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The Sun
07-07-2025
- The Sun
Stunning Scottish beach that's like a ‘tropical untouched paradise' named among best in the world
A SCOTTISH beach has been crowned as one of the best in the world, new research reveals. West Beach, in the Outer Hebrides, makes the top 25, alongside breathtaking locations including Australia's The Pass and Ao Maya in Thailand. 7 7 7 Situated off the northwest coast of Scotland, the seaside spot sits on the longest archipelago in the British Isles. Award-winning travel publisher Lonely Planet, which compiled the league table, hailed West Beach as an "untouched paradise". The stunning shoreline stretches for three miles and is a hit with locals and tourists alike. One visitor gushed: "It feels like a tropical paradise and shows that there are gorgeous getaways right on your doorstep. "The sand is white and the waters are blue, it's the perfect spot to catch a tan on a sunny day." And to cool off from the rays, brave swimmers can take a dip in the chilly waters, which rarely get above 13C. For visitors who don't like sand between their toes, the seaside spot boasts grassy dunes perfect for bird-watchers or hikers who are keen to take in the jaw-dropping views. The beach is stunning all year round, however, it's been suggested that spring is the best time to visit due to the "burst of colour" from the abundance of wildflowers. The beauty spot has good transport links to the mainland with a regular ferry service running from Oban. There are also flights from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Southampton to Stornoway Airport in Lewis. WORLD'S BEST BEACHES Source: Lonely Planet The Pass, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia Ipanema Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Colombia Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, Mexico Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain Punta Rata Beach, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia West Beach, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland Rauðasandur, Westfjords, Iceland Pink Beach, Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia Dueodde, Nexø, Bornholm, Denmark Keem Bay Beach, Keel, County Mayo, Ireland Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI, Canada Radhanagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman Islands, India Pacifico Beach, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines Plage de Ta'ahiamanu, Mo'orea, French Polynesia Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France Gardner Bay, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Playa Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Playa Bahía de las Águilas, Parque Nacional Jaragua, Dominican Republic It's advisable to rent a car to fully explore the island and the ferry should be booked in advance. West Beach bagged 12th place on the Lonely Planet chart, The Pass, Australia, Ipanema Beach, Brazil and Ao Maya, Thailand, respectively scooped first, second and third spots. 7 7 7
ABC News
12-06-2025
- ABC News
Father and son takes on Ironman Australia in Cairns after surviving cycling crash
Six years ago, Brayden and his father Travis McKenzie took his new bike out for its first spin. The pair took their usual 10-kilometre route around West Beach in Adelaide's western suburbs, but their ride took a tragic turn when an out-of-control van headed towards them. The driver of the van had experienced a medical episode, causing him to lose control. The van hit a pedestrian first, 44-year-old Muhammad Iqbal, who later died from the impact. Moments later, the van swerved to the other side of the road and collided with Brayden and his father, whose quick thinking saved his life. Travis also recalled the moment his fatherly instincts took over to care for his son, despite multiple broken bones in his body. "It all sort of happened in slowmo, so I can still see it as clear as day," Travis said. "Just heard the thud of the other pedestrian getting hit and the van coming towards us. "Then that thud of it hitting it and then sort of trying to pull yourself up to see what's going on and where Brayden was and getting myself across to him and evaluating sort of your own injuries, but I couldn't feel anything until I knew the sort of care for him." While they survived the crash, they sustained serious injuries. Brayden took six months off school with a fractured pelvis, concussion and extensive abrasions on the right side of his body. Travis took the brunt of the impact, requiring him to take 12 months off work. He underwent four operations on his back and his leg which was broken in four places. Brayden is grateful for his father's protection. "It changes your perspective, even just sitting in the car as you drive, riding on the road now six years on, it still crosses your mind." The accident marked the start of a journey of sorts for the pair. On the day they were both released from separate hospitals, Travis and Brayden made a secret pact — as soon as Brayden was old enough, they would take on the mammoth challenge of a full Ironman triathlon. "It's a commitment we made together to see through to the end," Travis said. "It gave us steps and challenges that we needed to get us where we need to. "It's given us a good six years to get to where we are, I guess to get through the trauma, the emotion, and just the physical strength to get to that start line together." Six years on from the accident and just 30 days after his 18th birthday, Brayden is now eligible to compete, making him the youngest participant for this weekend's Ironman Australia Triathlon in Cairns. The pair feel confident they can take on the challenge consisting of a 3.8 kilometre swim, 180km bike course and a complete 42.2km marathon. Travis had previously competed in eight Ironman events, but this will be his first since the accident. Preparations for the competition have intertwined with their recovery to overcome significant emotional and physical trauma, a process Brayden said has brought him closer to his dad. "Our relationship is really close, but this will definitely bring us even closer, the solid blocks of training we've put in together, long hours together has definitely brought us even closer," he said. Becoming Ironmen has been no small feat, with the extent of their injuries and the emotional toll taking 12 months before Brayden got back on the saddle and for Travis 18. For the father and son, it was never a question of if but when they would get back on the bike. "It's a passion of mine, it's a passion of dad's. I live and breathe it now. So it means the world to me," Brayden said. But it didn't come without its challenges. The pair hope their story will inspire others and spread a strong message on road safety. Brayden will take a week off school to travel to Cairns with his dad and their family, marking a very special milestone for a long road to recovery. "This is a goal in the distance that we've finally made it to so, it's nothing is too far on the horizon it's just taking it one day at a time and embracing the journey we're on," Brayden said. Travis agrees: "Anything is possible if you put your mind to it."
