10 incredible Scottish beaches to visit in 2024
Scotland's coastline is a treasure trove of stunning beaches, each with their own unique charm and natural beauty. From the white sands and crystal-clear waters of the Highlands to the unspoiled coves of the Hebrides, here are ten incredible Scottish beaches you should consider visiting in 2024.
Clachtoll Beach
Clachtoll Beach, situated in the Scottish Highlands is a sandy shore renowned for its turquoise waters and breathtaking natural beauty. It forms part of the North West Highlands Geopark, which boasts a wealth of archaeological treasures, such as the maintained Clachtoll Broch – an ancient Iron Age construction. This area is perfect for observing wildlife providing glimpses of seals, dolphins and various bird species. Moreover the beach is a great spot for stargazing thanks to its low levels of light pollution.
Traigh Beach
This series of stunning sandy beaches is set against a backdrop of the Small Isles (Rum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna) and offers panoramic views, especially beautiful at sunset. Traigh Beach is popular for swimming, kayaking, and walking. Further up you’ll also find Camusdarach Beach, Famous for its appearance in the film Local Hero, Camusdarach offers soft sands and rock pools, ideal for exploring. This area gets super busy in summer so get there early.
Oldshoremore Beach
Oldshoremore Beach, situated in the northwest Highlands of Scotland, near Kinlochbervie is a hidden gem with a vast expanse of sand bordered by dunes and wild landscapes providing breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Oldshoremore provides a serene escape with minimal facilities, emphasizing its natural beauty and tranquility.
Balnakeil Beach
Balnakeil beach, another of Scotland’s magical beaches, is renowned for its vast, pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The beachfront is backed by large sand dunes, which provide shelter and a unique ecosystem for local wildlife.
Close to the beach is Balnakeil Church, an ancient church dating back to the 16th century, though the site has been a religious center since the early medieval period. The nearby Balnakeil Craft Village, once a Cold War military base, now houses a community of artists and craftspeople.
Ceannabeinne Beach
Ceannabeinne Beach is characterized by its dramatic landscape, featuring golden sands flanked by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Ceannabeinne is known as the "Beach of the Burn of Bereavement and Division" due to its association with the Highland Clearances in the 19th century, a poignant period in Scottish history when many residents were evicted from their homes. Information boards along the Ceannabeinne Township Trail near the beach provide insights into this turbulent past, offering a glimpse into the lives of the community that once thrived here.
For those looking for an adrenaline rush, there is a zip line that runs over a part of the beach, offering thrilling views of the coast and an exciting way to experience the area's natural beauty.
Hushinish Beach
Accessible by a single-track road, Hushinish Beach is a remote and spectacularly scenic spot. With only a few cottages and boats dotting the landscape, it’s the epitome of tranquility. The drive itself offers breathtaking views of mountains and sea lochs.
It is not uncommon to spot seals basking on the rocks and otters along the shoreline. The surrounding waters are also known for sightings of dolphins and whales.
Near the beach, you can find the remains of an old blackhouse village, providing a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the Harris coast. This adds a historical depth to visits, offering insights into the harsh conditions faced by previous generations living in this remote part of Scotland.
Nisabost Beach
The beach is bathed by the clear, turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, offering picturesque views that are typical of the Harris coastline. It’s also a popular location for wind sports such as kite surfing and wind surfing, thanks to the often breezy conditions.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of seabirds and waders, while the nearby machair (a type of coastal grassland) blooms with wildflowers in the spring and summer, adding a vibrant splash of color to the landscape.
Nisabost holds cultural significance, with several archaeological sites nearby, including ancient standing stones. The machair is also historically important as it has been used for centuries by local communities for grazing and agriculture. It’s a short drive from the famous Luskentyre Beach and close to the main road that leads to the scenic west coast of the island.
Northton Beach
A magical beach on the Isle of Harris, with lots of fun walks to do in the area.
Just a short walk from the beaches, you can explore the ruins of an ancient chapel, Teampull na Trionaid, which is steeped in local history and adds a cultural dimension to any visit. The area is also known for archaeological sites including prehistoric settlements and Viking remains.
Luskentyre Beach
Finally, probably my favourite on this list, as there’s so much to explore and look at there, the colours are also incredible. Famous for its expansive stretches of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, set against a backdrop of mountain ranges and rolling dunes. The picturesque scenery often draws comparisons to tropical paradises, despite its northern location.
The beach extends for several miles, offering plenty of space for visitors to explore without feeling crowded. This vast area allows for peaceful walks along the shore where the only sounds are the waves and the local wildlife, with opportunities to spot golden eagles and otters among other species. Luskentyre has received numerous accolades, including regularly appearing on lists of the world's best beaches. It's a key highlight for many tourists visiting the Outer Hebrides.
