North-west Sutherland beach makes list of six Scottish seaside spots on UK Best Beaches list
One of north-west Sutherland’s most beloved seaside locations has been named in a nationwide list of the UK’s best beaches.
Achmelvich beach, near Lochinver, often noted for its beauty, has been recognised as one of only two Highland hotspots in the newly published list.
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The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide, published today, named the west coast hotspot in a list of 50 UK beaches, along with Mellon Udrigle, situated in nearby Wester Ross.
A £1 million project was recently completed to provide new toilets and extend the car park at Achmelvich.
Only six Scottish beaches made the list, now in its 16th edition, with Gullane Bents in East Lothian named as Scotland’s beach of the year.
Reviewer Chris Haslam has personally visited and inspected all 50 beaches included in the guide in the past eight weeks.
The guide showcases the unrivalled beauty of the UK seaside, evaluated through a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist.
Criteria include water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness.
The 2024 guide only features beaches which are rated as “excellent” for water quality by the national environment agencies. As always, this guide covers only mainland beaches.
Mr Haslam said: "My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5583 miles and explored 543 beaches.
“The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there.
“I’m still in awe of the beauty of the UK coast. From Kynance to Caithness, and Brancaster to Benone. The beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on earth.”
