Scotland’s Best Beaches
All over Scotland we are blessed with beautiful coastlines and landscapes. Whether you are seeking the white soft sand beaches or the more rugged and secluded areas, this post will showcase the best (in my opinion) in Scotland.
As you read the list below you will see there a few from the north east coast, I would say this area does not get as many visitors compared to the west of Scotland but the coastlines here are outstanding and worthy of a visit, especially along the Moray Coast.
As with anything I write on my blog, I have personally visited these locations.
I will link a google map location of each beach below.
Roseisle Beach, Moray
Situated just south of Burghead along the Moray Coast, Roseisle beach is unique in that it is positioned next to a pinewood forest nestled alongside the sandy beach. The gently sloping dunes leads you down to the sand beach where you can walk along along the coastline. Along the sand you will spot concrete anti-tank blockades that were used during world war two. In 1940, Roseisle was a strategically position spot between two other important coastal towns, Findhorn and Lossiemouth.
Nowadays, the beach and the forest is clean and well marked with walking and cycling routes. There are also picnic bench areas for you to enjoy your lunch with a view.
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Silver Sands of Morar, Mallaig
Found on the western coast is the Morar sands or locally known as the “silver sands” are a collection of small beaches following the coast from Arisaig to Morar.
On a clear day, you can spot the isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. The water here is very clear and the turquoise waters are fairly shallow if you are brave enough to swim (although the water here is slightly warmer due to the Gulf stream). At the northern end of the sands there are little cove areas and the river Morar runs alongside until it flows into the sea. The beach extends for over one mile and I would say best explored at low tide. This area is very popular in the summer months, especially with campers and those heading west to the islands. If you are travelling by ferry from Malliag, I would recommend a stop here.
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Luskentyre Beach, Harris
Located on the Outer Hebrides in the south island of Harris is the outstanding beach of Luskentyre. This area has achieved legendary status and I have to say it is for a good reason. Consistently voted the number one beach in the UK, Luskentyre has a long stretch of white sand and turquoise crystal clear water.
For the best photographs, I would advise visiting during low tide.
As you approach the beach you will see the mountain backdrop which can be seen for miles around. Follow the single track road from Tarbert towards the beach to the car park (small fee) and there is a designated car parking area for motor homes. You will also see a public toilet block there too.
Photography by Travel Kat Tours
Photography by Travel Kat Tours
North Berwick, East Lothian
If you are visiting Edinburgh and have limited time but still want to experience a Scottish seaside town then head to North Berwick. The town is a traditional seaside town just 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train.
North Berwick offers great views across the Firth of Forth and to the imposing Bass Rock. The town is blessed with two beaches, the first is Milsey Bay which is in the east near the main harbour. It stretches towards the golf course and there is a family friendly sea water paddling pool area. If you wish to have a classic ice cream then look out for Alandas Gelato just a five minute walk away from the harbour.
The second beach is West Bay and offers around 1 mile of idyllic coastline. Not too far from the pretty harbour you’ll find the Scottish Seabird Centre if you wish to learn about the local wildlife. I have written a post on the history of Bass Rock and I highly recommend taking an organised boat trip out there to see the colony of seabirds.
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Gullane Bends, East Lothian
Also along the East Lothian coastline is the popular sandy beach of Gullane. The beach has many walking paths that lead down to the sand and you’ll be rewarded by views across the bay and the Firth of Forth. Depending on when you visit you might see the bright yellow gorse flowering on the hillside.
There is a car park area at the top of the hill that leads you downhill. In the summer the beach is very popular with young families and on a windy day you will see a collection of windsurfers out in the water.
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Staffin Beach, Isle of Skye
Situated north of the main town of Portree on the isle of Skye is Staffin Beach. The beach is famous for fossilised dinosaur footprints which become visible when the tide is low. The dino footprints are said to be from 165 million years ago and area very well preserved. If you are looking for them the footprints are sometimes covered by sand and seaweed so be prepared for a little exploration.
The beach itself is a soft volcanic sandy beach that is studded with large rounded boulders, the beach is also surrounded by a rocky landscape and in the distance the mountains of the Quiraing. If you do intend to visit this beach I would wear sturdy footwear and I hope you can see the footprint!
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Cullen Beach, Moray
Along the moray coastline you’ll find the pretty coastal town of Cullen. Home to the Scottish favourite, Cullen Skink soup (Smoked haddock soup). The town is absolutely worth of a visit and I would advise you of course visit the sandy beach but also head up the hill to the view point across the coastline and viaduct.
The main beach has three rather large rocks along the edge of the water, they are locally known as the “Three Kings” and these formations make for great photography. If you visit during the low tide you will be rewarded with many small rock pools that are filled with many sea creatures. I would bring binoculars too, you might be lucky to spot dolphins in the distant water.
Cullen is dominated by the railway viaduct which you will see if you use the beach car park. The car park is free to use and there are toilets on site. The car park will also have a cool silver air stream vehicle which sells coffee, aptly named Coffee at the Kings.
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Garry Beach, Isle of Lewis
Situated on the Isle of Lewis on the Outer Hebrides is Garry Beach or locally known in Gaelic as “Caisteal a' Mhorair”. Near to the village of Tolsta, this beach is fairly secluded and in the north of the island and accessible via the B895 road.
My favourite part about this beach is the large sea stack formations on the sand, this was also the first time I had ever seen free roaming sheep so close to the beach, they were sun bathing on the hill nearby. The beach is also next to the stone bridge nicknamed “the bridge to nowhere” which is the dead end to the road.
In my opinion this is one of the hidden gems in Scotland and well worth a look.
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
Spey Bay, Moray
An alternative to a sandy beach is a large pebbled one with wild crashing waves. Spey Bay is a very small village located on the moray coast where the River Spey flows into the Moray Firth.
The beach (shingled) has a great mound of pebbles and rocks and as you walk over you can hear sounds of tumbling stones, it is quite something! I did learn that is in fact the larges shingled beach in all of Scotland.
You will be rewarded with incredible sea views once you get over the first mound of pebbles. Spey Bay is also home to WDC Scottish Dolphin and conservation centre. Be sure to keep an eye out for the jumping bottle nosed dolphons.
I would recommend you bring sturdy shoes as the pebbles can be a bit precarious
Photograph by Travel Kat Tours
