Sallochy Beach

The pebbles here are properly golden - not the grey shingle you get at most Scottish beaches. Sallochy sits on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, just north of Glasgow, and it's one of those places that rewards actually getting out of the car rather than just driving past. The beach itself is pocket-sized, maybe a few hundred metres of shoreline backed by trees and low cliffs, but what makes it special is the water. On a clear day you can see right across the loch to the mountains beyond, and the angle of the light in late afternoon is rather lovely. Swimming is doable if you're brave - the loch stays cold even in summer - but most visitors stick to paddling and skimming stones. There's no café or facilities to speak of, which means it doesn't get rammed even on decent weekends. Families with young children will find it a relaxing spot for an hour, though older kids might get restless if the weather turns. Walkers particularly benefit from the location - there's decent woodland around Inverbeg Holiday Park just down the road, making this a natural stopping point on a longer outing. The main thing to know: go in decent light. An overcast afternoon can flatten the whole thing. Worth the drive from Glasgow if you're after a quiet beach break without the crowds you'd find further west.