Edinburgh

Scotland's Top 5 Best Beaches

more than a year ago
Scotland is blessed with a beautiful coastline, there are outstanding beaches all around the country and for us to choose just five for this list was a challenge. What they lack in warm temperatures, they make up for with unspoilt tranquillity and let's face it Scottish Beaches have a year round season (or non season). So wrap up and get outside, visit some Scottish beaches, feel the 'fresh Scottish air' and hear that familiar sound of the seabirds flying high.
   

Luskentyre, Harris

Located on the Outer Hebrides, in the south of Harris, Luskentyre has achieved legendary status and for good reason. Voted the number one beach in the UK, Luskentyre has a long stretch of white sand and turquoise crystal clear water. The beach is also blessed with a mountain view backdrop which can be enjoyed for miles around.  Follow the single track road towards the beach, and you’ll be met with rolling sand dunes and outstanding views. 
Google Maps Link 

Roseisle Beach, Moray 

Situated just south of Burghead on the Moray Coast, Roseisle beach is unique in that it has a pinewood forest nestled alongside the sandy beach. The gently sloping sand beach has a gap in the dunes for you to walk down to the sea. Along the sand you will spot concrete anti-tank blocks placed there during the war in 1940 as Roseisle is situated between other important nearby seaside towns of Findhorn and Lossiemouth which are also popular beaches in the area. The forest has a well marked walking and cycling route and there are picnic bench areas for you to enjoy your lunch.
Google Maps Link 
 
WWII fortifications remain on the beach to this day

North Berwick Beach, East Lothian

North Berwick is a traditional seaside town just 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train and offers great views across the Firth of Forth. The town has small boutique shops and cafes within walking distance from the beach areas.  The town is blessed with two beaches, the first is Milsey Bay which is in the east of the town near the main harbour. It stretches towards the golf course and also has a sea water paddling pool area. The sand beach offers views across to Bass Rock, locally known as the “Scottish Alcatraz” which is home to over 150,000 seabirds during peak season. 

The second beach is West Bay and offers around 1 mile of idyllic coastline. The pretty harbour is situated next to the Scottish Seabird Centre which provides information on the local wildlife.
Google Maps Link

Sands of Morar, Mallaig

Morar sands are a collection of small beaches following the coastline from Arisaig to Morar. Views look out to the isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. The water is crystal clear, the turquoise waters are fairly shallow and are warmed by the gulf stream. At the northern end of the sands there are little coves and the river Morar runs alongside until it flows into the sea. The beach extends for over a mile and is best explored at low tide. Popular with campers and walkers, so if you are heading west and onto the islands, make time for stopping at Morar.
Google Maps Link

Staffin Beach, Skye

Situated north of Portree on the north east corner of Skye, Staffin beach is famous for fossilised dinosaur footprints which become visible at low tide. The footprints are said to be from 165 million years ago and are excellently preserved. During low tide the footprints are often covered in sand and seaweed so be prepared for a little exploration. A soft, volcanic sandy beach studded with large rounded boulders, impressive landscape surrounds the beach with rocky outcrops and views across to the Quiraing mountains.  If you do intend to visit, wear sturdy footwear, and if you want history or more fossils head into the Staffin Museum at nearby Ellishadder. 
Google Maps Link
Can you find dinosaur footprints here?

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