Latest news with #SimplySeaViews
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
Remote Scottish beach with pristine pink sands named best spot to avoid crowds this summer
A remote Highland beach has been named one of the best UK spots to escape the summer crowds With warm weather on the way, Scotland's beaches are expected to be packed this weekend as families and sunseekers head for the coast. But for those looking to avoid the crowds and discover something truly special, one remote Highland beach is offering an unforgettable escape. Sandwood Bay, tucked away in the far northwest of Scotland near Kinlochbervie, has been named one of the best places in the UK to dodge the summer rush, Scottish Daily Express reports. Travel experts Simply Sea Views singled it out as an ideal destination for those seeking peace, space and a wild, dramatic landscape. The beach is only accessible on foot via a four-mile walk from the nearest car park at Blairmore. The route cuts through moorland, lochans and rolling hills, and while it may require effort, the reward is a breathtaking scene of pink-tinged sands, towering cliffs and crashing Atlantic waves. 'It's utterly remote, with no facilities and no phone signal – just you, the sea, and the sky,' said Simply Sea Views. 'The reward for taking on the hike is a pristine stretch of pale sand and dramatic waves.' Stretching for a mile and a half, Sandwood Bay has been described by Undiscovered Scotland as 'the most magnificent beach in the UK'. It is also believed to be the country's most remote beach, and even, according to local legend, the site of a mermaid encounter. The scene is pure drama. Behind the beach, towering sand dunes roll down into the still waters of Sandwood Loch. In front, the full force of the Atlantic Ocean crashes against the shore, with the iconic sea stack of Am Buachaille rising from the waves. TripAdvisor reviews are also full of awe. 'Of course, summer sun brings out all the gorgeous colours,' wrote one visitor, 'but strong winds and raging seas show you nature in all her mighty power too.' Another added: 'I couldn't believe how quiet and secluded it was, it's an absolutely beautiful beach!' Today, Sandwood Bay remains a haven for wildlife. Seals and dolphins are often seen just offshore, further adding to its otherworldly charm. While there are no cafés, shops or restaurants nearby, hungry walkers can stop at the Old School Restaurant and Rooms on the way back, a converted schoolhouse that served the local community from 1879 to 1970 and now offers hearty meals and warm hospitality. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For those wanting to stay longer, the nearby crofting community of Kinlochbervie offers a mix of guesthouses and glamping accommodation, with prices ranging from £90 to £150 per night. The village is also home to a modern harbour and one of the largest fish-processing plants in the region. With no phone signal, no crowds and no distractions, Sandwood Bay offers a rare kind of coastal escape, just sea, sky, and the raw beauty of the Scottish wilderness.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Daily Record
Stunning Highlands beach with pristine pink sands named among UK's best hidden coastlines
The beach is known for beautiful pink sands that are usually associated with tropical spots like Bermuda or Indonesia A wild and remote beach in the far north of Scotland, known for its pristine pink sands and mysterious folklore, has been named among the UK's best hidden coastlines. Tucked away in the north-west Highlands near Durness, Sandwood Bay has earned a spot on Simply Sea Views' list of the top ten secret beaches and coves where holidaymakers can escape the crowds and reconnect with nature. While pink sands are usually associated with tropical spots like Bermuda or Indonesia, this little-known Scottish gem offers a slice of rosy paradise much closer to home. Simply Sea Views said: "Tucked in the far northwest Highlands near Durness, Sandwood Bay is only accessible via a four-mile hike through moorland and lochans. "The reward is a pristine stretch of pale sand and dramatic waves. It's utterly remote, with no facilities and no phone signal, just you, the sea, and the sky." With no roads leading in, visitors must park at Blairmore and walk four miles across rugged terrain before reaching the untouched bay. But for those who make the journey, the reward is immense, a breathtaking expanse of pale pink sand stretching for nearly 1.5 miles, backed by towering dunes and a tranquil loch. Even during peak season, its isolation ensures a deep sense of seclusion. The area is part of the Sandwood Estate, managed by the John Muir Trust, and offers a raw, unspoilt slice of Scotland's natural beauty. Domestic travel has soared in popularity in recent years, with more people than ever seeking out quiet, off-the-map destinations. Last year, 67 per cent of Brits said they planned to holiday in the UK, often to save money and avoid airport chaos. A report found 52 per cent choose a domestic break, and 34 per cent took two or more staycations. Sandwood Bay is more than just a pretty place. It is also rich in folklore. In 1900, local farmer Alexander Gunn set out with his dog in search of a missing sheep when he came across something extraordinary. At first glance, he thought he saw a seal on the rocks, but as he drew closer, he realised it had flaming red hair, green-blue eyes, and a long, human-like form. According to local legend, Gunn had spotted a mermaid resting on the shore. Today, the bay is still a haven for wildlife. Seals and dolphins are frequently spotted just offshore, adding to the sense of otherworldly magic. Nearby, Kinlochbervie offers accommodation ranging from remote guesthouses to glamping sites, with prices from around £90 to £150 per night. The crofting community is also home to a large fish-processing plant and a modern harbour that welcomes trucks from across Europe. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. From Kinlochbervie, a scenic single-track road winds past the isolated hamlet of Oldshoremore and its white sand beach, before reaching Blairmore, the starting point for the hike to Sandwood Bay. The surrounding region offers much more for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Durness, the most north-westerly village on the British mainland, sits amidst dramatic scenery and open skies. The nearby North West Highlands Geopark draws hillwalkers and climbers eager to explore the rugged mountains, towering cliffs, and vast moorlands. The village itself straddles the coastline where the road turns from inland peat bogs to the rocky shore, and visitors can even get a special passport stamp at the local post office if they're walking the North Highland Way. Highlights include the eerie Smoo Cave, carved into a limestone cliff, and the beautiful white sands of Balnakeil Beach.
