The 3 best beaches in Scotland to visit in your motorhome or caravan

Towering mountains, atmospheric glens and magnificent beaches attract visitors to Scotland from all over the world.

In the highlands and islands, gorgeous white sandy beaches abound and the water has a clarity you often associate more with the tropics than the United Kingdom. The sun can often put in an appearance and when it does you could be mistaken for thinking you were in the Mediterranean rather than the far north of Europe.

Although the north of Scotland is not an area full of family-friendly attractions and theme parks, there’s plenty to see and do on a touring holiday here. Don’t miss the incredible landscapes of Glencoe and Ben Nevis. Or see if you can spot the evasive monster in the vast waters of Loch Ness.

Further south, Perthshire boasts spectacular scenery and the great cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh offer culture, architecture and shopping in equal measure.

Things to do in Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

A visit to Edinburgh is an essential on any trip to Scotland and looming over Scotland’s capital is Edinburgh Castle. Rich in history, it is home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish rulers. Call 0131 225 9846 or visit edinburghcastle.scot 

The Kelpies, The Helix, Falkirk FK2 7ZT 

The Kelpies consists of two 30-metre high horse-head sculptures, that stand on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal near Falkirk in central Scotland. The huge sculptures are a monument to horse-powered heritage across Scotland. Call 01324 590600 or visit thehelix.co.uk 

Glenfinnan viaduct, A830 road, Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire PH37 4LT

Harry Potter fans will enjoy a trip to Glenfinnan, where you can see the iconic viaduct. In the movies, the Hogwarts Express chuffs across this viaduct, taking the young wizards and witches to school. You can also learn about the Jacobite Army in the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Visit visitscotland.com 

Top 3 beaches in Scotland

Photo: PixaBay

LUSKENTYRE SANDS

Named by TripAdvisor as one of the best beaches in the world, Luskentyre Sands is a magical place, hidden away at the end of a three-mile single track road on the west coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.

It couldn’t be any more remote and apart from a couple of white ponies there is nothing here apart from the beach. But, what a beach. With a huge expanse of gleaming white sands leading into turquoise water, it has the look of a tropical paradise – a true slice of seaside heaven.

How to find Luskentyre Sands beach

Take the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis then drive the 45 miles south to Harris via Tarbert. Luskentyre is about 20 minutes from Tarbert and the beach is at the end of a three-mile single-track road. 

Where to eat near Luskentyre Sands beach

The Temple Café, 22 Northton, Isle of Harris HS3 3JA

From the outside, this quirky little café looks more like a Hobbit hut than anything else. Around five miles from Luskentyre, it boasts awesome views over the sea and is perfect for a relaxing coffee and cake after a day on the beach. For something more substantial, choose from the ever-changing lunch menu and on Sundays you can book a table for dinner. Call 07487 557626. 

ACHMELVICH BEACH

Stunning is an overused word, but there’s simply no other way to describe this gorgeous, white sandy bay in the Highlands. On a warm, sunny day, you really could imagine that you are in the Caribbean rather than a remote corner of Scotland’s north-west coast.

Achmelvich itself is little more than a smattering of homes, and it lies three miles along narrow, winding roads from the nearest town, Lochinver. But this is an idyllic spot and well worth the lengthy drive to get here.

How to find Achmelvich beach

From Inverness head to Ullapool then follow signs to Lochinver. At the crossroads, just before you reach the fishing port, take the single-track road towards Achmelvich. After two miles, turn left at the bridge then drive for another mile and a half to the beach (IV27 4JB). 

Where to eat near Achmelvich beach

Peet's Restaurant, Harbourside, Culag Road, Lochinver IV27 4LE 

After a day at the beach, head to this cosy restaurant in the fishing village of Lochinver. Hearty food, with emphasis on local produce, is the key thing here, which is why the place is so popular. Call 01571 844085, email [email protected] or visit Peet's website

Photo: AdobeStock

CAMUSDARACH BEACH

Camusdarach Beach is a beautiful spot on the west coast of Scotland, sitting between Airsaig and Mallaig on the famed Road to the Isles. The silvery sands and crystal clear water here were made famous by their starring role in the film Local Hero and it is a wonderful place to spend a day paddling in the sea, browsing the rockpools and walking.

What makes it even more special are the breathtaking views. The jagged peaks of the isles of Skye, Rum and Eigg provide a staggering backdrop to this remote idyll.

How to find Camusdarach beach

Camusdarach is around 40 miles west of Fort William on the A830. Stay on the road, passing through Glenfinnan, until you reach the small beach car park, just north of the campsite (PH40 4PD).

Where to eat near Camusdarach beach

The Bakehouse, Old Quay, Mallaig PH41 4QF

Amazing pizzas (look out for their speciality venison pizza), incredible home made bread and delicious doughnuts, make this bakery worth the short drive from Camusdarach to the fishing port of Mallaig. Call 01687 462808 or visit oldquaybakehouse.com

Looking for more UK beaches to visit on your motorhome, caravan or campervan holidays? You can check out our guide to the top 6 beaches in Cornwall here. And you can find the perfect campsite in Scotland using our Campsite Finder.

This feature is brought to you in association with Bailey, the Bristol-based motorhome and caravan manufacturer. Find out more about Bailey — and their range of motorhomes and caravans — on their website, or join them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.