Some campsites are worth visiting for their spectacular location, some for their excellent facilities and others for their relaxed atmosphere.

Sands enjoys all three and that makes it a must-visit site. Set in a beautiful spot on the West Highland coast of Scotland, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Inverness, this is about as remote as it gets.

The 55-acre site itself is pretty informal – basically you can put your tent up wherever you like. That means you can choose a sheltered spot in among the dunes or pitch on more open ground with views across the water to Skye. Either way, the wonderful beach is just a couple of minutes’ walk away.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the sea water round here is relatively warm, making it fine for the kids to have a paddle on a sunny day. You can also hire kayaks from the site shop – or a bike if you prefer to stick to dry land. Kids love the freedom they get on this site; the play area is full of youngsters from first light until late, although there’s a strict ‘no-noise’ policy between 10.30pm and 8am.

Facilities on the site are more than adequate, with three heated toilet/shower blocks, a games and TV room and an indoor cooking and eating area. The excellent Barn Café is open all day and serves a wide range of tasty snacks and meals, including takeaway pizzas and there’s a great shop on the site as well.

SANDS CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

Gairloch, Wester Ross IV21 2DL
01445 712 152
sandscaravanandcamping.co.uk
Open End of March until end of October
Cost From £23 (Tent, 2 adults, 2 children)

NEED TO DO

Take a boat trip out on Gairloch Harbour, for a close-up view of the local wildlife. Sea eagles, puffins and black-throated divers are regularly spotted, as well as otters and seals.

A few miles further north is the village of Poolewe and Loch Ewe, which was a significant naval port during World War and has a fascinating history. The National Trust’s Inverewe Gardens are also spectacular.

Gairloch’s award-winning heritage museum has exhibits including a croft house interior, stone-age living, a replica of a Highland shop and Rua Reidh Lighthouse’s original lens.

EATING OUT

The Barn Café on the campsite is exceptional for lunch and dinner but if you want to go further afield the local area has a few decent pubs and restaurants, including the Old Inn, the Baldachro Inn and the Steading Bistro. For a take-away, the Beachcomber fish and chip shop serves up a delicious fish supper.

NEED TO KNOW

visitwester-ross.com
gairlochheritagemuseum.org