Have a white-sand beach all to yourself, OUTER HEBRIDES
PHOTOGRAPH: JUSTIN FOULKES/4CORNERS
Stretching in a chain for more than 130 miles, the Outer Hebrides form Scotland’s parallel Atlantic coast. Also known as the Western Isles, or Na h-Eileanan Siar in the Gaelic language that is spoken by most residents, this archipelago has a frontier feel and plenty of space for visitors to fan out. With lower mountains than on the Scottish mainland, it’s the seascapes that stand out here, particularly the fringes of fine-grained sand that tuck into coves and sweep along broad bays. A few beaches draw surfers, or hardy swimmers, but most people are content simply to take in the beauty of places that would be packed resorts with a few extra degrees of temperature: a picture of a beach on Berneray was once mistakenly used in a Thai tourism campaign. Lewis and Harris is the largest island. Harris (pictured) signifies the southern third, home to two of the best beaches: Luskentyre and Scarasta, brilliant golden-white borders between the emerald hills and the vivid ocean blue.