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Scenic beaches in Scotland for spring walks
VisitScotland
Administrator ✪
A brisk stroll along the shoreline is exhilarating in the spring months. Wrap up warm and brace yourself for the nippy (yet refreshing!) sea breeze. Scotland has an incredible and varied shoreline, with some of the best beaches you’ll find anywhere. Here are just a few:
Set in a country park just 5 miles from the city of Aberdeen, Balmedie is the perfect spot to see white horses roll in from the North Sea and hear wind whistling through the long grasses of the sand dunes.
Feel the Atlantic breeze as you wander along the white sands of Machrihanish. Its delicate dunes are classed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You might see resilient golfers on the two bordering links golf courses, or maybe an eager surfer darting through the swell.
Sheltered Findhorn Bay is a wonderful stretch to take in as part of an easy circular walk. It overlooks the dense expanse of Culbin Forest. You might spy wading birds close to the shore or pretty sailing boats bobbing in the bay.
Even on the coldest of days, Portobello can be a hub of activity. Cyclists and joggers can be seen powering along the promenade, while the golden sands are inviting to those who like to wander along the shoreline at a relaxing pace. Afterwards, warm up with something hot and delicious in one of the seaside café bars.
West Sands is the kind of beach which is perfect for a Sunday afternoon outing. The 2 mile-long expanse of beach is backed by sand dunes and the world-famous golfers’ paradise, the Old Course. The fresh and bracing winds from the sea make this stretch a popular spot for land yachting and other activities.
Turquoise waters contrast with pristine white sands at this hidden gem of a beach. On this walk you can see a beautiful rocky coastline and the route passes by a historic grain mill, now just a ruin. You might even come across the tiniest of 20th century castles!
You can easily lose yourself in your thoughts as you stroll along the quiet shoreline of Cata Sand. The beach is wide, the horizon is far, and the sky appears never-ending. Part of the beach is bordered by impressive, towering dunes.
There are countless more beaches to discover in Scotland. Find one near you on our Beaches page or discover other amazing walks at Walk Highlands.
Are you a bit of a beachcomber? Do you have a favourite beach in Scotland? Share your thoughts and pictures in this thread.
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We were completely blown away by the beaches on Harris and Lewis when we visited last year. Here's my Husband jumping for joy on Harris.
I have a long held affection for Calgary Bay on Mull, such a beautiful place and somewhere i visit every year when I'm on Mull. Langamull on Mull is also gorgeous.
Another favourite is Machir Bay on Islay. Stunning.
I'll need to say Nairn beach too as my husband's from Nairn and we got married overlooking the beach.
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This is my son enjoying the beach - you can see the seals on the other side of the water: