Hidden Haven of Coral Beach in Plockton

On my first stopover on my Scottish Grand Tour I found Coral Beach – a real hidden gem – thanks to a tip from fellow travellers whom I got chatting to in picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Bonnie Scotland.
I was staying in a lovely B&B on the shore near Roinn An Fhaing (on the map below) and decided to take the hike up the hill over the peninsula, through the gorse-lined prepared path and finally across a few rocks and slithery stones. I hoped I could make it there and back, take photos – of course – and maybe have a wee paddle in the water too before the forecast rain came. And I did, almost:-)

© WalkHighlands I highly recommend them if you are visiting Scotland and looking for walks, hikes and more.
Locals having a siesta
Path with view of Loch Kishorn and mountains
Coral is not coral

“The beach is not actually made of coral but of minute pieces of calcified algae known as maerl. Living maerl is a pink and purple seaweed that covers the sea floor with broad beds of spiky carpets. Maerl is a coralline type of algae, which means that it deposits lime on its cell walls as it grows.” (Thanks to “British Express” for the information.)

Check out the Coral Beach image in my shops: available as wall art and a wide range of other products on Pixels and Redbubble, and wall art only on PM4Me.

Beautiful Bunnahabhain Beach

Well worth taking a stroll along the beautiful beach at Bunnahabhain (Tràigh Bun na h-Abhainne) for the stunning views across the Sound of Islay before popping in for a visit to the distillery of the same name nearby to sample the delicious golden amber.

Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, UK.

Available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Redbubble.

Miles of Magnificent Machir

Magnificent Machir Beach on the west coast of Islay is almost 2 miles long and so far away from it all.

Drive up the single track road and leave your car in the sandy parking area to walk down over the stream to the beach.
Most visitors stay and enjoy the area nearby but head off towards the cliffs in the distance and you will be almost alone.

Kilchoman, Machir or Machrie Beach (Tràigh Mhachir), Islay, Inner Hebrides, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

Available as wall art on PM4Me and wall art and a wide range of other products on Redbubble.