Whether you dream of rockpools, buried treasure, soothing shores, wild waves, drifting dunes or an island escape, we have the beach for you. Here are the UK’s seaside jewels, from Devon to the Hebrides
By Dixe Wills
1 Oldshoremore Beach, Sutherland Remote and ravishing
Also known by its Scots Gaelic name, Am Meallan, this beach takes some effort to get to but rewards every step of the journey. Located almost as far north-west as you can go on mainland Scotland – in one of the least populated parts of the country – it’s a gem of a beach. Crushed seashells and stones have produced sand the colour of light gold, which forms a narrow sweeping arc around a small bay. Behind lies the hamlet of Oldshoremore – a scattering of white-painted houses in a sea of green.
An added delight is the grass-and-heather-clad tidal island of Eilean na h-Aiteig (though do make sure you don’t get stuck on it). And there’s a chance you could be joined on the beach by placid Highland cattle – for who’s to say that cows don’t appreciate a little beauty, too?
Useful info
Given how out of the way the location is, there’s a surprisingly good array of accommodation nearabouts. The closest is Oldshoremore Retreats , a hop and a skip from the shore, which offers a cottage, fancy pods and a budget-minded tipi.
oldshoremore retreats.co.uk
Daily buses run to Kinlochbervie from Lairg and Inverness. Then it’s a pleasant 2.5-mile walk along a quiet lane.
There’s a little car park with toilets just behind the beach. The nearest refreshments are in Kinlochbervie where the Quay House provides eat-in and take-away services. facebook. com/thequayhouseKLB
2 Lunan Bay, Tayside Stormy treasure
Stormy weather and beaches usually make for unhappy bedfellows. Not so at Lunan Bay on Scotland’s east coast. Go there after a storm and you might be lucky enough to come across Scottish agate among other ornamental gem stones. There’s plenty of beach to look for them in as well – over two miles of sandy strand running the length of the bay with low cliffs at both ends.
Popular with surfers, Lunan’s brisk North Sea waves once brought rather less welcome visitors: for centuries Norsemen came here bearing swords and interesting ideas on property ownership. Today, the beach is overlooked by the ruins of the Red Castle, built in the 12th century for King William the Lion to ward off Viking raids. Once a dread-inspiring sight, time has reduced it to a picturesque keep and a section of curtain wall.
Useful info
The 30 bus will take you from Montrose railway station.
