Durness Beach

The moment you round that final bend and see the sand, you understand why people drive all the way up here. Durness Beach isn't some secret - it's a proper North West Highland statement, all golden dunes and turquoise water that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean if it weren't absolutely freezing. You're looking at one of the most northerly beaches in Britain, which sounds dramatic but feels accurate when you're standing here with nothing between you and Iceland.

The beach itself is split into two cracking sections - Sango Bay on one side with its easier access and family-friendly setup, and Balnakeil Bay more tucked away if you want something quieter. Sand's the real star here, proper soft and extensive at low tide. Walkers will find the cliffs either side worth exploring, and the water's clear enough to see why people bother with wetsuits in summer. Most folk allow a couple of hours minimum, longer if the weather's kind.

If you've got kids, they'll burn energy for hours in the sand while you stand in the wind trying to remember what warmth feels like. Photographers should time it for golden hour - the light here is something else, especially in late spring through to August. It's free, always open, and honestly beats anywhere on the southern coast for raw Highland drama.

Sango Sands Oasis is barely a stone's throw away if you're staying overnight - that proximity makes Durness Beach the natural centrepiece of a holiday park break up here. Go on a clear day if you can manage it. On murky ones, it's beautiful but you've lost half the appeal.