FOUR Scottish beaches have been named some of the best-kept secrets in the UK.
The Telegraph has released its list of the UK's best secret beaches - and the sandy shores of several Scottish spots made the cut.
The publication said that as the UK boasts one of Europe’s longest coastlines, beach-goers surely don’t need to be fighting for towel space or tripping over sandcastles.
Here are the four hidden beaches in Scotland to head to for some peace and quiet alongside their busier counterpart.
1. Instead of Achmelvich, go to Clashnessie Bay
Just nine miles north of the North Coast 500 route, the list highlights Clashnessie Bay.
The spot is named as an alternative to the turquoise waters and dazzling white sands of Achmelvich hidden on the road trip route, which has made it one of Britain’s “most lusted-after” beaches.
The much quieter beach, whose ever-changing water colour is private and peaceful, has its own mini microclimate due to the Gulf Stream.
2. Instead of Balnakeil, go to Farr Beach
Balnakeil near Durness is undoubtedly beautiful and one of Scotland’s most famous, but it’s also a bit of a tourist hotspot.
Farr Beach is further east along Scotland’s northern coast, and if you are up for a longer drive, is still very much under the radar.
Holidaymakers can park near the Farr Bay Inn and then it’s a gentle walk before sand dunes and see where “there’s rarely another soul”.
3. Instead of Nairn, go to Dornoch Beach
Obviously, the sunniest and driest places in Scotland, Nairn, east of Inverness, is a popular spot for visitors.
However, if you’re struggling to get some zen with the busy resort near, head north from Inverness to Dornoch, another seaside resort.
The beach is a delight waiting to be enjoyed – it stretches all the way to Embo beach, which is also lovely – and it’s safe for swimming.
4. Instead of St Andrews West, go to Kingsbarns Beach
Any Scottish film location is often quickly overrun by tourists trying to recreate scenes. So, no less can be expected at the beach that played a starring role in Chariots of Fire – St Andrews West.
If visitors go a few miles down the road though, Kingsbarns Beach is a lot less crowded and has two miles of hidden “golden sands backed by rolling sand dunes”.
