Wiltsea Beach

The beach at Wiltsea is one of those Scottish coastal stretches that sneaks up on you - not dramatic cliffs or fairy-tale drama, just honest sand and shingle meeting the water with the Highlands rising behind. It's a proper nature reserve, which means the wildlife takes priority over the aesthetics, though they often go hand in hand here.

You'll find waders, terns, and if you're lucky, seals hauled out on the rocks. The beach itself is quiet, sometimes desolate depending on the season, and that's rather the point. Bring binoculars if you're keen on birds. A casual stroll takes twenty minutes either way along the tideline; serious walkers could easily spend two hours exploring the fringes where the marram grass and coastal plants filter into the sand.

It's three miles from Gairloch, so easily reached from Sands Caravan & Camping if you're based there. The drive's quicker than any walk around here tends to be. Free to access, no opening hours to worry about - you just show up.

Who'll get the most from it? Keen twitchers, absolutely. Families after a proper beach day might find it lacks the facilities and soft sand appeal of busier spots, though children will enjoy rock pooling and looking for shells. Walkers fond of solitude will love it. Don't expect facilities or crowds. Go outside the school holidays if you want it properly to yourself.