With the weather improving and the cold winter days—hopefully—behind us, now is the perfect time for a refreshing spring walk.
There are a countless number of scenic walking and hiking routes dotted around the country. Whether you live in the countryside or in the centre of the city, you are never too far from a sight worth seeing.
As the temperature slowly begins to warm up as we head into the spring months, more and more people will be looking to head to the beach. Whether you're after a picturesque walk with your dog, or a romantic trip with your other half, Scotland has almost too many beaches to count.
If it's something a bit more secluded you want, you may prefer to stay away from the more well-known and easily accessible spots. If you don't mind travelling a bit, there are plenty of beaches that are perfect for a beautiful and tranquil day out.
One of these is Sandwood Bay in Kinlochbervie, on the far north coast of Scotland. The beach cannot be accessed via road, and can only be reached by a four-mile path leading from the gravel car park in the hamlet of Blairmore, making it ideal for those wanting to avoid crowds.
While traversing the route, you will notice the roofless ruin of Sandwood Cottage, where a ghost is said to roam. According to legend, a shipwrecked mariner is believed to knock on the door of the cottage on certain nights to look for shelter.
Sandwood Bay is among Scotland's most remote beaches, as well as one of its cleanest and most unspoilt. Because it can be rather difficult to get to, there are never that many people visiting at any one time.
Those who do complete the long journey to get there are rewarded with truly stunning views out across the North Atlantic. With almost 1.5 miles of pink sand to traverse, you'll feel a sense of seclusion even if there are others walking along the beach.
The bay is a perfect spot to admire wildlife, as both dolphins and seals are commonly seen from the shore. One local legend even claims that a mermaid was once observed resting on a rock by a local farmer in 1900.
Alexander Gunn was with his dog looking for a sheep when he saw a strange figure on the ledge. His first thought was that it was a seal, but he then noticed that the creature had red hair, greenish-blue eyes and a very long body.
It is no wonder that Sandwood Bay has been associated with the beautiful mythical creatures, as the beach is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary in all of the UK, if not the world.
