09-07-2025
The Scottish hidden gem beach on NC500 that was named among 'best in UK'
One visitor called the bay "absolutely stunning".
Scotland is in for another week of good weather. With temperatures set to soar above 25C in parts of the country, many Scots will be looking to cool off with a trip to the beach.
All over Scotland's coast, there are scenic bays perfect for a day out with family or friends. The Daily Record previously rounded up 20 of the most picturesque beaches up and down the country.
Meanwhile, a new list of the best beaches in Scotland was recently shared by The Times. As we reported, Seacliff in East Lothian topped the roundup for Scotland—but plenty of other hidden gems were named too.
Among the bays praised by The Times was Melvich Beach, which is situated at the mouth of the River Halladale. It can be found on the northern coast of the country, along the scenic North Coast 500 scenic driving route.
Melvich Beach is a crescent-shaped bay that is backed by dunes. It features a large expanse of sand to explore, especially at low tide.
The Times praised the beach as a "wide curve of ochre sand". According to the newspaper, it is also dog -friendly.
The beach was also singled out by The Times for being well suited for campervans, highlighting its ample parking. The newspaper additionally praised the nearby Melvich Bay Caravan Park, which features hard-standing pitches and modern toilet and shower facilities.
The Times wrote: "There's a big parking spot just off the A836 from where a short walk over dunes leads to a wide curve of ochre sand.
"The River Halladale meets the sea on the right and on the high ground to the left, the Melvich Bay Caravan Park offers vans hard standing pitches, electrical hook-ups and marvellous sunrises over the bay."
A short distance from Melvich Beach is the small hamlet of Portskerra. Overlooking the bay, it is home to a coffee shop but is perhaps best known for the picturesque Portskerra Harbour.
Near the harbour is a memorial to all of the sailors that have lost their lives in the local waters. Three particular disasters are commemorated, which took place in 1848, 1890, and 1918.
The Times added: "An easy but poignant walk takes you west around the bay to Portskerra Harbour, with its memorial to 26 local fishermen who perished in storms within sight of where you stand.
"A little further on you'll see the Beri Geo rock, where a ship called the Snow Admiral was wrecked in 1842. Four graves—thought to be those of the captain and his family, including at least two children—are on the clifftop; the other ten are in the churchyard."
In addition to being praised by The Times, Melvich Beach has earned acclaim from visitors.
The beach has an almost-perfect rating of 4.9 out of five on Google based on 194 reviews, with recent visitors describing the bay as "tranquil" and "absolutely stunning".
More information and the full list of the UK's 50 best beaches for 2025 can be found on The Times website.
