to Eyemouth (3 miles). At St Vedas Surf Store you possibly can rent surfboards, sea kayaks and snorkeling gear.
YouTube video participant
Hunt down journey at Elie and Earlsferry, East Neuk, Fife
An hour’s drive north of Edinburgh and an hour and a half from Glasgow, the coastal villages of Elie and Ealsferry in Fife mark the southwestern finish of the East Neuk, probably the most northerly a part of the Firth of Forth. The primary sights listed here are sandy seashores, golf programs and coastal walks. The Elie chain stroll is an adventurous scramble alongside the rocky shoreline at Kincraig Level, west of Earlsferry, utilizing chains and metal rungs cemented into the rock (permit 2 hours, and ask native recommendation about tides earlier than setting off). For a gentler day trip, there’s nothing higher than a lazy summer time Sunday spent on the vast seaside within the village of Elie watching the native staff play cricket on the sand.
