Scotland's best hidden beaches: The 5 perfect seaside spots for avoiding large crowds

For those hoping to escape the big crowds, Scottish hospitality group Crerar Hotels has compiled a list of the five best hidden beaches in the country.

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This comes after The Times published its Best UK Beaches guide for 2025 last month and crowned Scotland’s beach of the year.

And, if you’re hoping to find the most dog-friendly beach in the country, Verdant Leisure carried out extensive research and compiled a list of the top 10 beaches in the country for dog owners and their pets to enjoy.

Here are the top five ‘hidden beaches’ that have been named the best in Scotland.

Whiteness Beach, Nairn

Tucked quietly to the west of Nairn Golf Club, Whiteness Beach is known locally as the “secret beach”.

It offers pristine stretches of white sand, dune grasses and even the occasional sighting of dolphins and minke whales.

Getting there does require a little planning however, as it’s only accessible at low tide.

The best way to access it is by making your way to Hilton of Delnies before walking along a farm-track road, or by a scenic walk from the more popular West Beach past the golf course.

Knockvologan Beach, Isle of Mull

Only a short drive from Fidden, you’ll find Knockvologan Beach, which is hidden near Fionnphort on the island.

Just a ten-minute walk alongside the track from Knockvologan Farm, you’ll find expanses of pristine white, framed by stunning, pink granite outcrops.

Just like Whiteness Beach, you can only access these dunes at low tide, when the tidal island of Erraid becomes reachable on foot.

It’s the perfect place for adventure seekers though, as those who are feeling extra curious have the chance to explore David Balfour’s Bay, made famous in Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic novel, Kidnapped.

Temperatures this weekend are set to hit highs of around 24C.

Ganavan Sands, Oban

Just beyond the popular Oban Bay area is Ganavan Sands, a picturesque sandy beach complete with views across to Mull, Lismore and Morven.

The beach offers easy access and ample parking facilities, is dog-friendly and even offers snorkelling opportunities around the rocky outcrops and into seagrass meadows, perfect for seasoned divers and beginners alike.

You can also stop at the nearby Oban Bay Hotel to enjoy sunset views over the bay and a bite to eat at the AA-Rosette awarded restaurant, The Grill Room.

Loch Fyne shoreline, Inverary

If sandy dunes aren’t your cup of tea, the pebbled shoreline of Loch Fyne is a great hidden spot for a waterfront escape during the warm weather.

The loch side offers the ideal place for a picnic or a stroll, either along the waterfront or on the nearby Inveraray Forest Circuit.

The loch is also the perfect place for a cold dip thanks to its famously clean water, and boasts some wonderful marine life, including seals, otters and a variety of seabirds.

Located right on the coastline is the famous Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa.

Hackley Bay, Aberdeenshire

Tucked away inside the Forvie National Nature Reserve is Hackley Bay, which is considered one of the Highland’s most unspoiled coastal treasures.

This horseshoe shaped sandy bay lies within a designated Special Area of Conservation and SSSI, meaning its dunes and cliffs are vital for numerous seabird species and coastal flora.

Reaching Hackley Bay requires a bit of planning, as you'll need to park at one of the two reserve car parks off the A975 and then walk for about 15 to 20 minutes along scenic footpaths across dune heath to the shoreline.

The south side of the bay offers stone steps for a more manageable descent, while the northern approach can be steep and rough.