
Scottish beach that's one of the world's best looks like it belong in the Caribbean
If you're dreaming of pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and serene tranquillity, you might be picturing far-flung destinations like the Caribbean, Greece or Australia. However, according to Enjoy Travel, one of the world's most stunning beaches is actually right here on our doorstep in Scotland.
Luskentyre Beach, located on the Isle of Harris, could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean paradise. Its breathtaking beauty has earned it a spot at number 12 on the list of the world's 50 most beautiful beaches.
Once you set foot on its sands, you'll understand why.
This Scottish gem has been recognised with a Scottish Beach Award for its natural beauty and environmental efforts.
While the beach itself is captivating enough to keep you there all day, the surrounding countryside offers plenty more to explore. It's an idyllic spot for a peaceful stroll, and there are numerous hiking and cycling trails for those seeking a bit more adventure, reports the Daily Record.
The beach is just a stone's throw away is Clisham mountain, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides. For those who dare to reach its summit, they'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island's awe-inspiring landscape.
Despite its accolades, Luskentyre Beach remains a tranquil haven. You can wander for miles along its sands without encountering another soul.
Visitors who have experienced this coastal paradise are absolutely stunned by its magnificence.
One holidaymaker penned on Tripadvisor that they had "never seen anything quite like it".
They continued: "The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There's a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that's helpful!
"The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day."
Another remarked: "What an amazingly gorgeous beach. The sand is in its purest form and the water as blue as can be. The fact there were not many people there when we went made for such a dramatic sight. We walked and walked just admiring how clean and beautiful the beach is. We did a hardy soul take a dip in the water, he was a local of course."
To discover this heavenly retreat for yourself, you can catch a ferry from the Scottish mainland.
Alternatively, flights to the Outer Hebrides are available from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.

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Daily Mirror
37 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Stunning Welsh railway journey named among best attractions on the planet
This scenic railway journey through the Cambrian Mountains has been named in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards A breathtaking railway journey in Wales has been hailed as one of the world's top tourist attractions. The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Ceredigion has earned global acclaim, landing a spot in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, which are entirely based on visitor reviews and ratings over a 12-month period. The scenic trip begins at Aberystwyth and takes passengers deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, ending at the iconic Devil's Bridge. This Welsh gem is actually three bridges built atop each other, towering over the Mynach and Rheidol streams. The railway itself boasts a rich history, having been in operation for over 120 years since its opening in 1902. Initially built to serve local communities and transport goods like lead and timber, it now enjoys a reputation as one of the most picturesque railway journeys for all ages, reports Wales Online. Meanwhile, a warning has been issued to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain. The line spans a modest 12 miles and it takes about an hour to reach Devil's Bridge. Once there, you can enjoy a snack or a hearty meal and a pint at the Hafod Hotel, which offers stunning views of the valley below from its seating area. Visitors can then embark on two different walks: a brief stroll beneath the bridges offering the chance to witness the cascading water up close, and a lengthier, more challenging trek deep into the Rheidol gorge where spectacular views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls await. The Travellers' Choice Awards rely on authentic feedback, with only a limited number of attractions earning this prestigious recognition annually. "Being recognised by the people who travel with us is what means the most," said Llyr ap Iolo, general manager of the Vale of Rheidol Railway. "Whether it's their first visit or their fiftieth, we aim to make the experience special every time. This award reflects the hard work and passion of our staff and volunteers, and we are proud to share it with them." The Vale of Rheidol Railway boasts an exceptionally impressive TripAdvisor rating of 4.6 out of five stars, based on nearly 1,400 reviews. One traveller declared he was "absolutely amazed at how good it is", whilst another described it as a "lovely experience with incredible views". A recent visitor penned: "Absolutely wonderful experience on this railway. We paid a little extra to travel first class and it was well worth it. Travelling in a 1920s cabin was so nostalgic and humbling. The station was immaculate in every way. Even the WCs were immensely clean. The pride the staff took in every aspect of the train itself was clear to see - even the chimney on the engine was gleaming." Another visitor gushed: "A brilliant afternoon spent on this quaint steam train. From start to finish, spectacular views. Devil'ls Bridge was excellent along with the Devil's Punch bowl. The museum entry which comes with the train tickets was very good. A must do activity if you're in Aberystwyth."

The National
an hour ago
- The National
I went to Glenfinnan to see Harry Potter tourism chaos
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It will run four times a day and should go some way to helping break up crowds of tourists, easing the strain on the village roads, landscape and resources. Watching the train go over was truly an impressive sight, and, as a 32-year-old who grew up with the hype of Harry Potter, it was a magical sight I was glad I was able to see. But getting into a spot to see the train was hazardous. You could see the toll the footsteps of tourists had taken on the hillside, which was extremely muddy and slippery, even more so when there were so many people to manoeuvre around. (Image: NQ) People I spoke to on the hillside were shocked by the number of tourists they encountered when they got up there. Michelle and Annika were visiting from Germany after being in Edinburgh for the Oasis concert. Asked if she was surprised by the number of people gathering for the train, Michelle said: 'Yes. We were kind of naive. 'We were very surprised [by the number of people] and we were very late, so we had to run.' The pair of friends also had to be dropped off as there was nowhere to park, yet another tricky equation Glenfinnan faces. Glenfinnan's soundtrack – horns, alarms and traffic Driving to Glenfinnan by car is something I strongly suggest you do at your own risk. I arrived in my car at 9am and had made advance arrangements for a parking space, given I had been informed of the chaos I would face on arrival. At that time, I drove past the National Trust Visitor Centre car park which was nearly full. It was originally designed for people to visit the Glenfinnan Monument – which commemorates the Jacobite rising of 1745 that started in the village – but like everything else has fallen victim to the Harry Potter craze. That site, and a slightly larger community car park next door, are the only significant parking facilities in the village, with only a limited number of spaces available at the station. It means tourists – who more often than not choose to arrive in hire cars – get stuck looking for a space and abandon their cars in laybys and verges next to a 40mph trunk road. Some of the scenes I witnessed included a tourist blocking an access road, drivers turning around in the road at what locals like to call the 'magic roundabout' by the Glenfinnan House Hotel, drivers parking half in the road at already full laybys, and tourists wandering up the trunk road where there is no path after leaving their cars. (Image: NQ)And I was told I had come on a quieter day. Everywhere you look, the parking situation is having a huge impact on the community. READ MORE: See inside the 'forgotten' stunning 'fairytale' castle in Scotland Jennifer Northcote, visitor experience manager at the National Trust, told me staff are now having to wear bodycams because of being driven at when turning people away from the car park. Asked what the biggest problems staff face are, she said: 'It's not being able to accommodate everybody and having to say we can't get you in. '[Abuse] does happen. In the past we've had people being driven at. We've had verbal abuse. That's why we've got bodycams now. 'We also do public management training. It's been less chaotic this year than last year because we've had that management, but it's still been quite intense.' Ally Entwistle is a member of the community council and runs two accommodation sites in the village – one of which is at Glenfinnan station. She explained the strain the situation is placing on staff at the station and on her own life. 'People driving through the village are now heading to the station to try and park there,' she said. 'So Hege and the Glenfinnan station museum team have had to hire extra bodies to mind the car park at the bottom and direct people because it's become busier than it has been in previous years. They've had to pay for more folk to marshal that, otherwise the station would become gridlocked.' She went on: 'I have to get around between two sites, and it's very difficult. 'I really feel for people who have been here a long time and have had to see this huge change. People adjust their days from April to October when the train runs. They try not to be on the road.' Entwistle also told me of an incident recently where an ambulance making its way between Mallaig and Fort William with a casualty had to call for police assistance because of the hold up in Glenfinnan. Thankfully, no damage was done, but scenes like these are becoming all too common for villagers who feel as if they are living by the seat of their pants. The problem is too big Gradual improvements have been made to the village, such as double yellow lines and bollards being installed along the eastern entrance, but residents feel they are being left to solve a problem that is beyond them. The yellow lines at one end of the village may have stopped verge parking on the Fort William side, but this has simply displaced the issue, with people now parking unsafely at the Mallaig end. Residents are trying to put out fires, only to watch other ones pop up. The issue is not helped by inadequate public transport. One member of car park staff at the National Trust told me there are not enough ScotRail trains coming to Glenfinnan, while Entwistle explained the ones that do come do not have sufficient capacity – with Sunday trains only having two carriages. ScotRail has been approached for comment by The National on this. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who represents the area as an MSP, hopes the new bus will be 'transformational', but it will only operate at weekends. I travelled to Glenfinnan on a Wednesday and left scratching my head as to how the community gets to the bottom of this. Where a pot of money or a helping hand comes from is of little relevance to Glenfinnan residents. It just has to come from somewhere, for it is no exaggeration to say this beautiful wee place is bursting at the seams. Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: 'ScotRail is absolutely committed to supporting leisure travel across the country, and we recognise the West Highland Line as one of the most popular with customers. "Investment in recent years by ScotRail and Network Rail – in refurbished trains, dedicated cycle carriages, upgraded signalling equipment, and the provision of a footpath and viewing areas for the viaduct – shows our commitment to the route. 'And earlier this year, the introduction of longer trains on the route has provided additional space and comfort, particularly for those travelling with bikes and outdoor equipment. 'In the years to come, we'll continue to work to support tourism, sustainability, and bring wider economic benefits along Scotland's most scenic railways by replacing all our diesel trains with a low carbon alternative.'


Daily Record
15 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scenic seaside Scottish town with stunning panoramic views and 'best fish and chips'
Troon, a coastal town in South Ayrshire, is known for its sandy beaches, scenic esplanade, lively harbour, and fresh seafood A coastal town in South Ayrshire overlooking the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, has long been a favourite escape for day-trippers and holidaymakers. Just 45 minutes from Glasgow Central Station and only a few miles from Prestwick International Airport, Troon combines sandy beaches, bustling harbour life and a reputation for some of the best seafood in Scotland, Express reports. The town is particularly known for its two golden beaches, Troon Beach, also called South Beach, and Barassie Beach. Both are celebrated for their wide sandy stretches and stunning views across the Firth of Clyde. The esplanade is a popular spot for walking, cycling and wheelchair users, with benches, picnic areas and cafés dotted along the route. Free parking nearby makes the seafront easily accessible for visitors. Troon's harbour remains one of the most active on the Ayrshire coast. It is home to the region's main fish market, which supplies freshly caught seafood to restaurants in the area. The marina beside it also attracts sailors and yachting enthusiasts from across the Clyde. Wildlife can often be spotted along the harbour, with seals frequently seen near the water's edge. Among the town's most talked-about attractions is The Wee Hurrie, a local fish and chip shop that has drawn widespread praise for both quality and authenticity. Located on Harbour Road, it offers views across the harbour while visitors wait for their meals. One TripAdvisor user, Lesley A, highlighted the freshness of the seafood, writing: 'Excellent prawns and scampi. Very fresh and well cooked. Good to know it's maintained quality food. Glad we returned and will come back!' Another customer described the experience as worth the wait, adding: 'It was well worth the wait, haddock was huge and fantastic along with the chips that were cooked to perfection, something that is very hard to find nowadays.' The popularity of the chippy has earned it an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 936 TripAdvisor reviews. Prices remain modest, with a freshly made small cod and chips costing under £10 according to the 2024 menu. Beyond food and scenery, Troon is synonymous with golf. The town boasts seven courses, including Royal Troon, a venue that regularly hosts The Open Championship. The reputation of its greens makes it one of the most sought-after destinations for golfers worldwide. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sporting activity is not limited to the fairways. The beaches attract windsurfers, kitesurfers and paddleboarders throughout the summer, while the Yacht Haven provides one of the Clyde's leading sailing centres. Troon has also made its way onto the television map. The closing scenes of Outlander's first season, showing Jamie, Claire and Murtagh departing Scotland for France, were filmed off its coast. For those planning longer stays, the town offers a range of accommodation, from family-run guesthouses to quality hotels, some of which cater for weddings, corporate events and spa weekends. Independent shops and cafés add further charm to the centre, giving visitors plenty to explore away from the shoreline.