From a piece by OutandAboutlive.co.uk: Towering mountains, atmospheric glens and magnificent beaches attract visitors to Scotland from all over the world.
In the highlands and islands, gorgeous white sandy beaches abound and the water has a clarity you often associate more with the tropics than the United Kingdom. The sun can often put in an appearance and when it does you could be mistaken for thinking you were in the Mediterranean rather than the far north of Europe.
Although the north of Scotland is not an area full of family-friendly attractions and theme parks, there’s plenty to see and do on a touring holiday here. Don’t miss the incredible landscapes of Glencoe and Ben Nevis. Or see if you can spot the evasive monster in the vast waters of Loch Ness.
Further south, Perthshire boasts spectacular scenery and the great cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh offer culture, architecture and shopping in equal measure.
Remember: If you are travelling around Scotland the landscape can be testing for your Car, Caravan, Camper or Motorhome, Engineer Aftercare Warranty have AWS approved workshops across the region ready to provide assistance and repairs should you make a warranty claim.
LUSKENTYRE SANDS
Named by TripAdvisor as one of the best beaches in the world, Luskentyre Sands is a magical place, hidden away at the end of a three-mile single track road on the west coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
It couldn’t be any more remote and apart from a couple of white ponies there is nothing here apart from the beach. But, what a beach. With a huge expanse of gleaming white sands leading into turquoise water, it has the look of a tropical paradise – a true slice of seaside heaven.
How to find Luskentyre Sands beach
Take the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis then drive the 45 miles south to Harris via Tarbert. Luskentyre is about 20 minutes from Tarbert and the beach is at the end of a three-mile single-track road.
Where to eat near Luskentyre Sands beach
The Temple Café, 22 Northton, Isle of Harris HS3 3JA
From the outside, this quirky little café looks more like a Hobbit hut than anything else. Around five miles from Luskentyre, it boasts awesome views over the sea and is perfect for a relaxing coffee and cake after a day on the beach. For something more substantial, choose from the ever-changing lunch menu and on Sundays you can book a table for dinner.
ACHMELVICH BEACH
Stunning is an overused word, but there’s simply no other way to describe this gorgeous, white sandy bay in the Highlands. On a warm, sunny day, you really could imagine that you are in the Caribbean rather than a remote corner of Scotland’s north-west coast.
Achmelvich itself is little more than a smattering of homes, and it lies three miles along narrow, winding roads from the nearest town, Lochinver. But this is an idyllic spot and well worth the lengthy drive to get here.
How to find Achmelvich beach
From Inverness head to Ullapool then follow signs to Lochinver. At the crossroads, just before you reach the fishing port, take the single-track road towards Achmelvich. After two miles, turn left at the bridge then drive for another mile and a half to the beach (IV27 4JB).
Where to eat near Achmelvich beach
Peet’s Restaurant, Harbourside, Culag Road, Lochinver IV27 4LE
After a day at the beach, head to this cosy restaurant in the fishing village of Lochinver. Hearty food, with emphasis on local produce, is the key thing here, which is why the place is so popular.
CAMUSDARACH BEACH
Camusdarach Beach is a beautiful spot on the west coast of Scotland, sitting between Airsaig and Mallaig on the famed Road to the Isles. The silvery sands and crystal clear water here were made famous by their starring role in the film Local Hero and it is a wonderful place to spend a day paddling in the sea, browsing the rockpools and walking.
What makes it even more special are the breathtaking views. The jagged peaks of the isles of Skye, Rum and Eigg provide a staggering backdrop to this remote idyll.
How to find Camusdarach beach
Camusdarach is around 40 miles west of Fort William on the A830. Stay on the road, passing through Glenfinnan, until you reach the small beach car park, just north of the campsite (PH40 4PD).
Where to eat near Camusdarach beach
The Bakehouse, Old Quay, Mallaig PH41 4QF
Amazing pizzas (look out for their speciality venison pizza), incredible home made bread and delicious doughnuts, make this bakery worth the short drive from Camusdarach to the fishing port of Mallaig.
There are lots more beautiful beaches to visit around the Scottish highlands, lowlands and islands and for more information go to: www.visitscotland.com