Golspie Beach

The beach at Golspie stretches wide and sandy along the Sutherland coast, backed by dunes and looking out towards the Moray Firth. It's the kind of shore that rewards a proper walk rather than a quick snap - golden sand, rockpools if you time it right with the tides, and enough space that you won't feel crowded even in summer.

Walkers will find this stretch genuinely worthwhile. The beach connects to coastal paths heading both north and south, so you can make a half-day of it without retracing your steps. The village of Golspie sits just inland, giving you a reason to stop for chips on the way back. Fair warning though: the water's cold. This isn't a place to expect swimming weather unless you're hardened to Scottish conditions.

Families with young kids will get a couple of hours out of it - the sand's decent for building, and there's usually enough to keep them occupied without the commercial tat of a proper seaside resort. Teenagers might find it a bit quiet after that.

Parking is straightforward and free. There's no entrance fee or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Dornoch, just down the road, has shops and cafes if you need supplies. If you're staying at Parkdean's Grannie's Heilan' Hame a few miles away, this is a solid afternoon out - break up the park holiday with some fresh air and actual sand between your toes.