Couple find 'Maldives of Scotland' beach after taking detour
Don't let a tight budget put you off dreaming of the Maldives. A couple has accidentally stumbled upon what's been coined the 'Maldives of Scotland' during a hiking holiday.
This hidden gem offers an enchanting beach with white sands and crystal-clear waters that seem almost too good to be true. Dubbed 'The Travel Duo', Chris and Sam took to YouTube to share their unexpected find in 2023.
"I was just on the beach, we were just about to leave," Sam said, according to the Express. "I sent the drone up to get some drone shots of this beach and I saw another incredible stunning spot on the other side of this mountain.
"...So, I'm taking Chris and Fletcher on a little bit of an adventure to see if we can get there because it looks insane." Their trek through mud and hills soon paid off with the revelation of pristine white sands.
"Doesn't it look like the Maldives?" she said, before later adding: "I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Honestly, it's insane, and that water is way too good to not go in for a swim."
Chris and Sam's dreamy beach lies hidden on the Isle of Harris, nestled off the west coast of Scotland in the Outer Hebrides. While they've kept its precise location under wraps, Harris is laden with scenic spots for those in search of a comparable adventure.
Take Luskentyre Sands, which Time Out ranked among the nation's finest beaches last year. The heavenly spot is celebrated not just for its sweeping stretch of pristine white sand but also for being the backdrop of BBC's Castaway series.
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Despite its fame, you'll have no trouble finding a spot for your towel either, thanks to its remote position keeping it fairly untouched by crowds. The combined population of Harris, Lewis and their smaller surrounding islands is just over 21,000.
Wildlife fans should also note Hushinish beach, another treasure situated at the end of a 12-mile stretch of road on Harris' western coast. This gem is a favourite among dolphins and seals, according to Visit Scotland, while offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Meanwhile, according to Travel Republic, Maldivian holidays cost around £1,700 per person each week, so these spots are a great alternative for Brits looking for a budget trip. Commenters seem to agree too, voicing their disbelief at Chris and Sam's video.
One wrote: "Got to keep some secrets, Lewis and Harris [are] on my list for this summer when I can get a trip off from work at sea, my beagles need to be free on these beaches, great vid." Another added: "Wow. Such a great video and what a place!!"
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