Scotland’s finest beach has been revealed.
It’s hot. Really hot.
On Tuesday, Scotland recorded its hottest day of the year with predictions that the country will experience a heatwave later this week. A high of 29C was recorded at Dyce in Aberdeen, beating the year’s previous high of 28.1C at Floors Castle in the Borders on 25 May. Temperatures are expected to peak today.
Given the weather, now seems the perfect time to head to the beach. And there are plenty of beautiful ones to choose from in Scotland. Sandwood Bay in Sutherland is an unspoiled, pink-hued sand beach framed by dramatic cliffs and a massive sea stack, while Portobello in Edinburgh is a popular year-round swimming spot that is easy to reach from Edinburgh city centre.
As excellent as both of these are, they’re not the best in Scotland.
View 3 ImagesCamusdarach is made up of a series of bays(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
That honour goes to Camusdarach.
“I might be biased because I’m born and raised in Scotland, but you really can’t do much better than Camusdarach. This rugged coastline boasts one of the cleanest beaches on the western coast, with a crescent of pillow-soft white sand hugged by clear-blue waters and framed by dramatic, jagged rocks. Sure, there’s not a lot in the way of facilities, but the nearby town of Morar (an eight-minute drive) offers home comforts in the way of cafés, restaurants and hotels. Drive a little further north to Mallaig where The Jacobite steam train (as seen in the Harry Potter movies) calls by. Have a meal in the old dining cars or even stay over in the restored carriages,” writes Chiara Wilkinson of Time Out, which ranked the beach third best in the UK, and the best in Scotland.
Rather than being one singular expanse of shoreline, Camusdarach is divided into a series of smaller crescent bays, rocky coves, and hidden inlets. During low tide, these individual sandy pockets join together to reveal a sweeping expanse of silvery-white sand.
The beach is situated south of the estuary of the River Morar and has amazing views over the Cuillin peaks on the Isle of Skye, the summits of Rum, and the sea cliffs of Eigg.
The journey from the car park to the water’s edge is a pleasant ten-minute walk that winds through high sand dunes covered in marram grass. It’s only once at the top that you get a full sweeping panoramic view of the turquoise sea and the Hebridean islands beyond.
View 3 ImagesThe beach is situated south of the estuary of the River Morar (Image: SHARED CONTENT UNIT)
Camusdarach isn’t well known just because of its good looks. The curve of white shell sand was used in Bill Forsyth’s 1983 film Local Hero. Stand on the sand and the dunes, the curve of the bay, and the islands are the same shot.
Beyond the dunes, stabilised by marram and lyme grass, there are lovely stretches of machair grassland — one of the rarest habitats in Europe. It’s also on Scottish Natural Heritage’s list of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches.
- Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey: A vast sweep of golden sand backed by dunes, pine forest and mountain views, Traeth Llanddwyn feels blissfully remote, while its tidal island, lighthouse and romantic Welsh history add extra charm.
- Cuckmere Haven, Sussex: Framed by the dramatic Seven Sisters cliffs, Cuckmere Haven offers some of England’s most cinematic coastal scenery, with unspoilt surroundings, winding river views and remarkably peaceful walking trails.
- Blackpool Sands, Devon: Sheltered by evergreens and pine trees, this immaculate pebble beach combines crystal-clear waters, excellent facilities and a relaxed atmosphere, making it one of Devon’s most appealing seaside escapes.
- Camusdarach Beach, Scotland: With dazzling white sand, turquoise water and rugged rocky outcrops, Camusdarach delivers a wild Highland beach experience that feels wonderfully secluded despite its breathtaking natural beauty.
- Weymouth Beach, Dorset: Golden sands, a bustling promenade and traditional seaside attractions give Weymouth timeless appeal, blending family-friendly fun with historic harbour views and the nostalgic atmosphere of holidays past.
- Watergate Bay, Cornwall: Famous for its powerful surf and energetic atmosphere, Watergate Bay attracts watersports enthusiasts year-round, while its expansive shoreline and dog-friendly policy ensure broad appeal beyond surfers.
- Kynance Cove, Cornwall: Turquoise seas, white sand and striking rock formations make Kynance Cove one of Britain’s most spectacular beaches, with hidden caves and smugglers’ legends adding adventure and intrigue.
- Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland: Stretching beside a colourful village, Alnmouth offers dog-friendly sands, outstanding coastal scenery and excellent birdwatching, complemented by welcoming cafés, pubs and restaurants just moments from the shore.
- Mwnt, Ceredigion: A sheltered bay overlooked by a historic church, Mwnt combines peaceful coastal scenery with exceptional wildlife watching, including opportunities to spot dolphins in Cardigan Bay’s resident population.
- Camber Sands, Sussex: Vast dunes and miles of golden sand have made Camber Sands an iconic British beach, offering atmospheric coastal walks, plenty of space and easy access to historic Rye.