Stunning hidden gem Scottish beach 'some of best wildlife on the planet'

Daily Record

19-07-2025

The lesser-known beach gem in the UK has white sandy shores and sparkling turquoise sea - and is a haven for nature lovers with eagles and otters and other wildlife
A hidden coastal treasure in the UK, boasting a sparkling turquoise sea and pristine white sands, has become a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. Some visitors have compared the breathtaking vistas to those of the Caribbean, with one awestruck guest claiming they felt like they'd "died and gone to heaven" upon discovering this idyllic location.
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Majestic eagles soar above while playful otters frolic in the waters; fortunate visitors might catch a glimpse of these creatures at Sanna Bay. This expansive bay is celebrated as an ideal spot for family outings, a romantic retreat for couples, or a serene escape for solo travellers, with its remarkable landscape earning repeated acclaim.
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Accessible via a scenic coastal path or by car followed by a brief stroll across the dunes, Sanna Bay is nestled at the most westerly point of mainland Britain, encircled by a rocky promontory, sand dunes, and cliffs, creating what's often referred to as a "Scottish oasis".
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Situated on the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, the area is noted by Wild About Lochaber as a prime location for observing nature. The vicinity offers holiday cottages, camping facilities, and other accommodation options for a memorable stay.
The Wild About Lochaber site hails Sanna Bay as "one of the most stunning beaches on the Ardnamurchan peninsula", where towering dune cliffs can reach heights of up to 3 metres, and a distinctive sand isthmus connects to a low-lying rocky outcrop, reports the Mirror.
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Wild About Lochaber extolled the virtues of this picturesque location: "Sanna Bay is renowned for its stunning scenery, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas. The bay also offers some fabulous views of Ardnamurchan Point and The Small Isles.
"In spring and summer, the dunes are a riot of colour. This is a great place for wildlife watching. Look out for butterflies nectaring on the machair flora, dragonflies and damselflies scouting the wee burn, sand martens nesting in the dune cliffs, coastal birds and otters foraging along the shoreline.
"You can also scan the coastal cliffs for a good chance of seeing white-tailed eagle. There are also some lovely rock pools waiting to be explored by the young and older alike."
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They further described the breathtaking beach as a magnet for botanists, wildlife watchers, walkers, geologists, artists, and photographers, calling it a "great place to explore and enjoy". A TripAdvisor reviewer was so impressed they likened Sanna Beach to "Sanna Beach is akin to the Caribbean in Scotland".
JJC's review on TripAdvisor praised Sanna Beach: "The walk was about five minutes over the sand dunes to the beach. Once there...wow, wow wow. The water was turquoise, the sand pure white.
"If the temperature was higher it could have been the Caribbean. Behind us were about 10 wild swimmers who jumped into the water. I can highly recommend Sanna Beach."
Another visitor felt as though they'd "died and gone to heaven" following their visit. In a TripAdvisor review, the individual wrote: "No pubs, cafes or shops but who cares, this is one of the most stunning white sand beaches in Scotland.
"With the beautiful blue and turquoise sea you could be in the Bahamas . A great place for a walk, take photos or just sit and enjoy the view."