Six Scots beaches among best in UK with idyllic dunes & clear turquoise water

SIX gorgeous beaches in Scotland with idyllic golden sand dunes and clear turquoise waters have been named among the best in the UK.

Experts at The Times have compiled a list of the top 50 coastal destinations across the country for their latest Best UK Beaches Guide.

They travelled 5,583 miles and visited a total of 543 mainland beaches up and down the country to discover the nation’s superior stretches of sand.

They were each analysed with a number of criteria – including car parking, loos, cafes and dog-friendliness.

The top spots were praised for being “blessed with outstanding natural beauty and superb infrastructure” whilst also being “loved by those who live, work and play there.”

And with Scotland’s stunning views, it’s no wonder that a total of six made the list.

Gullane Bents, East Lothian

This beach, with its beautiful golden sand and excellent water quality, was crowned the top in Scotland in the prestigious list.

The soft, west-facing sand spans over a mile-and-a-half curve and is popular with sunbathing and walkers as well as those who enjoy windsurfing and kitesurfing.

On the west side, visitors can cross over the Hummell Rocks which leads to the Aberlady Bay, where the wreckage of two submarines lies.

The dog-friendly beach is also praised for praise for having incredible food trucks and local restaurants for a quick bite while enjoying the stunning views of the Fife coast and Edinburgh skyline.

The spot is so luxurious that the list says it “could be in the Aegean, or hidden away on the Datca peninsula in Turkey“.

Balmedie, Aberdeenshire

Balmedie Beach is another coastal spot in Scotland with excellent water quality whilst being dog-friendly and easily accessible.

The beautiful, flat sandy beach is just five miles from Aberdeen and is known for its impressively long coastline.

It has a natural sand dune system that stretches 14 miles all the way through to Ythan Estuary at Newburgh.

This is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to visit as they try to spot seals in the water.

The beach is also an exciting place for WWII enthusiasts as it was previously used as a bomb cemetery, where unexploded bombs would be cleaned and detonated in the foreshore. 

Findhorn, Moray

Findhorn Bay in Moray is a fabulous seaside getaway that received acclaim for its seven miles of white sands, reaching along the coastline of the northeast of Scotland.

As well as fabulous sunbathing, picnic and swimming spots, it offers scenic walks and the chance to spot dolphins, porpoises, seals, ospreys and sea eagles.

It’s one of the most popular beaches on the Moray coast. The sand is separated from the land by a shingle strip, but it’s easy to get to the flat sands and you can literally walk for miles, all the way to Burghead.

There’s also a line of brightly painted beach huts, which are privately owned, unfortunately.

Parking is available to the north of the village, near the marina, and there are pubs, places to eat, places to stay, and a caravan park.

Achmelvich, Highlands

Achmelvich Bay, tucked away in the Highlands, can be found along the North Coast 500 and is the dream getaway for thrillseekers who like to windsurf, kayak or water ski.

Travel experts have previosuly said that it could be “mistaken for the Caribbean”, with its stunning sand and crystal clear water, making it similar to a “tropical paradise”.

It has quickly become a popular destination on the iconic driving route and is easily accessible just off the A837 road to Achmelvich.

The beach is also said to have “the best sunsets in Scotland” at around 10.15pm in July.

And there is even a massive car park and new toilets on the beach thanks to a new £1.2million expansion from the local council.

Mellon Udrigle, Highlands

Another hidden gem in the Highlands is the Mellon Udrigle beach in Wester Ross.

It is backed by dunes and has gorgeous, clean sand and turquoise waters.

And if that wasn’t enough, visitors will be treated to incredible mountain views, making it even more breathtaking.

It is just a 20-minute drive north of Poolewe and it has a handful of rental cottages scattered around the bay.

The Times experts say: “Mellon Udrigle seems like the set of some sword-and-sorcery blockbuster, especially at sunrise, when the Beinn Ghobhlach mountain rises from the haar sea fog like a dragon’s back”.

Sanna, Highlands

It is a little more awkward to get to, but Sanna Beach is well worth the visit.

Located on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, it consists of white sandy bays separated by a rocky headland, with stunningly clear turquoise seas.

Those travelling from Fort William can take the Corran ferry across the narrows of Loch Linnhe before following the B8007 road for an hour past Kilchoan to get to Sanna.

And experts have said that the volcanic landscape is so exotic that it closely resembles a scene from Iceland.

They added: “The stillness, white sands, black rocks and the chance of spotting a dolphin make the journey worthwhile.”