The Daily Record has rounded up some of the country’s most peaceful and scenic sandy bays.
Scotland has recently been basking in sunny skies and warm temperatures. With cold weather reportedly on the way, though, time is running out to make the most of it.
There is no wrong way to spend a nice day outside in Scotland. The country features more tranquil gardens and scenic hikes than you could shake a stick at.
However, it may soon be a long time before we can head to the beach on a sunny day again. Therefore, the Daily Record has rounded up some of the best scenic bays in Scotland to soak up some sun.
When the sun starts shining, it seems every Scot in the country has the same idea and flocks to the nearest sandy beach. This can make for a less-than-relaxing experience, especially if you just want to chill out.
We have picked beaches that are usually more quiet than the country’s most popular and iconic bays. If you are after a peaceful day out, you shouldn’t run into too many people at these coastal beauty spots.
Read on for six of Scotland’s secret picturesque beaches to visit while the sun is shining.
Machrihanish Beach, Campbeltown
Situated along the breathtaking Mull of Kintyre Peninsula, near the tiny village of Machrihanaish, this beach features three miles of soft and clean sand to feel under your feet. It is usually quiet, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful walk or jog.
When the sun is shining, there is nothing better to do on Machrihanish Beach than find a good spot to sit and just take in the views across the Atlantic. You could easily while away an entire afternoon just watching the waves crashing against the shore.
If you are a keen surfer, then you have one more reason to visit Machrihanish Beach. The bay is regarded as one of the top surfing destinations in the whole of the UK, with the best waves usually at the top end of the beach.
Singing Sands, Lochaber
Singing Sands near Gortenfern in the northeast of the Ardnamurchan peninsula more than lives up to its beautiful name. Walking along the soft sand, you will hear the soothing sounds of the wind blowing over its surface.
The beach isn’t just a treat for the ears, but also the eyes. Situated in a remote and spectacular location, Singing Sands offers gorgeous views out towards the Small Isles.
Animal lovers will get even more out of a trip to Singing Sands. If you are lucky, you might spot everything from seals to cormorants to even otters.
Brora Beach, Brora
Nestled near the charming village of Brora in the east of Sutherland in the Highlands, Brora Beach is a rural and unspoilt paradise. Running alongside the local golf course, the bay benefits from jaw-dropping views out over the North Sea and Moray Firth.
Like Singing Sands, Brora Beach is a great destination for wildlife spotting. Seals, otters, minke whales, and much more all call the bay home.
If you can, try and head to the beach at low tide. This is because this is the best time of the day for beach-combing and kite-flying.
Lunan Bay, Angus
Lunan Bay on the Angus coastline has long been a local favourite, but is much less known outside of the area. Hopefully, this means there won’t be too many others on the beach when you visit.
A secluded paradise, the bay has a reputation amongst locals for being one of the very best beaches in Angus. With its mile of soft sand to explore, backed by sand dunes and framed by low cliffs, it is easy to see why.
If you are up for a bit of a walk, then it is definitely worth heading to the nearby Red Castle that overlooks Lunan Bay. Dating back to the 15th century, all that remains of the once-formidable fortress is a section of its rectangular tower and curtain wall.
Aberlady Bay, East Lothian
If you live in or near Edinburgh, then Aberlady Bay is a great choice if you are looking for a gorgeous sandy beach that isn’t too far away. Around 45 minutes out of the Scottish capital by car, Aberlady Bay is located near the busier Gullane Beach.
Becoming the first place in the UK to be designated a Nature Reserve back in 1952, the beach is home to incredible undisturbed habitats including salt marshes and sand dunes. Aberlady Bay also has something for the history buffs, featuring the remnants of a couple of World War Two X-Class ‘Midget’ submarines in the sand.
A beach is nothing without its sea views, though, and fortunately Aberlady Bay’s are incredible. Visitors will be able to gaze over the south side of the Forth Estuary all the way out to Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
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Tentsmuir Sands, Fife
Tentsmuir Sands is a true hidden gem, tucked away in a forest between St Andrews and the Tay Estuary that dates all the way back to the Stone Age. The beach borders the forest for miles, treating visitors to magnificent views out over the North Sea.
It is not uncommon to find seals basking on the sandbanks at Tentsmuir Sands. A wide variety of birdlife also calls the area home, from eider ducks to oystercatchers.
Whether you are into collecting shells or soaking up some sun, Tentsmuir Sands has something to offer. It is important to note that the beach is not safe for swimming, however, due to strong currents and quicksand.
