The 'stunning secluded' Scottish beach with pink sands and crystal clear water
The start of summer is officially less than one month away. With the good weather much of Scotland has been enjoying lately, however, it feels like it is already here.
It is no secret that Scotland is home to many lovely sandy beaches. In fact, we previously rounded up 20 of our favourite bays across the country.
What is also no secret, though, is that many of these can quickly become swarmed as soon as the sun starts shining. If you want a peaceful day out at the beach when the sun is shining, it is important to try and avoid the most popular spots.
For those looking for a slightly less-crowded beach this summer, Gruinard Bay in northwestern Ross and Cromarty is a great choice. The bay is home to three magnificent sandy beaches that offer breathtaking views out over An Teallach and the Northern Highlands.
Thanks to its northern location, the main beach at Gruinard is usually significantly quieter than many found in the south of Scotland. It is also quite remote, though thankfully there is parking opposite the beach along the A832.
According to beach experts at The Beach Guide, visitors need to cross the road from the car park and climb down a set of stairs in order to reach Gruinard Beach. Once you set foot on the bay and take in the panoramic views across the Coigach Hills towards Gruinard Island, you will immediately forget about the long journey to get there.
Gruinard Beach features soft pink sands and vivid turquoise water. It is a good idea to bring a picnic to eat as you enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, especially since there are no amenities close by.
The beach is dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend doesn't need to miss out on the beach fun. Remember to bring some water with you for your furry companion, though.
Gruinard Beach is also a surprising hotspot for geology enthusiasts, with many strange stones and rocks scattered around the bay. These unique geological formations enhance the almost unworldly atmosphere.
The Beach Guide wrote: "Gruinard is a stunning, secluded beach with delightful views of the surrounding rugged countryside and across Gruinard Bay to the Coigach Hills and to Gruinard Island. Apart from the magnificent scenery, it is known for its crystal clear waters, rock pools, and fine sands."
As well as earning acclaim from the experts, Gruinard Beach has received positive feedback from visitors as well. At the moment, the beach has a score of 4.7 out of five on Google based on 396 reviews.
One happy beachgoer posted: "Beautiful beach great place to take the kids. Paid parking with wireless payment.
A second shared: "If you want miles of wide sandy beach with no one else around in stunning Highland setting this is highly recommended. Small car park over the road too."
In terms of amenities, the nearest major village is Ullapool. The port features shops, restaurants, and cafés, and even accommodation for those looking to spend the night in the area.
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