A TINY beach has been described as “exotic” and “like paradise” – but you will need to put in the work to get there.
Sandaig Bay is on the northwestern end of Loch Nevis in Scotland.
And one expert has raved about the beach, saying it is one of the most beautiful places he’s ever been.
TV presenter Steve Backshall said that while it can “only be accessed by kayak or by walking [three miles],” it’s worth it to have it “entirely to yourself”.
He raved about the landscape and white-yellow sands too, telling the Guardian : “You look across the straits out to the Cuillin hills on Skye, and behind you you’ve got the towering peaks of Knoydart – gargantuan mountains that drop straight down to the loch.”
He said the loch was “utter paradise” where you can even see otters and dolphins right up close when kayaking, and even spot the Northern Lights if lucky.
He even said it was “too exotic and too perfect”, adding: “It is a place […] too far away from other human beings to be real.”
Other tourists have raved about the bay too.
One person said there were “breathtaking views of the islands [with the] secluded bay hidden from sight until you arrive just above the islands on the pathway.”
Another agreed: “Stunning bay full of little coves and wildlife, otters are a particular popular spot here.”
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But it’s not just the bay that is worth visiting – but the nearby pub too.
The Old Forge at Inverie is nearby and is often dubbed the most remote pub in the UK.
That’s because it is only accessible by boat, such as the sea ferry from Mallaig, or by an 18-mile hike.
Steve said: “[It’s] the best pub in the world, where I’ve had some of the best nights of my life.” You can only get to it by sailing, paddling or walking.”
Sunday music sessions often take place every few weeks, with food also served for lunch and dinner, with “hearty” options such as venison and fresh seafood.
Their house ales are brewed just up the road at Knoydart Brewery.
If you can’t make it up to Scotland, there are lots of other remote and quiet beaches you can visit instead.
In Wales, Cwm Nash, also known as Monknash Beach, can only be accessed by a small football.
This means you won’t see the same amount of crowds as some of the more popular, nearby beaches.
Travel website Heritage Coast wrote: “Cwm Nash off the beaten track, a secluded and spectacular beach near to the campsite.”
The World’s 50 Best Beaches
The World’s Best Beaches consulted more than 750 judges including travel journalists, influencers, and beach ambassadors to rank the beaches.
- Lucky Bay, Australia
- Source D’Argent, Seychelles
- Hidden, Philippines
- Whitehaven, Australia
- One Foot, Cook Islands
- Trunk, US Virgin Islands
- Honopu, Hawaii
- Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
- Navagio Beach, Greece
- Balandra, Mexico
- Cala Goloritze, Italy
- Pipe Creek, Bahamas
- Pink, Indonesia
- Grace, Turks & Caicos
- Gardner, Ecuador
- Mcway, California
- Turquoise, Australia
- Le Morne, Mauritius
- Sancho, Brazil
- Seven Mile, Cayman Islands
- Lanikai, Hawaii
- Maya, Thailand
- Moro, Spain
- Kelingking, Indonesia
- Meads, Anguilla
- Flamenco, Puerto Rico
- Arena, Dominican Republic
- Little Hellfire, Australia
- Lazio, Seychelles
- Vaeroy, Norway
- Horseshoe, Bermuda
- Myrtos, Greece
- Hidden, Mexico
- Grand Anse, Grenada
- Xpu Ha, Mexico
- San Josef, Canada
- Matira, French Polynesia
- Capriccioli, Italy
- Pasjaca, Croatia
- Boulders, South Africa
- Salines, Martinique
- Champagne, Vanuatu
- Marinha, Portugal
- Balos, Greece
- Achmelvich, Scotland
- Kaputas, Turkey
- Radhangar, India
- Varadero, Cuba
- Piha, New Zealand
- Pink Sand, Bahamas
And a quiet beach in Suffolk was named one of the best in the country, although could soon disappear.
If you want some other amazing beaches to add to you list further afield, here are the worlds best beaches for 2024.