Three Scottish beaches have been dubbed among the best places for rock pooling in the UK, teeming with wildlife like crabs, small fish and starfish – and ideal for a summer day out with the kids.
A wonderful activity for curious little minds, it's the perfect way to mix the outdoors and sunshine with some rewarding time spent with the wee ones.
You can go rock pooling at any time of the year, but the best time is late spring to early autumn as this is when the weather is at its kindest.
To help with inspiration for places to go, the Scottish National Trust has put a hotlist together of the best beaches in Scotland, with three being picked out as their favourites.
A spokesperson for the Trust said: "As the tide goes out, the secrets of the sea are revealed in the glittering rock pools left behind. Clamber, crouch, peer and scoop on a rock-strewn beach, to discover wonders in your private pocket of ocean life.
"Share your adventures with friends and family or explore alone – it’s No. 37 on our list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. "
Don't forget you can also combine rock pooling with a little litter collecting to help teach your little ones about caring for your wild spaces.
The three Scottish beaches picked out as the best for rock pooling:
Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull
The National Trust say: "At Calgary beach not only can you find urchins, starfish, crabs, squat lobsters and jellyfish, but if you’re very lucky you might spot otters playing on the shore.
"Seals, porpoises, dolphins and minke whales are also regular visitors around the island’s coast."
Where is it? Calgary beach is on the north-west coast of the Island of Mull, 12 miles from the Islands capital, Tobermory.
Crail Roome Bay
The National Trust say: "A south-facing sandy cove in the beautiful fishing village of Crail with plenty of great rock pools to explore. Only 10 minutes walk from the centre of Crail, the beach offers peace and quiet and a brilliant place to see a variety of sea creatures.
"There is a sloping grassy area and children’s playground nearby, and a small, old disused swimming pool is now a haven for local wildlife. The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s nearby Fife Ness Muir and Kilminning Coast nature reserves attract migrant birds, and in 2013 the bay won Fife's 2013 Seaside Award.
Where is it? The bay is a 10 minute walk from Crail centre.
Killiedraught Bay
The National Trust say: "Within the Scottish Wildlife Trusts 'St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve', is one of the finest rock pooling sites in Scotland. At low tide you’ll find seaweeds such as bladderwrack and kelp, as well as animals such as the breadcrumb sponge, bootlace worm and butterfish.
"The cliffs at St Abbs Head, a short way up the coast, are home to 50,000 seabirds in spring and summer, including guillemots, razorbills, kittwakes and shags."
Where is it? It's a 20 minute drive north of Berwick-upon-Tweed to get to Eyemouth. The bay is a 15 minute walk from the centre.
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