The best beaches in Scotland

Just off the Isle of Mull, which itself is just off Oban, lies the pint-sized islet of Iona, home to a permanent population of just over 100 and some of the best beaches in Scotland. It’s a charming island where you won’t need a car. The sand is white, the sea is bluest-blue and the swimming here is only for the hardy. But the views, walking and wildlife – seals, puffins, dolphins and basking sharks – are phenomenal. One of the most popular spots for visitors is Traigh Ban Nam Monach (or ‘White Strand of the Monks’).

Sanna and its glorious beach are located around two hours from Fort William, on the west coast of Scotland facing the Hebrides. When you arrive at the end of the single-track road, give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve made it to the westernmost point on the British mainland. And what a reward. This silver-sand beach has it all, from dunes to rockpools teeming with life, views of the Small Isles, and total peace and quiet. It’s also a fabulous spot for wildlife including eagles, dolphins and – very occasionally – whales. Pack your binoculars!

While the Cairngorms are most famous for their epic hills and Balmoral, there’s also a hidden gem of a beach tucked away in this national park. Loch Morlich, by Glenmore, is a golden-sand inland bay loved for its beauty and cleanliness. A pine forest leads down to a sandy shore with a log-cabin café and a few picnic benches. In summer, you’ll want to soak in the sun with an ice cream or try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing. In the autumn and winter, it’s a stunning walk with a view of the snowy mountains beyond.

Those seeking far-flung escapes will meet their match at Sandwood Bay. Claiming to be the most remote beach in the UK, the bay has no car access. You’ll need to park at Blairmore and hike four miles across the headland to this pink-sand shore and its glorious waters. The walk is mostly flat but can be damp and a bit uneven, so decent footwear is recommended. Once there, the beach’s beauty is captivating, with tufted dunes, a smattering of pretty shells and a precarious-looking sea stack. Thanks to its location, it’s utterly unspoilt – just you and the sea birds.

There’s just something about Scotland: the further north you venture, the more vibrant the colours. This is certainly the case at Strathy Bay, with its peach-coloured sand, azure sea and many-hued rocks. Not to mention, visitors in May and June are treated to a stunning display of wildflowers leading them down to the sands. It’s particularly striking at sunset or bathed in golden, autumnal light, and it’s a great stop off on the North Coast 500. Although you’re not too far from civilisation, you feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle, and the beach is always tranquil.