Mol na Cloiche-bheith

The beach at Mol na Cloiche-bheith sits along the Ullapool coastline, where the land drops away to dark sand and shingle backed by rough Highland scrub. It's not one of those manicured seaside spots - this is proper wild, the kind of beach where you actually feel the weather. The walk down is steep enough to make you regret wearing flip-flops, but once you're on the shore, there's real space to breathe. On a clear day you get views across the water that make the effort worthwhile.

This appeals most to people after something genuine rather than tourist-trap beaches. Walkers will find the surrounding terrain interesting, families with older kids can cope with the access, though toddlers might struggle on the descent. The beach itself is fine for a good hour's exploration - rock pools, driftwood, the usual seaside pursuits - but it's not the sort of place you'd spend an entire day unless you're really into coastal photography or just sitting with a flask.

It's free to access, naturally. The nearest proper facilities are in Ullapool itself, about 3 miles away, which is worth factoring in. Port a Bhaigh Campsite sits close by if you're basing yourself locally, making this a solid half-day excursion from a longer Highland park holiday. Come in summer for the best light and calmest conditions. Winter storms turn it into something altogether more dramatic, mind - spectacular if you like that sort of thing, but bring proper waterproofs.