I love all parts of Scotland, but will admit to a particular affection for the Moray Firth because of many visits there with friends walking on Culbin Sands, exploring some of the villages and just being with friends in the Inverness area. So, it was interesting to see in this article in the Scotsman that the Moray Firth coast from Inverness to Peterhead has been "top rated" by National Geographic Traveler. http://www.scotsman.com/news/Firth-among-equals-for-sheer.6633824.jp#5774161 The Scots go on to argue that the west coast or other coasts. So, I thought I 'd ask what is your favorite beach / coast in Scotland and then the UK and why? I'll kick it off by saying that I do love the Moray Firth for beach walks, both the north and the south shore. However, for spectacular coastal cliffs I'd have to think about the Isle of Hoy and St. Kilda even though I've not been to the latter. I've not been to many coasts in other parts of the UK so I'll leave that one open to Toni. ; ) Pam
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Pamela- sorry to diappoint- I haven't really explored the beaches of Scotland. We did a brief day excursion to Isle of Skye and one to Orkney. And you know I love the Inverness area. I agree the Moray Firth is lovely, but that is from a 'boat' perspective. I love the lochs and the moors, and the moutains, and the valleys..... oh, what the heck.... I love all of Scotland.
Posted by
Lock Haven, PA
44 posts
Coral Beaches on the northwest side of Skye.
Posted by
OP
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Ah, I'd forgotten about those beaches! We visited them as part of photo workshop when I stayed on Skye for a week. I hope we hear about some other beaches! Pam
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2776 posts
I think the beach at the south point of Harris is just lovely. Another favorite is the tiny beach on the Great Blasket Island. As for coastal cliffs, I love the cliffs on the north east coast (if I'm remembering correctly) of the mainland of Orkney. The cliffs and the views are incredible and he birds are fascinating. (Did not see any puffins though.) The cliffs on Great Blasket Island are also pretty neat. I'm sure my list of favorites would expand if I could get back to Scotland to some of the places I haven't been.
Posted by
Marion
177 posts
Beach at Morar are nice with view of Rhum, Eigg and Skye off the coast. The movie Local Hero was filmed here at least the beach scenes.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
Another vote for "Ben's Beach," the one in Morar, not too long a detour if you are driving to the Maillaig-Armadale ferry port. However, we don't usually seek out beaches when we visit Scotland, possibly because we live less than a mile from lovely California ones. To us, Scotland is more about places like lochs, beautiful mountain drives, ruined castles, and magnificent Glencoe.
Posted by
Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada
629 posts
The lovely walkable beaches on the Ayrshire coast. Along with the great towns and seaside golf links.
Posted by
OP
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I know what you mean, Cynthia, about paying more attention to mountains and lochs and other scenery. But I've been really taken by the beaches. There are rarely many people on the beach with you, and if they do they have a dog and are having such a good time that you enjoy their presence. Also, the color of the water can be positively Caribbean! I think too that I started to appreciate the beaches more as I thought about the history, particularly in the west. There are beaches where if you squint your eyes, you almost see the Norse Galley's surging in to land. Pam