Sandwood Bay, Sutherland
Sandwood Bay is one of the British Isles' most famous beaches, surrounded by high rolling sand dunes. This stretch of pink-hued sand can only be reached by a four-mile walk and is popular with surfers. The beach is also home to some of the best-preserved wildflower grassland in mainland Scotland, with more than 200 species of plant growing behind the dunes. To access the beach, park at the John Muir Trust car park in Blairmore and follow the well-marked tracks to the beach.
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Kilmory Bay
This magnificent bay is situated on the wild northern coast of Rum and features a sandy beach looking straight out over the spectacular skyline of the Cuillins on Skye. Kilmory is right at the heart of the Red Deer Project, one of the longest and most complete studies of a wild animal population in the world. You may even see deer wandering the beach. To access the bay, start at Kinloch castle and follow the track towards the beach.
The Lost Valley, Glencoe
Properly known as Coire Gabhail, the glen is hidden away from the famous side of Glencoe, behind numerous towering peaks, but this secret glen has a dark past. It was the place that many members of Clan McDonald took refuge in, in the immediate aftermath of the 1692 Glencoe massacre. The campsite is guarded by mountains on all sides, with a flat high meadow, burn and giant boulders to shelter behind, making it the perfect place to pitch a tent. To reach the site, park in one of the National Trust car parks on the A82 in Glencoe and follow the path across the river towards the campsite. It's a bit of a trek.
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Glen Nevis, Lochaber
This campsite combines breathtaking scenery with easy access, making it a perfect spot. The gorge is surrounded by the tallest mountains in Britain which open up to reveal a hanging valley with alpine meadows. The 120m high Steall Falls pour into the river with plunge pools and a famous wire bridge. The site makes for a picturesque campsite. To access the glen, park at the Upper Falls car park near Fort William where an obvious path leads right up to Glen Nevis.
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Glenfeshie, Cairngorms
Glenfishie is home to one of the most successful rewilding projects in the country, meaning there’s a host of young trees and a huge variety of wildlife to spot. There are foot and bike trails that lead to the Scots Pine woods that feature tumbling waterfalls and mountain views. To access Glenfeshie take the road signed Auchlean to a car park on the left after 4 miles. Follow the tarmac road until it reaches the main path and follow that into the glen.
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