Inverboyndie Beach

You'll find Inverboyndie Beach just a short walk from Banff, a working fishing town that hasn't been softened by tourism. The beach itself is a proper stretch of golden sand backed by low cliffs and grass - the sort of place where you can actually breathe without a crowd. On a decent day it's flat and wide enough for a long walk or a quick paddle, though the water is genuinely cold even in summer.

It's one of those beaches where the appeal is simplicity rather than facilities. There's no promenade, no cafés, no ice cream vans - just sand, rocks at either end, and enough space to feel like you've got the place to yourself even when others are about. Families with young kids might manage an hour or so before restlessness sets in, but it's better suited to walkers and anyone after a proper clifftop stroll.

If you're staying at Banff Links Caravan Park just down the road, it's an easy addition to a morning's outing. Combine it with a walk into Banff itself to see the harbor and grab lunch, or push on to nearby beaches at Whitehills or further west toward Portsoy. The coast along here is genuinely rewarding without being overdone. Come when the sun's behind you in the afternoon - the light here is particularly good - and allow a couple of hours if you want to do it properly rather than just a quick leg-stretch.