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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
The secret Scottish beach that was named 'best for dreamy holiday'
The Daily Record has returned with our first Walk of the Week of the summer season. As we enter June, it only seems fitting to choose a beach for the latest edition of our weekly series. It is no secret that Scotland's beaches are some of the most picturesque and idyllic in the world. We previously rounded up the best bays across the country for 2025. Today, however, we are shining a light on something of a hidden gem. If you want mesmerising views and true peace and quiet, Uig Sands might be the place for you. Also known as Uig Beach and Ardroil Sands, the bay is tucked away on the Isle of Lewis. It is situated on the western side of the island, around an hour away from its main town of Stornoway. Uig Sands was previously named among the 38 "best beaches in the world for a dreamy holiday" by Condé Nast Traveller. The experts stated that "a busy day at Uig is when two people show up at once" and praised the beach's dramatic surroundings. The bay is famous for the site where a Viking chess set, including dozens of intricately carved chess pieces, was discovered in a tiny stone chamber near its edge. Named the Lewis chessmen, some of the pieces are on display in the Kingdom of Scots at the National Museum of Scotland. Near the beach is also the renowned Uig Sands Restaurant, which overlooks the magnificent bay and serves up local fish and shellfish. It also features rooms for customers looking to spend the night. According to the Visit Outer Hebrides website, the primary way to access Uig Sands is via the village of Ardroil. There is a small track here that ends at a car park with toilets. Keep reading for some images that show why Uig Sands is a must-visit this June. If you are looking for further travel inspiration, a selection of the Daily Record's previous Walks of the Week can be found here:
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Daily Record
The serene secret garden tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh's bustling city centre
The garden is so well hidden that many people don't even know it exists. Scotland is known for its many iconic and spectacular gardens. From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish Borders, there is no shortage of lovely green spaces. If you are looking for something a bit more secluded, however, there are also plenty of lesser-known gardens dotted around the country. One of these is even found within the Scottish capital, and it is the Daily Record's latest Walk of the Week. For the newest edition of our weekly series where we spotlight Scotland's top walks and beauty spots, we have chosen Dunbar's Close in Edinburgh. The secret garden can be found off the Royal Mile—one of the busiest areas in the city. Hiding in plain sight, Dunbar's Close is a quiet oasis in the heart of Edinburgh. It dates back to the 1970s, though looks significantly older as it is based on a formal 17th-century garden. Located on the left side after you enter the Canongate walking away from the castle, the garden was created by landscape architect Seamus Filor and funded by the Mushroom Trust. Previously an unremarkable close, it was transformed into a lush green retreat. Dunbar's Close is divided into numerous sections that each contain various hedges, trees, and flowers. It was designed to give visitors an idea of what gardens may have been like back in the 17th century. The best time to visit the garden is in spring or summer, when the flowers are in bloom and add a pop of colour to the predominantly green space. During the summer, you may spot flowers such as snapdragons, cupid's dart, honeywort, and marigold. There are also benches dotted around Dunbar's Close, ideally situated for anybody needing to take a rest amidst a busy day out in Edinburgh. You can even bring a picnic with you and enjoy lunch in idyllic surroundings. Read on for a few photos showing why Dunbar's Close is a hidden gem worth exploring. For those looking for further travel inspiration, some of the Daily Record's past Walks of the Week can be found below: The little known Scottish beach that is 'jewel in the crown of secret coast' The perfect Scottish beach near 'best fish and chips in the world' The hidden gem loch just outside Glasgow near 'best fish and chips in Scotland' The hidden gem Scottish waterfall pool you can swim in to cool off during heatwave The Scottish Highlands hike that ends at 'Scotland's cosiest pub' The Scottish city cherry blossom walk near historic pub with beer garden The Scottish seaside beach walk with 'delicious' fish and chips and ice cream shop Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here. More On Gardens and flowers Walking and climbing Edinburgh Discover Scotland
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
The little known Scottish beach that is 'jewel in the crown of secret coast'
All around Scotland's coastline, there are picturesque beaches both big and small. Many of these are usually swarmed with Scots as soon as the weather turns sunny. For those wanting a bit more peace and quiet, the Daily Record has chosen a hidden spot for our latest Walk of the Week. Each week, we choose one hike or beauty spot from around Scotland and shine a light on what makes it unique—and this time it is Kilbride Bay. Also known as Ostel Bay, Kilbride Bay is a bay and beach situated in Argyll and Bute. It is located on the Cowal Peninsula, and is described by experts at Wild About Argyll as the "jewel in the crown of Argyll's secret coast". Ostel Bay is among the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Argyll, if not the whole of Scotland. The crescent-shaped beach, which is backed by dunes, offers incredible views out over the Firth of Clyde towards the north of the Isle of Arran. To get to the beach, follow the B800 from Tighnabruaich and Kames to the village of Millhouse. After this, turn to the left and continue along until you arrive at Kilbride Farm, after which it is around a 15-minute walk beside fields to Kilbride Bay. Thanks to its relative obscurity and large size, the beach never feels crowded—even at the height of summer. In fact, you may find that you are the only soul on Kilbride Bay when you visit. The beach is a perfect spot for sunbathing, paddling, and swimming, so long as you don't mind the chilly waters. Meanwhile, visitors young and old will love walking up and down its length beachcombing for unique shells. Once you are done exploring Ostel Bay, it is worth stopping over at The Bothy at Kilbride Farm. The café, which is located at the beginning of the track to the beach, serves up lunches, snacks, home baking, and more. Continue reading for some images of Kilbride Bay. Further information about the beach and how to get there can be found on the Wild About Argyll website. If you are still looking for travel inspiration, some of the Daily Record's previous Walks of the Week can be found here:
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Daily Record
The perfect Scottish beach near 'best fish and chips in the world'
Scotland's countless beaches all have something unique to offer. Whether you are looking for a convenient bay close to amenities or a remote coastal paradise, Scotland's coastline has it all. To celebrate the good weather we have been having lately, the Daily Record is heading to the seaside for our latest Walk of the Week. Once per week, we shine a light on one beauty spot around Scotland—and this time it is Stonehaven Beach. Stonehaven Beach is situated by the town of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Around just over one kilometre in length, it is bordered by the Carron Water and the town's harbour jetty. The beach is unique in that it features both sandy and pebbly areas. The southern end is generally sandier and is more popular amongst sunbathers. Stonehaven Beach also includes an electric board that displays up-to-date water quality predictions during the summer. This is very handy if you are planning to take a dip but want to make sure the water is clean beforehand. The beach is also known for being popular amongst water sports enthusiasts, and has even received a Keep Scotland Beautiful Seaside Award. These awards honour the very best beaches across the country. Additionally, Stonehaven Beach has received hugely positive feedback from visitors. It has an overall score of 4.6 out of five on Google based on 496 reviews. One visitor shared: "For any given day, this is the perfect spot. You could go with friends, family, kids, pets, and during day or night. "The beach has a warmth to itself that's embracing. This harbour town has a lot more to offer if you are taking a day's trip." Keep reading for a few photographs showcasing Stonehaven Beach's beauty. For more travel inspiration, check out some of our past Walks of the Week below:
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Daily Record
The hidden gem loch just outside Glasgow near 'best fish and chips in Scotland'
The secluded beauty spot is more popular with fisherman than it is tourists. When the sun is shining, a trip to the coast is a great idea. While Scotland has many spectacular seaside beaches, its lochs are also a great place to spend an afternoon. The Daily Record is back with another Walk of the Week, and this time it is a hidden gem loch not far from Glasgow. Every week, we choose one hike or beauty spot from around Scotland and delve into what makes it unique, and this time it is Loch Rusky. Loch Rusky is a tiny freshwater loch situated near Callander in Stirling. It is found on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, around 40 minutes from Loch Lomond. While Loch Lomond understandably gets much of the attention, Loch Rusky is the perfect place to head if you want a bit more peace and quiet. You are unlikely to come across anyone else while admiring the views. There is a there-and-back trail that will take you to the edge of the loch, with plenty of opportunity to snap incredible photos out over the water. According to hiking experts at AllTrails, the route is 4.5 kilometres in length and should take around just over an hour to complete. Loch Rusky was also named one of the 10 "Scottish lochs you must see" by Forest Holidays. The holiday specialists praised the beauty spot for its secluded location and limited number of visitors. Forest Holidays wrote: "This one's a quiet tip from Jack Black, the Forest Ranger at Strathyre, and a man who knows the local area like the back of his hand. Hidden away on the very edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Loch Rusky is a beautiful and peaceful little loch which hosts more fishermen and photographers than tourists." Once you are done with your hike, there is one more stop you should consider before heading home. The Tasty Fry fish and chip shop in Callander is a great way to cap off your day, with the takeaway being described by one customer as the "best fish and chips in Scotland". Read on for a selection of photos of Loch Rusky. A few of the Daily Record's previous Walks of the Week can also be found here: More On Walking and climbing Stirling Discover Scotland Food Loch Lomond
