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The tiny Scottish village with sandy beaches that was named 'prettiest place'

The tiny Scottish village with sandy beaches that was named 'prettiest place'

Daily Record14-05-2025
When the sun is shining, Scotland really comes alive. With the good weather we have been enjoying lately, a trip to the seaside seems only appropriate.
The Daily Record is back with our latest Village of the Week, and this time it is a coastal paradise. Each week, we choose one town or village from across Scotland and do a deep-dive on what makes it special, and this time it is Durness.
Durness is a village and civil parish situated in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands. The most northwesterly village on the Scottish mainland, it features incredible and dramatic seaside vistas.
Durness was even previously named one of the "prettiest villages" in Scotland by Travelness. The experts praised it as "absolutely beautiful" and singled out its nearby bays.
Indeed, the star of the show in Durness is undoubtedly its pretty and sandy beach. Durness Beach is an ideal place to head when first arriving in the village, perfect for both a wholesome picnic or a walk with the dog.
As gorgeous as Durness Beach is, however, it is not the most popular bay in the area. That honour belongs to the nearby Balnakeil Beach, which is backed by sand dunes and benefits from awe-inspiring views out over the peaceful Balnakeil Bay.
Meanwhile, it isn't just beaches that Durness has to offer. The village offers easy access to incredible beauty spots such as Smoo Cave and Cape Wrath.
When it comes to food, one of the most popular eateries in Durness is the restaurant within the Smoo Cave Hotel. The hotel offers a wide range of hot and cold snacks and meals, perfect to refuel.
Read on for a few photographs showcasing some of Durness's highlights. Meanwhile, for more travel inspiration, check out a few of our previous Towns and Villages of the Week below:
The Scottish fishing village with sandy beach and 'hidden gem' seafood restaurant
The Scottish Victorian spa town that was named 'best place to live'
The hidden gem Scottish Highlands village with pub that serves 'best ever' fish and chips
Scotland's 'best wee village' with inn that serves up 'sumptuous' Easter Sunday roast
The Scottish seaside resort town once named 'worst' that is perfect for day out
The underrated Scottish seaside village with sandy beach and 'wonderful' seafood
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