Scotland's best kept secret beach revealed, with a stretch of golden sand, rock pools and a kids play area
WITH the stunning weather in Scotland at the moment, thousands of people are descending on beaches.
But there's nothing worse than arriving at a coastal spot to find it wall-to-wall with people who've had the same idea.
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The Fire beach is a true hidden gem
Credit: ALAMY
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Roome Bay comes out tops
Credit: ALAMY
However, experts have now compiled a list of the best kept secret bays across the country.
And number one on the ranking, from walking shoe gurus FitFlop, is a stunning seaside spot you've likely never heard of.
Forget Ayrshire's Troon beach or West Sands in St Andrews, top of the hidden gems is Roome Bay, in Fife.
The gorgeous little-known destination is in Crail, right on the Fife Coastal Path.
It is made up of a sandy upper beach and is dotted with rock pools, teeming with sea life.
It's a peaceful haven with an old disused swimming pool at one end that is now a magnet for all sorts of wildlife.
And it's backed by a sloping grass area where there's a brilliant and children's playground.
It's also a short walk to an incredible caravan park with an outdoor pool.
The FitFlop team said: "The data highlights just how many Google searches there are each month per beach location, on average, to unveil the beach bays under the radar as the least researched online."
And for another secret, solitary summer escape, coming second in Scotland is Elie Bay, also in Fife.
Hidden gem Scots caravan park with luxury hot tubs that's just five steps from the beach
This sheltered, sandy beach is backed by large dunes with stunning views over the Firth of Forth.
It's another perfect place for spotting wildlife and there's also wild camping pitches nearby.
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Sandend beach is a perfect place for a solitary escape
Credit: ALAMY
And finally, Sandend comes in third.
This pretty bay is set in the small fishing village of the same name, located between Portsoy and Cullen on the Moray coast.
It's a magnificent sandy beach where surfers can head out on the waves and is a beautiful location to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Coming top of the list in the whole of the UK is an unspoiled spot on the north-west coast of Pembrokeshire.
The experts say Abermawr Bay is a true gem for beach walkers seeking peace, beauty and connection with nature.
COASTS WITH THE MOST
HERE is the top 15 in full:
Abermawr Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Kingsand Bay, Cornwall, England
Knockinelder Bay, County Down, Northern Ireland
Brown's Bay, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Mowingword Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Roome Bay, Fife, Scotland
Elie Bay, Fife, Scotland
Temple Bay, Glamorgan, Wales
Barricane Bay, Devon, England
Presipe Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Southend Westcliffe Bay, Essex, England
Aberffraw bay, Isle of Anglesey, Wales
Sandend bay, Sandend, Scotland
Hayle bay, Polzeath, Cornwall
Seaford bay, East Sussex, England
The team said: "This secluded shingle beach is framed by rugged cliffs and backed by a whispering woodland of wind-sculpted trees to offer an atmospheric experience that feels miles away from the modern world.
"Stroll along the shore and listen to the rhythmic sound of waves rolling over the pebbles or follow the coastal path above the bay to admire the panoramic views over St. George's Channel, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and spotting marine life."
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