Nairn West Beach

The beach at Nairn stretches for miles along the Moray Firth, and the western end is where things get genuinely interesting. This isn't a manicured seaside resort - it's a proper working beach with dunes, shingle banks, and enough wildlife to keep a notebook full. You'll spot waders and terns if you're there at the right time, and the mudflats beyond are fantastic for birdwatchers who don't mind getting their boots damp.

The walk itself is straightforward. Park near Nairn and head west along the shore, and you've got room to stretch your legs without feeling hemmed in. Most people manage an hour or two without effort, though you can easily spend longer if you're into photography or just watching the light change across the water. The beach shelves gently, so it's safe enough for families with kids who want to paddle, though the water's cold even in summer.

It's best visited when the tide's out - you get far more beach to explore and the mudflats reveal themselves properly. Come on a clear day and the Cairngorms are visible inland, which gives you something to anchor your sense of place. On a grey day it can feel a bit exposed and windswept, so pick your weather.

If you're staying at Barrow Campsite just down the road, this is an easy add-on to your morning or evening routine rather than a major outing. It's free access, naturally. Don't expect dramatic cliffs or golden sand - this is understated Highland coast, and that's rather the point.