Scotland might not be best known for sunshine and seaside holidays, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some of the best beaches around. If you’re searching for something to do this weekend, here are eight of the best Scottish beaches where you can breathe in a little sea air and go for a dip in the ocean, if you’re brave enough. These are some of the best beaches in Scotland!
This stunning stretch of golden sand is the only thing connecting St Ninian’s to the UK mainland. It’s the largest tombolo in the UK, and arguably the prettiest at the same time. Plus, not only do you get the ocean to paddle in on one side, but on two sides of you. Add in the beautiful surrounding view of seacliffs and the nearby isle, and you’ve got a perfect day out.
At the edge of the historic St Andrews, this Scottish beach looks out over the North Sea for a breath-taking view. The beach is bordered by the Open Championship golf course, if you’re a fan, but it’s just as much fun to go for a barefoot stroll at the edge of the water. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.
Right on the west coast of Scotland, Camusdarach beach is a small, hidden stretch of white sand and turquoise water. With views across to the Isle of Skye and water shallow enough to dip your toes in, this beach is a Scottish paradise. It’s fairly sheltered, and far enough away from any kind of city or busy town that you can truly relax while admiring the view.
This beach is almost as far away from civilisation as you can get. Situated on the north coast of the Isle of Mull, it’s maybe not the easiest beach in Scotland to get to, but it’s delightfully quiet and hosts spectacular views out to Rum on a clear day. A twenty-minute walk to and from the beach means you’ll want to take a picnic with you to enjoy while you’re there.
Mellon Udrigle, despite being tucked away in a corner of the Highlands, is beautiful expanse of white sand which looks out across the water to an incredible view of the mountains in the distance. The beach is the perfect place to escape to, whether you need a day to reset or a weekend trip somewhere off the beaten track. This is one of the beaches in Scotland we love most!
A reasonably short train journey from Glasgow, Ayr is home to one of Scotland’s longest and prettiest beaches. There are plenty of nearby shops and cafes for you to turn the trip into a full day out, and the views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran are well worth the journey.
Sandwood Bay is one of the country’s wildest and most secluded beaches, with nearly 1.5 miles of pink-tinged sand and the impressive sea stack Am Buachaille watching over it from the ocean. It’s a decent walk to get to, which is what makes the beach one of Scotland’s most untouched. Sand dunes behind the beach make the perfect spot to stop for a picnic, or a spot of wild camping if you fancy a slightly longer visit.
If you’re willing to brave the cold water and go for a swim on the Scottish coast, Oldshoremore is where you’ll want to head for your next day out. The glittering water is still and inviting, and the beach stretches right along the bay for an impressive view – and a decent length of walk, if you want.
Slightly nearer the top of the country than the rest of our list, Durness Beach sits on the very north coast of Scotland with views out across the North Sea. Due to its location, it’s one of Scotland’s most untouched beaches. A journey out to Durness will leave you with almost an entire stretch of white sand to yourself. It’s just worth a check of the weather forecast before you head out!
Lying just on the edge of Aberdeen, North Donmouth is a super accessible beach which sits just north of Donmouth Local Nature Reserve. It’s a slightly more private section of Aberdeen’s coastline, but a short trip down to Aberdeen Beach rewards you with a selection of cafes and restaurants and a children’s play area.
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